Exotic Fruit Proves to Be a Shield Against Age-Related Vision Loss 0 715

Scientists from Japan have discovered that passion fruit seed extract can protect retinal cells from damage associated with oxidative stress — the main cause of age-related macular degeneration. Experiments showed that under the influence of the extract and the polyphenol piceatannol contained in it, damaged cells restored their viability to nearly normal levels. The work was published in Scientific Reports (Sci Rep).

According to the study, treatment of retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) with passion fruit extract increased their activity by more than 30 percent, and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide, restored it to 90 percent of the original energy. The researchers noted that piceatannol not only neutralizes free radicals but also normalizes mitochondrial function, restoring ATP synthesis — the main source of energy for the cell.

According to the authors, this effect makes passion fruit seed extract a promising component of functional nutrition and preventive measures for preserving vision. However, the study was conducted in a cellular model, and animal and human trials are necessary to confirm its benefits in practice.