Carotenoids are pigments that are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, which absorb the energy of light, take part in photosynthesis, and protect against photosensitization. Carotenoids protect against several chronic diseases. Lycopene is one of the carotenoid pigments, but because of the structure of lycopene, it does not have vitamin activity. Lycopene is an antixidant and tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene.
Passionflower is known as Passiflora caerula and Passiflora incarnata, among other names. Passionflower fruit is rich in lycopene, which is the only carotenoid found in passionflower fruit. The fruit is an edible many-seeded berry (maypop) about the size of a chicken’s egg.
Passionflower incarnata is mainly used for relaxation effects.
CONCLUSION: Passionfower fruit products contain lycopene for those who don’t eat tomatoes. Lycopene is of benefit in cancer and several chronic diseases.
NOTE: Very few varieties of passionflower produce fruit.
Read about the effect of lycopene on cardiovascular disease.
To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article.
PMID: 15857218.
Summary #126.