A compound found in passion fruit may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Researchers say it could open the door to entirely new therapies.

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Inside passion fruit lives a molecule called alpha‑amyrin, α‑amyrin for short. It seems to have some very special properties.

Photo by Monica Bertolazzi on Getty Images

“Our study shows that alpha‑amyrin has the ability to protect some absolutely central processes in the brain. And we believe that we may be able to use this molecule in a medicine against Alzheimer's disease if it also works in future clinical trials against this difficult-to-treat disease,” said Associate Professor Evandro Fei Fang‑Stavem at the University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital in a news release.

The study has been published in the journal Advanced Science.

The researchers observed mice with Alzheimer's disease who were given the alpha‑amyrin as a supplement. The mice performed better in memory tests. The team found that the supplement remained in the bloodstream long enough to function as an ingredient in future medications for Alzheimer’s.

The researchers believe that clinical trials to study the safety and effectiveness for future dementia treatments.

Scientists also observed 1,704 people who did not have dementia and followed them for a little over 10 years. The participants filled in a food questionnaire and had their blood measured for the sticky plaque that affects the brains of people with dementia. The scientists observed that people who had more fruits and vegetables had lower levels of the stick plaque over time. Passion fruit extracts, in particular, improve cognitive function. The team also listed these fruits as more potential candidates:

Tomatoes

Apples

Bell peppers

Asian pears

Grapes

Eggplants

American cranberries

Passion fruit

Olives

Sweet cherries

Passion fruit also aids in muscle recovery and boosts workout performance.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.