Effects of Passiflora edulis Juice on Blood Pressure Among Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension remains a major global public health challenge and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition to pharmacological therapy, dietary and natural product-based interventions have gained increasing attention as complementary strategies for blood pressure control. Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) contains bioactive compounds with potential antihypertensive properties; however, clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of Passiflora edulis juice consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure among patients with hypertension. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among hypertensive patients attending an outpatient clinic in Indonesia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Passiflora edulis juice or a placebo beverage daily for a predefined intervention period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at baseline and follow-up using standardized procedures. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to assess changes in blood pressure over time between groups, adjusting for relevant baseline covariates. All analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Results: Participants in the Passiflora edulis juice group demonstrated a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the placebo group over the intervention period. The group × time interaction effect was statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating greater blood pressure reduction among participants who consumed Passiflora edulis juice. No serious adverse events related to the intervention were reported. Conclusion: Daily consumption of Passiflora edulis juice was effective in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure among hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that Passiflora edulis juice may serve as a safe and beneficial complementary dietary intervention for hypertension management. Further large-scale and long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.