Scientists from Brazil and Germany investigated how phytochemicals from papaya, passion fruit, and various medicinal plant extracts work on the body. Their results were shared during FAPESP Week in Germany, which emphasized potential health benefits and new medical applications.
Fruits and plant extracts contain many bioactive substances that can play a role in preventing and supporting treatment of various conditions. To better understand the underlying processes, researchers in both countries conducted separate studies that complement and deepen each other.
Some of the findings were presented on March 25, 2025, during a lecture at the Free University of Berlin, as part of FAPESP Week Germany. The meeting focused on the future of nutrition and health research.
The 5 Key Takeaways
- Phytochemicals from papaya and passion fruit show in laboratory research that they can influence processes relevant to cancer.
- Plant extracts appear to stimulate immune response, offering potential in preventing and alleviating urinary tract infections.
- Pectins from papaya and passion fruit are fibers linked to lower risk of chronic diseases. The challenge lies in efficiently extracting and adapting them.
- New methods make it feasible to isolate pectin from passion fruit byproducts, offering opportunities for supplement development.
- Preclinical data suggest that modified pectins may play a role in supporting colon cancer treatments and balancing gut flora.
Medicinal Plants and Their Active Compounds
According to Ulrich Dobrindt, professor at the University of Munich, medicinal plants contain various phytochemicals. These are natural compounds that fight bacterial infections in different ways. They strengthen the body’s immune response and thus represent an interesting research field for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. These infections are among the most common worldwide and are often still treated with antibiotics.
Dobrindt emphasized that the anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, and pain-relieving effects of many plants are known, but the specific compounds — such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids — and their precise action on disease-causing cells need further investigation. Some compounds are clearly antibacterial, while others do not show this effect.
Research on Bladder Cells and Plant Extracts
German researchers developed infection models to analyze how plant extracts affect innate immune response and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. This includes examining bladder cells and the effects of plants traditionally used for urological complaints, as described in the German pharmacopoeia.
In collaboration with the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil, it was demonstrated that certain aqueous extracts, derived from Solidago gigantea and Equiseti herba, significantly reduce the adhesion and survival of Escherichia coli in human bladder epithelial cells.
“We saw a strong decrease in the adhesion and growth of this bacterium in bladder cells,” Ulrich explained.
The Power of Fruit Fibers
In Brazil, a research group within the Food Research Center (FoRC) — part of FAPESP’s Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (RIDCs) — is working on the technological development and evaluation of the effects of non-digestible, water-soluble polysaccharides, including pectins.
These pectins, present in papaya, passion fruit, and citrus fruits, form an important portion of the fiber in these fruits. They are linked to a lower risk of chronic conditions that are common worldwide.
Extracting these substances from papaya presents a challenge because the fruit ripens quickly. This causes softening of the flesh and changes in the structure of pectins, which can affect their biological activity, such as modulating gut microbiota.
“During fruit ripening, enzymes become active that change the structure of pectins and thereby reduce their beneficial properties. Passion fruit and citrus pectins, on the other hand, often require chemical modification to enhance their activity in the intestines,” said João Paulo Fabi, professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (FCF-USP) and project coordinator.
New Techniques for Pectin Extraction
Brazilian researchers have developed methods to extract pectin from the albedo of oranges and passion fruit. This is the white part between the peel and the pulp that is normally discarded as a byproduct during juice production. In the laboratory, the structure is then adapted to reduce molecular complexity and enhance biological activity.
This approach resulted in a patent for extracting pectin from fruits with firm flesh, such as papaya and chayote. Additionally, a second patent is pending that focuses on processing pectin from passion fruit byproducts.
“We now have a prototype with which we can extract and modify these pectins on a laboratory scale. The goal is to develop a product, for example a flour rich in modified pectin, that can serve as a supplement or as part of food,” Fabi explained.
Together with other research groups, animal studies were conducted that showed modified pectins increase biological activity. This creates a foundation for further research.
“The preclinical results can guide clinical studies in which modified pectins are used as supplementary treatment in chemotherapy for colon cancer or as beneficial modulators of gut microbiota,” the researcher said.
The presentation took place during FAPESP Week and was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation.
Verified Sources
- Thanks to SciTechDaily: Papaya and Passion Fruit Show Unexpected Cancer-Fighting Potential
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can papaya help prevent cancer?
Research suggests that phytochemicals in papaya have potential in fighting cancer. These substances work at the molecular level and may help slow the growth of cancer cells.
What are pectins and where are they found?
Pectins are fiber-like substances that occur naturally in fruits, such as papaya and passion fruit. They can help reduce chronic diseases and promote healthy gut flora.
How can plant extracts help with urinary tract infections?
Plant extracts contain substances that can strengthen the body’s immune response. This can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections, often without the need for antibiotics.
What is the albedo of an orange and what is it used for?
The albedo is the white part between the peel and the pulp of an orange. It is often discarded, but researchers have discovered it can be a source of pectin.
Can passion fruit byproducts be useful?
Yes, passion fruit byproducts can be used to extract pectin. This pectin can then be modified and used as a nutritional supplement or ingredient.
