Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) properties and effects

For thousands of years, nature has been a source of many healing remedies and it is worth taking advantage of what it offers us. Passionflower is of interest to lovers of natural support for body and soul.

In this article, I will introduce you to the health-promoting properties of passionflower, which may work well for your ailments - especially if you are experiencing mental tension or sleep problems. I asked Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., for his opinion on the use of this plant.

See also:

• Melatonin
• Melatonin for sleep
• Ashwagandha
• Adaptogens
• Berberine
• Piperine
• Ashwagandha
• Indian ginseng
• Wild rose
• Curcuma
• Maceberry
• Caffeine
• Prescription-free sleep pills

Passionflower - properties

About 500 species of passionflower (passionflower)and are known. Some studies suggest that certain varieties of it may have unique medicinal benefits - for example, the eponymous passiflora incarnata.

The passionflower, also known as the passionflower or passion flower, received its curious name in the 16th century. It was the Spaniards who saw in the flower's structure parts resembling the crown of thorns and nails with which the crucified Christ was nailed. 

Native Americans used it as a sedative and medicinally for boils, wounds, earaches and liver problemsand. Currently, researchers are mainly focusing on its calming effects in their studiesand. What do the research results so far suggest?

Passiflora - effects

Passiflora incarnata is a rich source of compounds from the flavonoid group and indole alkaloids. These are naturally occurring substances in plants with health-promoting effects on the human bodyand. The sedative and calming effects of passionflower may be related to the presence of maltol in this plant .

What does passionflower fleshflower help with?

Passionflower may prove to be a good support for sleep complaints and mental tension. It may also alleviate unpleasant symptoms during menopause and neuropathic pain. Check below to see exactly what the researchers found.

Anxiety

Research suggests that passiflora incarnata may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and restlessnessand. In the future, this plant could be used as an adjunct before pre-operative anaesthesia, as it exhibits anti-anxiety effects without affecting psychomotor function or increasing drowsiness - unlike some drugs.

In 2020, Polish researchers reviewed previous research findings on passionflowerand. This work tested the plant's potential to alleviate certain symptoms of neuropsychiatric origin (schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression and ADHD). In a few years, this plant may prove to be a helpful adjunct therapy for these diseases.

Sleep

Research suggests that passionflower may help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders through its anti-anxiety effectsand. The preliminary results relate to a study in which participants drank a dose of passionflower or a placebo once a day for seven days. The study participants consuming an infusion of the plant fell asleep faster and experienced fewer awakenings during the night, compared to the group drinking the placeboand.

The results of the study have been linked to the fact that passionflower increases the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This compound reduces its activityand, which may help to relax the mind and body, influencing easier falling asleep and uninterrupted sleep.

Stress

Results of a review of studies suggestand that the anti-anxiety effects of passionflower are comparable to drugs such as oxazepam or midazolam (drugs with sedative effects). 

Scientists suggest that the plant may prove to be a safe pharmaceuticaland that could be used as a complementary therapy for certain mental illnesses or increased stressand.

Might be of interest to you!

Check out how other plants help to combat stress. Find out more in the articles:

• Ashwagandha - effects, properties, contraindications
• Adaptogens - what they are, types, effects, supplementation

Pain of neurological origin

Neuralgic pains (neuralgias) arise as a result of damage to or dysfunction of the nervous systemand. Pain, numbness, tingling or burning negatively affect the patient's quality of life , sometimes limiting their activities. Research into passionflower as a neuralgia reliever is promising and suggests that this plant may be helpful in the treatment of these ailmentsand.

Menopause

Menopause is a period when many changes occur in women under the influence of hormonesand. Changing levels of oestrogen and other key hormones for a woman can cause: mood changes, anxiety, increased nervousness, hot flashes, among other things. Research suggests that passionflower may reduce these unpleasant symptoms associated with menopauseand.

Addictions

Scientists are looking at the effects of passionflower on relieving withdrawal symptoms and treating addictions to drugs  and nicotine . Studies on a group of addicts suggest that this plant, in combination with medication, may be helpful in reducing the unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal from these harmful substances.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Many substances contained in herbs exhibit antioxidant effects (prevent disease)  due to the compounds they contain, e.g. flavonoids , glycosides . They are used in the supportive treatment of many diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. More research is needed to confirm the medicinal use of passionflower in the aforementioned diseases, but its antioxidant activity cannot be denied .

Learn about other plants with antioxidant effects in the articles:

• Ashwagandha - action, properties, contraindications
.
• Curcumin - properties, side effects, contraindications
• Piperine - effects, side effects, when first effects?

Piperine - indications for use

When is it advisable to use passionflower?

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• You have problems calming down before bed and falling asleep.
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• You are experiencing stress and tension on a daily basis.
• You are experiencing stress and tension.
• You are currently going through a difficult time of menopause.
• You are experiencing stress and tension on a daily basis.
• You suffer from neuropathic pain.
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• You want to strengthen your body naturally.
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Forms of administration and recommended intake

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Passionflower is used in the form of:

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• naparose, 
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• aqueous extract, 
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• powder,
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• capsules,
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• drops,
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Passionflower extract is also an ingredient in some compounded herbal preparations with sedative effects. How to take it depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the content of the active ingredients.

How to take passionflower.

Passionflower is a beautiful plant, but one should be careful with its consumption - this beauty hides a powerful force. I asked Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., about the safe and medicinal use of passionflower herb.

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The ratio given in the table (e.g. 4:1) is the ratio of the amount of plant material to the amount of plant preparation obtained. Its indication is intended to allow comparison of medicines containing the same substance but obtained in different ways (e.g. extracts with different degrees of concentration). The notation 4:1 means that from 4 parts of the plant 1 part of the extract was obtained. 

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Form of fleshy passionflower	Method of ingestion .
.	Passionflower extract in a 4:1 ratio	Therapeutic doses From 0.5 g to 2.0 g of the aerial parts (shoot) 3-4 times daily; Therapeutic dosage.
Tincture in a ratio of 1:8 . Usually, 70% alcohol is used to prepare the extract. Such an extract is diluted by taking 8 parts of water for every 1 part of extract.	Dilute.
Dried herb for tea preparation	0.5 to 2 g of the herbal substance as a powder 1-4 times a day.
Fluid extract	Proportion 1:8, extraction with 25% solvent (ethanol) 2 to 4 ml of liquid extract up to 4 times daily. Proportion 1:8, extraction with 45% solvent (ethanol), 2 ml liquid extract up to 3 times daily. Proportion 1:1, extraction with 25 % solvent (ethanol), 0.5 to 2 ml of liquid extract up to 4 times daily.
Dietary supplements with passionflower or compounded preparations	Because of the multiplicity of dietary supplements, the various forms of administration and the different DER (Drug Extract Ratio - information on how much of the raw material the extract is derived from), the supplementation recommendations on the manufacturer's leaflet should be followed.

Contraindications to the use of passionflower

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Passionflower is a gift from nature that is worth taking advantage of. However, be sure to read the contraindications to avoid dangerous interactions with medicines or harm yourself. 

What are the contraindications to using passionflower?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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Do not use passionflower during pregnancyand as it may induce uterine contractions and premature labour. Little is known about its safety during breastfeeding, so its consumption during this period is not recommended .

Interactions with medicines

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Passionflower has strong effects on the central nervous systemand. Caution should be exercised when using passionflower and other centrally acting drugsand (e.g., sedative and sedative) at the same time.

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If you are currently using compounded herbal preparations with sedative or sleep-promoting effects, check for passionflower in the formulation. The use of passionflower incarnata in excess, may be harmful to your health.

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Effects on ability to drive and operate machinery

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Passionflower may cause drowsinessand, therefore driving and operating machinery should be avoided during its use.

Can children take passionflower?"

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The use of passionflower herb is not recommended in children under 12 years of age. It is not known how long-term use affects the young body. If your child is nervous, agitated, tearful - see a doctor or consult a child psychologist.

Side effects of passionflower

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Passionflower is considered safe for useand. However, in some people it may cause side effectsand, such as:

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• insomnia,
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• dizziness,
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• disorientation,
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This is usually related to overconsumption or interaction with other drugs.

See also health articles:

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• Thyroid testing
• Thyroidism
• Blood tests
• Anemia
• Cervical cancer
• Hepatitis
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• Fatty (oily) liver
• Hepatic tests
.
• How to look after your mental health

Natural methods of supporting the body with various health problems are a good complement to various therapies. However, if you have not felt an improvement in your health and well-being for a long time, or your problems are getting worse, consult a specialist.

Which plant from the passionflower family do you want to read an article about? Let me know in the comments. The weirder the name, the better!

Summary

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Remember:
• Passionflower is one of more than 500 species of plants in the passionflower family.
• Passionflower is one of more than 500 species of plants in the passionflower family.
• The name is taken from the association of the appearance of the flower of this plant with the crown of thorns and the nails with which the crucified Christ was nailed.
• The Passionflower is a species of passion flower.
• Passionflower can help with sleep problems, stress, anxiety. It is a good therapy support for women during menopause. It also relieves neuropathic pain and can be used in the treatment of drug and nicotine addiction.
• Particularly in the treatment of drug and nicotine addiction.
• Contraindications to the use of passionflower include pregnancy, breastfeeding, use of sedative and sleep-inducing drugs.
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• Passionflower is a plant with great potential to complement the treatment of many conditions in the future.
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FAQ

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Does passionflower have a positive effect on sleep?

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Yes, passionflower has a positive effect on sleep. Research suggests that it can alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders such as inability to fall asleep, frequent awakenings and insomnia due to its anti-anxiety properties. When used regularly before bedtime, it can improve the quality and length of sleep.

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What are the contraindications to the use of passionflower herb?

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Pure passionflower herb should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 12 years of age and people who consume drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS), e.g. benzodiazepines, sedative drugs, sleeping drugs.

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What is passionflower fleshy for?

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Passionflower exhibits anti-anxiety effects, reduces symptoms of anxiety, promotes sleep and is a helpful adjunct to the treatment of moderate sleep disorders. It alleviates pains of neurological origin, has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces hot flashes during menopause.

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What does passionflower herb help with?

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Passionflower herb helps to relieve symptoms of restlessness and anxiety, supports the treatment of various sleep disorders, relieves hot flashes during menopause, relieves pain of neurological origin, and may be helpful in reducing symptoms associated with drug withdrawal.

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Is passionflower healthy?

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Yes, passionflower is a plant with positive effects on the human body. Its use has a number of benefits, particularly for mental health. It alleviates symptoms of anxiety and restlessness, helps with sleep and has a sedative effect. When taken in appropriate doses, it is safe.

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After what time does passiflora take effect?

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The sedative and sleeping effects of passiflora are felt approximately 30-90 minutes after ingestion. A reduction in stress and anxiety can be felt after a few days of use. Best effects are achieved with regular consumption.

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What not to combine passionflower with?

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Passionflower should not be combined with medications that affect the central nervous system such as sleep medications, antiepileptics, benzodiazepines. It is also inadvisable to consume alcohol during its use. A doctor should be consulted before consuming passionflower.

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Sources

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See all

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Akhondzadeh, S., Kashani, L., Mobaseri, M., Hosseini, S. H., Nikzad, S., & Khani, M. (2001). Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 26(5), 369-373. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00366.x

Appel, K., Rose, T., Fiebich, B., Kammler, T., Hoffmann, C., & Weiss, G. (2011). Modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 25(6), 838-843. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3352

Breivogel, C., & Jamerson, B. (2012). Passion flower extract antagonizes the expression of nicotine locomotor sensitization in rats. Pharmaceutical Biology, 50(10), 1310-1316. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2012.674535

Colomeu, T. C., de Figueiredo, D., de Matos da Silva, P., Fernandes, L. G. R., & Zollner, R. de L. (2022). Antiproliferative and Pro-Oxidant Effect of Polyphenols in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Passiflora alata Curtis on Activated T Lymphocytes from Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD SHILT/J) Mice. Antioxidants, 11(8), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081503

Flavonoids: An overview | Journal of Nutritional Science | Cambridge Core. (n.d.). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-nutritional-science/article/flavonoids-an-overview/C0E91D3851345CEF4746B10406908F52

Free radicals and antioxidants: Updating a personal view | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic. (n.d.). Retrieved 15 March 2023, from https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/70/5/257/1909866

Janda, K., Wojtkowska, K., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., & Skonieczna-Żydecka, K. (2020). Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 12(12), 3894. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123894

Jensen, T. S., & Finnerup, N. B. (2014). Allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain: Clinical manifestations and mechanisms. The Lancet Neurology, 13(9), 924-935. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70102-4

Ngan, A., & Conduit, R. (2011). A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Investigation of the Effects of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) Herbal Tea on Subjective Sleep Quality. Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), 1153-1159. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400

Panche, A. N., Diwan, A. D., & Chandra, S. R. (2016). Flavonoids: An overview. Journal of Nutritional Science, 5, e47. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2016.41

Passionflower. (n.d.). NCCIH. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/passionflower

Sarris, J. (2018). Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), 1147-1162. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6055

Studies on Passiflora incarnata Dry Extract. I. Isolation of Maltol and Pharmacological Action of Maltol and Ethyl Maltol. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb1958/22/5/22_5_1008/_article

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