Effects of Passiflora edulis Leaf Extract on Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Cells: In Vitro Evidence and Molecular Docking Analysis Involving PPARα and SREBP-1

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation and represents a major global health concern. Passiflora edulis contains numerous phytochemicals associated with diverse biological activities, including hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects. This study evaluated the effects of the ethanolic extract of P. edulis leaves on lipid accumulation in a cellular model of NAFLD, as well as its potential effect on transcriptional factors involved in lipid metabolism. HepG2 cells were exposed to steatogenic conditions and treated with the extract at non-cytotoxic concentrations, quantifying intracellular and extracellular triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Additionally, molecular docking analyses were performed to evaluate the interaction of reported P. edulis phytochemicals with PPARα and SREBP-1. The results revealed a significant reduction in intracellular lipid content compared to untreated cells, while molecular docking predicted favorable binding interactions between the bioactive compounds in the extract, with higher predicted affinity for PPARα (agonist-like interaction) than for SREBP-1c (antagonist-like interaction). These findings suggest that compounds from P. edulis leaves reduce lipid accumulation in liver cells and provide preliminary evidence supporting possible interactions with lipid-regulating transcription factors.