Toxic effect of the fruit of Passiflora adenopoda D. C. on humans: phytochemical determination

Human poisoning caused by ingestion of unripe fruit of Passiflora adenopoda is he re reported, apparently for the first time. HCN is produced in the pericarp and aril of tbe unripe fruit, as well as in the primary stem, petiole, bracts and stipules but not in tendrils. HCN yield has been reported previously in Passifloraceae only from vegetative parts. The pericarp and arils of completely ripe fruit of Passiflora adenopoda were found free of HCN. The presence of a cyanogenetic B-glycoside is suggested in P. adenopoda.