Lauro Sirgado / Wikimedia CommonsA species from the Cerrado presents a potential source of flavonoids with photoprotective effectsLauro Sirgado / Wikimedia Commons
Passiflora cincinnata, a species of passion fruit typically found in the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes and sold at street markets in the states of Bahia and Goiás, has a yellow, acidic pulp and is high in vitamin C. It could soon be used as more than just food. Nine chemical compounds called flavonoids, extracted from the leaves, showed antioxidant and photoprotective properties capable of blocking the sun’s ultraviolet rays in a study by researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF) in Brazil, the University of Porto in Portugal, and Paris Cité University in France. The leaf extract increased the efficacy of commercial formulations in vitro, indicating that it could be used as an adjuvant to reduce the amount of synthetic compounds in sunscreens, lowering the risk of allergic reactions. The leaves and fruits of the Passiflora cincinnata passion fruit are also used to treat insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, and inflammation. In Northeast Brazil, the fruit is used to make juices, sweets, and beer, with the leaves discarded. The flowers are ornamental and usually dark purple, but they can also be pink, lilac, or white (Chemistry and Biodiversity, August).
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