How much vitamin C is in maracuja per 100 grams?

Maracuja contains approximately 44.4 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fresh fruit, which represents roughly 49% of the EU reference intake of 80 mg/day. This level is comparable to orange juice and supports immune function and collagen synthesis through ascorbic acid's role as a prolyl hydroxylase cofactor.

What polyphenols are found in maracuja and what do they do?

Maracuja contains a total polyphenol concentration of 286.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g, with key compounds including piceatannol, luteolin, and anthocyanins concentrated in the fruit's peel and pulp. These polyphenols neutralize reactive oxygen species via hydrogen atom transfer and may inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2, though this has been demonstrated primarily in in vitro models rather than human trials.

Is maracuja the same as passion fruit?

Yes, maracuja is the Portuguese and commonly used marketing name for Passiflora edulis, the same species sold globally as passion fruit. The purple-skinned variety (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) is predominantly grown in Brazil, while the yellow variety (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) is more common in tropical export markets, with both sharing similar nutritional profiles.

Can maracuja supplements interact with medications?

Concentrated Passiflora edulis extracts may interact with central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam, because the flavonoid chrysin binds to GABA-A receptors and can amplify sedative effects. Additionally, the fruit's vitamin C content at supplemental doses may affect the absorption of certain chemotherapy drugs like bortezomib, so oncology patients should consult their physician before use.

How much iron does maracuja contain compared to daily requirements?

Maracuja contains approximately 150 mg of iron per kilogram of dry weight, which translates to roughly 1.6 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit — about 11% of the EU adult reference intake of 14 mg/day per serving. It is worth noting that this iron is in the non-heme form, which has lower bioavailability (2–20%) than heme iron, though the fruit's vitamin C content can enhance non-heme iron absorption by reducing Fe³⁺ to the more absorbable Fe²⁺ form.

What is the difference between maracuja fruit and maracuja seed or peel supplements?

Maracuja supplements vary significantly in composition depending on plant part used: the fruit pulp is highest in vitamin C and soluble sugars, while the peel contains concentrated dietary fiber (44.2-80.32% galacturonic acid) and polyphenols. Seed extracts may offer different bioactive compounds than whole fruit or peel preparations. Choosing between forms depends on your specific health goals—pulp for vitamin C support, peel for fiber, or seeds for polyphenol content.

Is maracuja safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

While maracuja fruit is generally recognized as a safe food source, specific safety data for maracuja supplements during pregnancy and lactation is limited. The high vitamin C content (44.4 mg/100 g) could support prenatal needs, but pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before adding concentrated supplements to their regimen. Food-form consumption of maracuja is typically considered safer than supplement extracts during these periods.

What does current research actually show about maracuja's antioxidant benefits in humans?

Most evidence for maracuja's antioxidant support comes from in vitro (test tube) studies showing high polyphenol content at 286.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100g, but human clinical trials are limited. While compositional analyses confirm its nutrient profile, the bioavailability and biological activity of these polyphenols in the human body require further research. Current evidence supports maracuja as a nutrient-dense food, but claims about specific disease prevention or treatment are not yet supported by robust clinical data.

Maracuja (Passiflora edulis)

Maracuja (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical fruit exceptionally rich in polyphenols, particularly piceatannol and anthocyanins, which exert antioxidant effects by neutralizing free radicals and chelating pro-oxidant metal ions. Its high vitamin C content (44.4 mg/100 g) additionally supports immune function by stimulating collagen synthesis and enhancing neutrophil activity.

Category: Fruit Evidence: 2/10 Tier: Emerging

Maracuja (Passiflora edulis) — Hermetica Encyclopedia

Origin & History

Maracuja (*Passiflora edulis*) is the fruit of a passion fruit vine native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. The purple and yellow varieties are processed through solvent extraction, GC-MS analysis, or simple pulping to extract nutrients from the pulp, peel, seeds, and shell.

Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides no historical context or details on traditional medicine uses for *P. edulis*. While compositional studies imply a nutritional role, specific ethnomedical references are absent from the literature.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant support from high polyphenol content (286.6 mg gallic acid equiv./100 g) - evidence from in vitro studies only
• Rich source of vitamin C (44.4 mg/100 g) for immune support - compositional data only
• Provides essential minerals including iron (150 mg/kg) and zinc (41 mg/kg) - analytical studies only
• Contains dietary fiber from polysaccharides (44.2-80.32% galacturonic acid in peel) - compositional analysis only
• Potential antibacterial properties from terpenes and flavonoids - preliminary in vitro evidence only

How It Works

Maracuja's polyphenols, including piceatannol and luteolin, inhibit lipid peroxidation by donating hydrogen atoms to reactive oxygen species, effectively terminating free radical chain reactions at the cellular membrane level. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) regenerates oxidized vitamin E and directly scavenges superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, while also serving as a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase in collagen biosynthesis. The fruit's iron content (150 mg/kg dry weight) supports hemoglobin synthesis and mitochondrial electron transport chain function, with zinc (41 mg/kg) acting as a structural cofactor for over 300 metalloenzymes including superoxide dismutase.

Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on *P. edulis* for biomedical applications. Current studies focus exclusively on phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant or antibacterial activity rather than human health outcomes.

Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence for maracuja's antioxidant properties derives from in vitro assays such as DPPH and FRAP methods, which measured total polyphenol content at 286.6 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g; no large-scale human randomized controlled trials exist specifically for this fruit. A small number of animal studies using Passiflora edulis peel extract have demonstrated reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers, but direct translation to human outcomes remains unestablished. Compositional analyses confirm nutritionally relevant vitamin C levels comparable to common citrus fruits, supporting theoretical immune benefits, though intervention trials measuring clinical endpoints like infection rates are absent. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary and largely preclinical, warranting cautious interpretation of health claims.

Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "23.38 g/100 g", "protein": "2.2 g/100 g", "fat": "0.4 g/100 g", "dietary_fiber": "10.4 g/100 g"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_C": "44.4 mg/100 g", "iron": "150 mg/kg", "zinc": "41 mg/kg", "vitamin_A": "1274 IU/100 g", "potassium": "348 mg/100 g", "magnesium": "29 mg/100 g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"polyphenols": "286.6 mg gallic acid equiv./100 g"}, "bioavailability_notes": {"vitamin_C": "High bioavailability, enhances iron absorption", "iron": "Non-heme iron, lower bioavailability compared to heme iron", "dietary_fiber": "Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, beneficial for digestive health"}}

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Nutrient contents suggest food-based intake, but no standardization for extract percentages or supplement forms has been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Vitamin C, citrus bioflavonoids, acerola cherry, camu camu, quercetin

Safety & Interactions

Maracuja fruit consumed in typical dietary amounts is generally regarded as safe for most healthy adults, with no well-documented serious adverse effects reported in the literature. However, high-dose Passiflora extracts have been associated with sedation and CNS depression due to chrysin content, and may potentiate benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants — patients on these medications should exercise caution. The fruit contains moderate levels of oxalates, posing a theoretical risk for calcium oxalate kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals when consumed in large quantities. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to food amounts, as concentrated Passiflora preparations have shown uterine-stimulating activity in preclinical models.