Effect of Passiflora species in the adjuvant treatment of dyslipidemia: A systematic review

Abstract

Some research has shown that polyphenols found in certain fruits have hypolipidemic properties when consumed in the diet and therefore this study aimed to present a review of the updated information on the hypolipidemic effect of Passiflora species. Several databases were used in the search for publications from the last 10 years (2013-2023) on advances in the use of Passiflora species for a complementary treatment of dyslipidemia. A total of 670 potential articles were found, of which 654 were excluded, leaving 16 articles for the review. Of the studies included in this analysis, 12 were on Passiflora edulis, eight were on the peel, three on the seed and one on the mesocarp. The other articles were on Passiflora species (P. incarnata, P. ligularis, P. foetida and P. nitida). Six were in humans, nine in mice and one study was conducted in rabbits. Metabolic syndrome was found to be the most addressed topic in this review, with a total of five studies, followed by the combination of overweight and dyslipidemia. The different parts of the Passiflora species studied showed a hypolipidemic effect and Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) is the most studied, with twelve studies. This effect is probably due to its content of polyphenols, fiber and bioactive compounds that reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation underlying various dyslipidemias. However, further studies in humans are needed to confirm these beneficial effects and to establish the doses and time required to obtain a positive result.