Chrysin analysis by QuEChERS modified method and HPLC-DAD, antioxidant potential and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of Passiflora caerulea

Chrysin flavonoid has numerous bioactive effects and is found naturally in Passiflora species. This work aimed to adapt and validate a QuEChERS method (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) followed by analysis by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD), for quantification of chrysin in leaf, pulp and peel of Passiflora species. Linear range was 0.08–36 mg kg^-1 for leaves and 0.01 to 4 mg kg^-1 for pulp and peel, with determination coefficients (r²) higher to 0.990. Matrix effect was significant only for pulp and peel (≥ +20 %). Accuracy and precision presented adequate results, with recoveries ranging from 73 % to 101 % and RSD ≤ 15 %. Intermediate precision was measured trough RSD, and acceptable result was also obtained (≤ 7 %). The limit of quantification was 0.08 mg kg^-1 for leaves, 0.01 mg kg^-1 for pulp and 0.014 mg kg^-1 for peel. Posteriorly, chrysin content in Passiflora caerulea was evaluated, as well as the in vitro antioxidant potential and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The highest levels of chrysin and the best performance in the antioxidant evaluations were found in leaves and green peel. The gastrointestinal digestion was not able to alter the chrysin content and bioaccessibility. In conclusion, this work presented a QuEChERS modified method followed by HPLC-DAD for chrysin analysis in Passiflora species. Also demonstrated that leaves and green peel of Passiflora caerulea may be chrysin source for bioassays, and more details about its chemical composition and application in food or nutraceutical formulations must be evaluated.