Scientific name
Passiflora incarnata L.
Family
Passifloraceae
Origin
America
Synonyms
Passion flower
Used Parts
The drug consists of flowering tops (Official Pharmacopoeia)
Chemical constituents
- Indolic alkaloids (armano, passiflorina, armina, armolo, armalina, armalolo);
- Tannins;
- Phytosterols;
- Phenolic acids;
- Essential oil in traces;
- Cyanogenic heterosides;
- Flavonoids (hyperoside, vitexin, isovitexina, saponaria, rutin, apigenin, quercetin);
- Amino acids;
- Ossicumarina;
- Fatty acids;
- Organic acids.
Passiflora in Herbalist: Properties of Passiflora
The clinical indications place the passion flower as an excellent remedy in the anxiety syndrome characterized by restlessness and insomnia, therefore the activities of the plant are mainly sedative and antispasmodic.
In addition to these properties, passion flower is useful in treating menopausal disorders, such as tachycardia, dyspnea, hot flushes and stress in general.
Biological activity
As mentioned, passiflora has been given the ability to reduce restlessness and combat the insomnia associated with it.
These capacities are mainly due to the presence of flavonoids (sedative activity), present in the aerial parts of the plant, and of the alkaloids (spasmolytic activity).
Thanks to the action of these compounds, the passion flower is able to stimulate a physiological sleep without nocturnal awakenings, nor a sense of morning numbness, even if the exact mechanism by which this happens has not yet been fully clarified.
In truth, the research conducted on the sedative and antispasmodic properties of passion flower are not sufficient to establish the actual benefit deriving from the use of the plant for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders; therefore, further clinical studies would be needed. However, despite this, these therapeutic applications of passion flower have however been officially approved.
Passionflower against restlessness and insomnia
The passion flower, therefore, can be used successfully to treat both restlessness and insomnia, thanks to the activity carried out by the flavonoids and the alkaloids it contains.
For the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, if the passionflower tincture is used, the indicative dose usually used is 0.5-2 ml of product, to be taken 2-3 times a day.
Popular Medicine and Homeopathy
The sedative properties of passion flower have long been known in folk medicine, so much so that the plant is used internally to counteract agitation, hysteria, depression and gastrointestinal disorders with a nervous component.
Externally, however, passion flower is used to treat hemorrhoids and to perform baths against nervous agitation.
In homeopathy, passion flower is used as a remedy against agitation, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares and convulsions. The passionflower homeopathic remedy is readily available in the form of oral drops. The posology of product to be taken can vary according to the type of disorder that is intended to be treated.
Side effects
Drowsiness or excessive sedation may occur following the intake of passion flower.
Contraindications
Avoid taking them during pregnancy (as alkaloids can act as stimulators of uterine contractions) and in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Passion flower intake is also contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
Pharmacological Interactions
- Coumarin-containing anticoagulants (such as warfarin), since coumarins contained in passion flower could increase the effect of these drugs;
- Barbiturates, since the concomitant intake of passion flower can cause a prolongation of the sleep time;
- Sedatives, because the simultaneous intake of passion flower can cause an increase in the sedative effect of drugs or other plants;
- In association with hypericum and lemon balm, passionflower can cause hypersomnia instead of the desired antidepressant effect.
