Polyphenols from Passiflora ligularis Regulate Inflammatory Markers and Weight Gain.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Weight-related disorders are a global health concern, often linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and abnormal cytokine production.
• Passiflora ligularis (granadilla) is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, compounds known for potential anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Passiflora ligularis polyphenol extract on body weight and low-grade inflammation in overweight Wistar rats.
• To identify key compounds in the extract and their correlation with observed physiological changes.

Main Methods:

• Overweight Wistar rats were administered varying doses (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g/L) of granadilla polyphenol extract for 42 days.
• UHPLC was used to quantify total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and ferulic acid, the major identified polyphenol.
• Serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in TNF-α concentration and weight gain was observed in rats treated with the 2.5 g/L dose of granadilla extract.
• Polyphenol and flavonoid content, with ferulic acid as the predominant compound, were quantified in the extract.
• The 2.5 g/L dose demonstrated a notable reduction in inflammatory markers.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenol extract from Passiflora ligularis effectively inhibits inflammation, indicated by reduced IL-6 and TNF-α activity.
• Granadilla extract aids in body weight control in overweight rats, even with similar food intake.
• Ferulic acid may play a key role in the observed anti-inflammatory and weight-management effects.