Passion fruit is native to South America and is represented by the Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis). The fruit is slightly oval in shape with a diameter of 5 to 8 cm. The thick rind is filled with clusters of orange-yellow transparent jelly-like flesh surrounding a black seed, as shown in the photo at right. It has a tropical sweet and sour taste and a distinctive, refreshing fragrance. In Japan, it can be found in Kagoshima and Okinawa.
Passion fruit can be halved and the flesh eaten with the seeds intact. The seeds crack easily when chewed and the texture of the seeds is delightful. In addition to being eaten as a fresh fruit, the juice or concentrated puree is widely used in juices, candies and jams around the world. The oil obtained from the seeds is used in cosmetics and other products.
Passion fruit also contains niacin, folic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, potassium and beta-carotene, which are said to have various effects such as preventing high blood pressure, dilating blood vessels, preventing anemia and relieving fatigue.
S. Kawakami et al., Life 12, 38 (2022)
2. What is Passienol™
Passienol™ is a passion fruit seed extract, which was developed by MORINAGA & CO., LTD. as a result of extensive research into food ingredients. It is rich in the polyphenol piceatannol and its dimer, scirpusin B. MORINAGA & CO., LTD. was the first company in the world to develop a passion fruit seed extract, which is the result of extensive research into food ingredients. MORINAGA & CO., LTD. was the first company in the world to discover that passion fruit seeds are rich in piceatannol (see below), and succeeded in extracting piceatannol in high concentrations. MORINAGA & CO., LTD. named this new extract "Passienol" to express the hope that it will be useful for your health.
Y. Matsui et. al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 58, 11112 (2010)
K. Sasaki et. al., Journal of Tohoku Pharmaceutical University 57, 61 (2010)
Thi Ngoc Ha Lai,et. al., Food Chemistry 138, 1421 (2013)
Ting Xiang, et. al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 53, 1204 (2005)
B. Benova et. al., J. Sep. Sci. 31, 2404 (2008)
Li-Lian L., et. al., J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 853, 175 (2007)
Emma C. et. al., J Agric Food Chem. 51, 1208 (2003)
Agnes M. et. al., J. Agric. Food. Chem. 52, 4713 (2004)
S. Sano et. al., J. Agric. Food. Chem. 59, 6209 (2011)
3. Absorbability of piceatannol
In this study, we compared the absorption of piceatannol in 10 healthy participants when consuming Passienol™ beverages and passion fruit. The amount of piceatannol in Passienol™ beverages and fruit consumed in this study was equivalent to 100 mg and 270 mg, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the plasma piceatannol concentration after ingestion of Passienol™ beverages and 180 minutes after ingestion was significantly higher than that after ingestion of fruit. The AUC of piceatannol in Passienol™ beverages was approximately 12 times higher than that in the fruit ingestion group.
These results indicate that the absorption of piceatannol is better with Passienol™ than with passion fruit.
K. Matsushima et al., Jpn. Pharmacol. Ther. 49, 2149-54 (2021)
4. Sirtuin genes activation by piceatannol
The main ingredient in Passienol™, piceatannol, is very similar in structure to resveratrol, which
has been touted as an anti-aging ingredient, as shown in the figure to the right. Scirupsin B is composed of two piceatannols and has powerful antioxidant activity.
Resveratrol is found in red wine and grapes, and is said to contribute to the activation of sirtuins, a type of deacetylase that has been noted as a factor in longevity, as well as the French Paradox (the French have a high rate of smoking and a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fatty acids).
Sirtuins, in particular, are activated by calorie restriction and are known to exhibit anti-aging effects by improving various diseases, as shown below. Since it has been verified in various species, including mammals, that calorie restriction has a life-extension effect, it is thought that activating sirtuins can be expected to have anti-aging and life-extension effects without calorie restriction.
MORINAGA & CO., LTD. believes that piceatannol may have superior effects to resveratrol in physiological functions, and we are actively conducting basic and applied research on piceatannol and its dimer, Scirupsin B, contained in Passienol™ as an anti-aging ingredient.
5. The effect of Passienol™ on sirtuin gene expression
In order to investigate the effect of Passienol™ on sirtuin in humans, we examined the changes in blood sirtuin 1 gene expression in adult participants aged 20 to 70 years (Those with a BMI of 20-45 and no suspicion of underlying disease) after ingesting a food containing 100 mg piceatannol per day (test food) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison with a control food (placebo food). As a result, the sirtuin gene expression level 1 week after ingestion of test food was significantly higher than that 1 week after ingestion of placebo food. In addition, the sirtuin gene expression level was significantly higher in the test food ingestion group at 1 week after ingestion in the BMI ≥ 30 group and at 1 and 2 weeks after ingestion in the 60 s group. Furthermore, the sirtuin gene expression level was significantly higher in postmenopausal women at 1 and 2 weeks after ingestion.
These results suggest that ingestion of piceatannol-containing foods may exert various physiological effects by enhancing sirtuin gene expression in vivo.
K. Tanaka et al., Life 14, 589（2024）
Significant difference between groups at week 1 (ANCOVA)
(Prepared based on Life 14, 589 (2024).)
6. Vascular function improvement by Passienol™
Effects on blood vessels
Arterial vessels must dilate and constrict flexibly to maintain smooth blood flow. However, aging and poor dietary habits can harden the blood vessels and cause cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. NO (nitric oxide) is known to have a dilating and protective effect on blood vessels.
Resveratrol has been reported to be protective against cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Passienol™ and its main components, piceatannol or scirupsin B, on blood vessels.
(1) Vasodilation by NO production (ex vivo)
The effects of Passienol™, piceatannol or Scirupsin B on blood vessels in rats were evaluated. As a result, the blood vessels were dilated by Passienol™, piceatannol, or Scirupsin B. The results showed that the vessels were dilated by Passienol™, piceatannol, or Scirupsin B. Further studies showed that they acted on vascular endothelial cells and caused them to dilate by promoting NO (nitric oxide) production. Passienol™, piceatannol or Scirupsin B may be expected to prevent cardiovascular disease because of their NO-mediated vasodilatation.
S. Sano et. al., J. Agrc. Food Chem 59, 6209 (2011)
(2) Enhancement of eNOS (in vitro) ：
Resveratrol is known to promote the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a NO-producing enzyme, in endothelial cells. Therefore, we investigated the effect of piceatannol, the main component of Passienol™, on eNOS expression. In vascular endothelial cells, piceatannol increased the expression of eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (the active form of eNOS). Its effect was also found to be stronger than that of resveratrol. Since the decline in vascular function with aging is known to be related to the decline in eNOS function, piceatannol may have a stronger effect on vascular function than resveratrol.
7. Antioxidant enhancement effect of piceatannol in vitro
In our bodies, which use oxygen to produce energy, reactive oxygen species are produced at the same time as we use oxygen. In particular, muscles produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) during muscle contraction, and the amount of ROS in muscle cells rises due to prolonged or repetitive muscle contraction and the decline in antioxidant capacity with age; persistently high ROS levels can lead to muscle fatigue, muscle atrophy, and other disorders, as well as a decline in athletic performance, which can lead to a decline in quality of life. Therefore, the antioxidant capacity of piceatannol was evaluated in mouse myotube cells (C2C12 cells).
The results showed that piceatannol increased the gene expression of HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) and SOD1 (superoxide dismutase 1), which are antioxidant enzymes in vitro, in a concentration-dependent manner. In particular, the HO-1 induction effect of piceatannol was significantly higher than that of other polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Furthermore, when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was applied to myotubular cells of mice and the amount of ROS generation was measured by fluorescence intensity, the production of ROS was significantly suppressed by the prior addition of piceatannol.
These results suggest that piceatannol may increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes in vitro and exert an antioxidant effect in muscle cells to prevent muscle fatigue and reduced exercise capacity.
S. Nonaka et. al., Biochem. Biophys. Reports 18, 100643 (2019)
8. The effect of Passienol™ on skin moisture and elasticity
The skin is the outermost part of the body and is exposed to many stimuli. Changes in the skin, such as sun spots, wrinkles, and sagging due to UV rays and aging, play a significant role in the appearance of age. The anti-aging effects of Piceatannol or Scirupsin B, the main ingredient of Passienol™, on the skin were studied in melanocytes (pigment cells), fibroblasts, and keratinocytes, respectively.
(1) Effect on melanocytes
The effects of piceatannol, the main ingredient in Passienol™, on melanin production were studied. In melanin-producing cells, piceatannol decreased melanin synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner and its effect was stronger than that of resveratrol. Melanin is mainly produced by UV stimulation and is the cause of skin blemishes. It has been shown that piceatannol may inhibit the formation of melanin by inhibiting its synthesis.
(2) Effects on fibroblasts
The effect of piceatannol, the main ingredient in Passienol™, on collagen production in the dermis was studied. In dermal fibroblasts, piceatannol increased collagen production in a concentration-dependent manner and was found to be more effective than resveratrol. Collagen, which gives the skin its elasticity and firmness in the dermal layer, is known to decline with age. Piceatannol may promote collagen production and thus reduce sagging, wrinkles, and other forms of aging in the skin.
Y. Matsui et. al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 58, 11112 (2010)
(3) Effects on keratinocytes
The effects of piceatannol and scirpsin B, the main components of Passienol™, on keratinocytes on the skin surface were studied. In keratinocytes, piceatannol and scirupsin B increased the amount of the antioxidant glutathione (glutathione, GSH). In addition, the elevated ROS caused by UV stimulation were inhibited by piceatannol. Next, the effect of keratinocytes on fibroblasts was examined. When fibroblasts were cultured in keratinocyte culture medium after UV stimulation, the collagen-degrading enzyme activity of the fibroblasts increased, whereas the collagen-degrading enzyme activity of the fibroblasts was inhibited by the application of piceatannol to the keratinocytes. Piceatannol inhibited UV-stimulated reactive oxygen species and indirectly suppressed collagen degradation in fibroblasts, indicating the potential to reduce sagging skin and wrinkles caused by photoaging.
H. Maruki-Uchida et. al., Biol. Pharm. Bull. 36(5), 845 (2013)
The effectiveness of a drink containing Passienol™ was tested on 19 healthy men and women aged 30-60 years who were concerned about their skin health.
Passienol™ is a passion fruit seed extract rich in piceatannol, a type of polyphenol, which is the active ingredient in the drink. The effects on skin moisture content, transepidermal water evaporation (TEWL), skin elasticity (R7), and pore shape were evaluated in a stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison of Passienol™ drinks containing 30 mg of Piceatannol per day for eight consecutive weeks. The results showed a significant increase in the amount of change in skin water content in the Passienol™ group compared to the piceatanol-free group at week 8.
The results showed a significant increase in the amount of change in skin water content in the Passienol™ group compared to the piceatannol-free placebo group at week 8. There was also no difference in TEWL between the groups, but only the Passienol™ group had a significant reduction in TEWL compared to the pre-intake level. Furthermore, R7, the percentage of elasticity at regression, increased significantly at week 8 in the Passienol™ group, compared to the placebo group, and the amount of change was significantly higher than that of the placebo group.
These results suggest that in healthy middle-aged and elderly men and women with dry skin (suffering from dryness), intake of Passienol™ has the potential to maintain skin moisture, preserve skin elasticity, and improve quality of life.
T. Yamamoto et. al., Jpn. Pharmacol. Ther. 46, 1191 (2019)
Skin viscoelasticity was measured in 66 women aged 30 to 60 years who consumed a test food containing 10 mg of piceatannol daily for 8 weeks. The results showed that after 8 weeks of intake, a skin viscoelasticity index R5 was significantly higher in the test food group than in the control food group (placebo group) without piceatannol. Also, the other skin viscoelasticity indices such as R2 and R7 tended to improve in the test food group than in the placebo group.
Based on the above results, it is expected that consumption of a food containing 10 mg of piceatannol improves skin elasticity.
M. Yoshihara et. al., Jpn. Pharmacol. Ther. 51, 1187-93 (2023)
9. The clock gene regulation function of Passienol™ and piceatannol
In recent years, food ingredients have been widely studied in the fields of time nutrition and time biology for their contribution to changes in the expression of clock genes that regulate circadian rhythms (circadian rhythms, or biological clock). This clock gene has been shown to be important not only in the central clock of the hypothalamus, but also in the peripheral clocks present in various organs.
Therefore, the effects of Passienol™ and piceatannol on the variation in the expression of clock genes, which regulate the biological clock, were examined at the in vitro and in vivo levels, focusing on PER2, a regulatory loop of the clock genes.
⟨in vitro⟩ Fetal mice fibroblasts from mPer2Luc knock-in mice with Period2 (Per2) in their chromosomes were used to synchronize cell rhythms, and luminescence intensity was measured in the lumicycle.
The results showed that at phase Circadian Time (CT)4 of the endogenous rhythm, stimulation with 100 microM Passienol™ and piceatannol significantly advanced the phase of PER2::LUC.
⟨in vivo⟩ mPer2Luc knock-in mice were divided into three groups: normal diet, high-fat diet, and high-fat diet containing 0.2% piceatannol, and after 15 days of rearing, the luminescence rhythms of PER2::LUC in the liver, kidneys, and submandibular glands were measured by in vivo imaging system (IVIS). We monitored it.
As a result, the luminescence rhythm of PER2::LUC, which is regressed on a high-fat diet (HFD) as opposed to a normal diet (NF), returned to the normal level on a diet supplemented with piceatanol.
These results suggest that Passienol™ and its active ingredient, piceatannol, have the potential to modulate biological rhythms by influencing fluctuations in the expression of clock genes.
T. Yamamoto et. al., J. of Functional Foods 56, 49 (2019)
10. Inhibiting the Fat Accumulation and Lipid Metabolism of Passienol™ and Piceatannol.
Rats fed a high-fat diet containing 0.5% Passienol™ (0.047% piceatannol) for 16 weeks had significantly less elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides than a control group fed only a high-fat diet without Passienol™.
A. Ishihata et. al., Food & Function 7(9), 4075 (2016)
Nine healthy participants between 20 and 40 years old consumed a jelly drink containing 10 mg of piceatannol for 7 days. Exhaled gas was measured at rest and during daily activity level exercise, and changes in the fat burning ratio (lipid metabolism ratio) were compared with those in the control diet (placebo). The results showed that piceatannol consumption significantly decreased the respiratory quotient and increased the fat burning ratio compared with the placebo. This was not limited to either condition at rest (sitting) or during daily activity level exercise (2-3 Mets on an ergometer). When the ratio of fat metabolism was calculated, the average amount of fat burned increased by approximately 40% at rest.
In addition, the function of promoting fat burning was confirmed even during moderate exercise with a VO2 of 50% during exercise.
A. D. Tanzil et al., Jpn. Pharmacol. Ther. 48 (7), 1235-40 (2020)
N. Matsui et al., Jpn. Pharmacol. Ther. 49 (5), 731-8 (2021)
S. Kawakami et al., Life 12, 38 (2022)
These findings suggest that Passienol™ may have a function in promoting lipid metabolism.
11. Passienol™ and piceatannol's ability to improve insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism
⟨in vivo 1⟩ Oral administration of piceatannol (50 mg/kg) or Passienol™ (50 mg/kg of piceatannol equivalent) to db/db mice, a mouse model of obesity and diabetes development, resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose levels at 1 hour compared to the group receiving the control solution, and the effect was sustained up to 3 hours later.
H. Maruki-Uchida et. al., Biol. Pharm. Bull. 38(4), 629 (2015)
⟨in vivo 2⟩
In a glucose tolerance test in normal rats, arterial administration of piceatannol (100 mg/kg) 150 minutes before glucose loading suppressed the rise in blood glucose levels, significantly lowered the area under the curve (AUC) up to 125 minutes of glucose loading and increased the insulin index compared to the control.
Insulin resistance was examined in 39 men and women aged 20-70 years with a BMI of less than 30 years taking Passienol™ containing 20 mg of piceatannol for 8 weeks.
The results showed that in subjects with a BMI of less than 25 and in female subjects, there was no change in blood insulin concentration or HOMA-IR, an indicator of insulin resistance, whereas in male subjects with a BMI of 25 or more, the piceatannol group showed a significant reduction in blood insulin concentration and improvement in HOMA-IR compared to the placebo group.
M. Kitada et. al., Nutrients. 9(10), pii: E1142 (2017)
These results suggest that Passienol™ has the ability to improve glucose tolerance and moderate the rise in blood sugar levels.
