Passicol, an antibacterial and antifungal agent produced by Passiflora plant species: preparation and physicochemical characteristics.

An increased yield of the crude material with antibacterial and antifungal activity produced by Passiflora species was obtained by aerated bathing of cut rinds of banana passion fruit in water in rotating cylindrical bottles. The crude material was separated into several fractions by thin-layer chromatography with the use of silica gel and ethyl acetate-chloroform (2:1). The fractions showing ultraviolet absorption maxima in the vicinity of 340, 358, and 375 to 377 nm were biologically active. The data indicate that the active material, here called "Passicol" for the first time, has characteristics of the polyacetylenic group of compounds. The activity can be preserved for a long time when crude material is stored in organic solvent in the dark at 6 C. Gentle bathing of the cut rinds of Passiflora in water in the presence of air and ethylene stimulated the formation of the active principle.