Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

27/06/2023

Passionflower: A Medicinal Herb of Many Uses
by Gabe Mittel

Passionflower, a plant native to North and South America, has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties by various cultures. The plant's scientific name is Passiflora incarnata and it belongs to the Passifloraceae family. Passionflower is known for its calming and sedative effects, but its uses go beyond that. In this article, we will explore the various medicinal uses of passionflower, as supported by clinical studies.

Anxiety and Insomnia

One of the most common uses of passionflower is for anxiety and insomnia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2011 by Movafegh et al. found that passionflower extract was as effective as oxazepam, a benzodiazepine drug, in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing dental surgery. Another study in 2016 by Ngan and Conduit concluded that passionflower can improve the quality of sleep and reduce sleep disturbances in adults with insomnia.

Depression

Passionflower has also been studied for its potential in treating depression. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 2017 by Akhondzadeh et al. found that passionflower extract, when used in combination with fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, was more effective in improving depression symptoms than fluoxetine alone.

Menopausal Symptoms

There is also evidence to suggest that passionflower can be beneficial in treating menopausal symptoms. A study published in 2014 by Mirabi and Mojab found that passionflower was effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women.

Pain and Inflammation

Passionflower has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which make it useful in treating pain and inflammation. A study published in 2016 by de Souza et al. found that passionflower extract was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in rats with induced arthritis.

Digestive Issues

Passionflower has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence, and indigestion. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2017 by Aslanargun et al. found that passionflower improved indigestion symptoms in patients.

Conclusion

Passionflower has been used traditionally for centuries and is now supported by scientific research for its medicinal properties. It can be used for anxiety, insomnia, depression, menopausal symptoms, pain, inflammation, and digestive issues. While passionflower is generally safe, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

References:

Akhondzadeh, S., Kashani, L., Fotouhi, A., Jarvandi, S., Mobaseri, M., Moin, M., & … Akhondzadeh, S. (2017). Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 42(4), 466-473. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12547

Aslanargun, P., Cuvas, O., Dikmen, B., Aslan, E., Yucesan, F. B., & Yildirim, S. (2017). Effect of Passiflora incarnata L. on indigestion symptoms. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 9, 9-13. doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2016.09.002

de Souza, P. R., Scariot, D. B., Albuquerque, J. V. O., Medeiros, Y. S. S., Correia, A. C. F., & Santos, J. P. A. (2016). Anti-inflammatory activity of Passiflora incarnata L. extract in rats with induced arthritis. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 68(4), 1035-1042. doi: 10.1590/1678-4162-8659

Mirabi, P., & Mojab, F. (2014). The effects of Passiflora incarnata on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 13(2), 559-566.

Movafegh, A., Alizadeh, R., Hajimohamadi, F., Esfehani, F., & Nejatfar, M. (2011). Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 113(4), 792-796. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182294489

Ngan, A., & Conduit, R. (2016). A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytotherapy Research, 30(5), 820-824. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5583

19/06/2023

Passionflower: An Efficacious Medicinal Plant for Various Ailments
by
Gabe Mittel

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a beautiful flowering plant widely used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its sedative and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. With the advent of modern science, various clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of passionflower for treating different ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension, and mild to moderate depression. This review article summarizes the scientific evidence base of the medicinal properties of passionflower as demonstrated in clinical studies.

Anti-anxiety and Sedative Effects

Several clinical studies have found that passionflower extracts possess anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Researchers have hypothesized that the flavonoids and alkaloids present in passionflower extracts are responsible for producing these effects by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters, specifically gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the nervous system (Ngan & Conduit, 2011). One randomized controlled trial in 40 patients with generalized anxiety disorder showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms after 8 weeks of passionflower administration (Akdogan et al., 2004). Another study in 60 participants revealed that passionflower and oxazepam (a conventional anti-anxiety medication) were equally effective in reducing anxiety symptoms without significant adverse effects (Miyasaka et al., 2017).

Insomnia

Passionflower has been traditionally used for treating insomnia and improving sleep quality. Some clinical studies have shown that passionflower improves sleep quality and decreases sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) compared to a placebo (Sánchez et al., 2019). Additionally, passionflower extracts have been reported to increase the duration of sleep in patients with sleep disturbances (Ngan & Conduit, 2011).

Nervous Tension and Mild to Moderate Depression

Passionflower's purported anti-anxiety and sedative effects may also help relieve nervous tension and mild to moderate depression. In a randomized controlled trial, 40 patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms who received a passionflower extract reported a significant reduction in anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo (Movafegh et al., 2011). Another study found that taking a combination of passionflower and valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) extracts reduced symptoms of nervous tension and anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (Bourgeois et al., 2017).

Safety and Adverse Effects

Passionflower is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some adverse effects have been reported, such as dizziness, confusion, and sedation (Sarris et al., 2011). These effects are typically mild and transient.

Conclusion

Passionflower is a well-known medicinal plant with extensive historical use. Several clinical studies have shown that passionflower extracts have potent anti-anxiety, sedative, and sleep-enhancing effects. Passionflower may also help relieve nervous tension and mild to moderate depression. Although it is generally considered safe, consulting a healthcare professional before using passionflower is recommended, especially for pregnant and lactating women and people taking prescription medications.

References:

Akdogan, M., Tamer, M. N., Cure, E., & Cure, M. C. (2004). Effect of Passiflora incarnata L. on anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 94(1), 125–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.004

Bourgeois, B., Marquez, S., & Cazaubon, Y. (2017). Passionflower and Valerian Root for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 23(8), 647–652. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0291

Miyasaka, L. S., Atallah, A. N., & Soares, B. G. D. (2017). Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD004518. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004518.pub3

Movafegh, A., Alizadeh, R., Hajimohamadi, F., Esfehani, F., & Nejatfar, M. (2011). Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 113(4), 829–833. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0b013e318228f2c4

19/05/2019

21/03/2017

04/11/2016

Passion Flower for Op**te Withdrawal was shown in a study to significantly reduce mental withdrawal symptoms. It's great for anxiety, insomnia and GI upset.

04/11/2016

Find patient medical information for PASSIONFLOWER on WebMD including its uses, effectiveness, side effects and safety, interactions, user ratings and products that have it.

19/06/2015

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/49810555_A_Double-blind_Placebo-controlled_Investigation_of_the_Effects_of_Passiflora_incarnata_%28Passionflower%29_Herbal_Tea_on_Subjective_Sleep_Quality

Passiflora incarnata is a traditional herbal sedative, anxiolytic and a popular sleep aid used for the treatment of sleep disturbance. Several controlled experiments have demonstrated enhanced...

10/07/2012

30 Most Popular Herbs for Natural Medicine

Aloe Vera – Antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, wound and burn healer, natural laxative, soothes stomach, helps skin disorders.

Basil – Powerful antispasmodic, antiviral, anti-infectious, an...tibacterial, soothes stomach.

Black Cohosh – Relieves menopausal hot flashes, relieves menstrual cramps, helps circulatory and cardiovascular disorders, lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, useful for nervousness and stress. Note: Do not use during pregnancy.

Black Walnut – Good for eliminating parasites, good for fungal infections, good for warts and poison ivy, aids digestion.

Cinnamon – It has been proven that 99.9% of viruses and bacteria can not live in the presence of cinnamon. So it makes a great antibacterial and antiviral weapon.

Cayenne- Catalyst for other herbs, useful for arthritis and rheumatism (topically and internally), good for colds, flu viruses, sinus infection and sore throat, useful for headache and fever, aids organs (kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach, increase thermogenesis for weight loss.

Clove Bud – Improves the immune system, they are also an antioxidant and doubles as an antibacterial and antimicrobial fighter.

Cypress – The therapeutic properties of cypress oil are astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, diuretic, haemostatic, hepatic, styptic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, respiratory tonic and sedative.

Dandelion – Helpful for PMS, good for menopause, increases ovarian hormones.

Echinacea (coneflower) – Boosts white blood cell production, immune system support, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, good for colds, flu and infection. Note: Use no more than two weeks at a time. Do not use if you are allergic to sunflowers or related species.

Eucalyptus – Anti-infectious, antibacterial and antiviral.

Garlic – Helps fight infection, detoxifies the body, enhances immunity, lowers blood fats, assists yeast infections, helps asthma, cancer, sinusitis, circulatory problems and heart conditions.

German Chamomile – Helps stress, anxiety and insomnia, good for indigestion, useful for colitis and most digestive problems, effective blood cleanser and helps increase liver function and supports the pancreas. Improves bile flow from the liver, it is good for healing of the skin that might come from a blistering chemical agent.

Geranium – Dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification, antispasmodic, stops bleeding, anti-infectious, antibacterial.

Ginger – Helps nausea, motion sickness and vomiting, useful for circulatory problems, good for indigestion, and is also an effective antioxidant.

Lavender – Assists with burns, antiseptic, used as a stress reliever, good for depression, aids skin health and beauty.

Lemon – Is known for its antiseptic properties, Essential Science Publishing says that: According to Jean Valnet, M.D. the vaporized essence of lemon can kill meningococcal bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Lemon also improves micro-circulation, promotes white blood cell formation, and improves immune function.

Marjoram – Anti-infectious, antibacterial, dilates blood vessels, regulates blood pressure, soothes muscles.

Marshmallow – Aids bladder infections, diuretic (helps fluid retention), helps kidney problems, soothes coughs, sore throats, indigestion, and as a topical agent it is said to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing.

Melissa – Assists in issues with the nervous system, blisters, and has antimicrobial properties.

Mullein – Can be used as a laxative, good for asthma and bronchitis, useful for difficulty breathing, helps hay fever.

Myrrh – Anti-infectious, antiviral, soothes skin conditions and supports immune system. Also an antispasmodic that helps to reduce spasming due to spasms caused by nerve agents.

Oregano – is a powerful antibiotic and has been proven to be more effective in neutralizing germs than some chemical antibiotics. It has been effective against germs like Staphylococcus aureas, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pine – Antidiabetic, cortisone-like, severe infections, hypertensive

Rosemary – Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Cleansing and detoxes the body. Supports the liver and combats cirrhosis.

Rosewood – Anti-infectious, antibacterial, and antiviral.

Sage – Used in anxiety, nervous disorders, as astringent, in abdominal disorders, anti inflammatory.

Spearmint – To calm the Nervous System, aide with Nerve Agents.

Tea Tree – Disinfectant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, burns, good for all skin conditions.

Thyme – Effective against Anthrax and Tuberculosis

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