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Passionflower (passiflora) - properties, contraindications, side effects

Plants of the passion flower species (passiflora) can have a positive effect on our body. Find out what the scientific research says about this.

AuthorNina Wawryszuk

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Reviewed byWitold Tomaszewski

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Reviewed byWitold Tomaszewski

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Passionflower (passiflora) - properties, contraindications, side effects

29 April, 2024

12 min

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Passionflower plants can strengthen our bodies and positively affect our wellbeing. Find out why they are so intriguing to scientists and anyone who wants to take charge of their health naturally.

Don't let the alarming name fool you. Passionflower plants are some of the most beautiful in the world - but it is their health-promoting properties that make them particularly interesting. Passionflower can help with sleep complaints, anxiety and also chronic stress. But it doesn't stop there...

From this article you will learn:

What is passionflower and what properties it has
Who is recommended to use passionflower
What are the contraindications, interactions and side effects associated with taking passionflower

See also:

Passionflower (passiflora) - what is this plant?

Passiflora (Latin: Passiflora) is a plant native to regions in the intertropical and subtropical zones of North, Central and South Americaand.

There are more than 500 species of passion flower. The most popular of these are the fleshy passion fruit (passiflora incarnata), the blue passion fruit (passiflora caerulea) and the edible passion fruit (passiflora edulis sims). You will no doubt be familiar with the passion fruit. It is rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamin A and vitamin C passion fruitand.

Passiflora owes its health-promoting properties to the present in it:

flavonoids,
indole alkaloids,
glycosides,

These are naturally occurring compounds in plants with proven beneficial effects on our body. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, prevent the development of many diseases and delay the signs of ageing in the bodyand.

You can read more about the best researched variety of passion fruit in the article: Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) properties and effects.

Passionflower - properties

There are many scientific studies available worldwide on the different varieties of passionflower. The best researched is the fleshy passionflower. The results of the studies so far are encouraging and will especially please people struggling with prolonged stress, severe tension or sleep problemsand.

What does passionflower herb help with?

Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are most commonlyand:

problems falling asleep,
short and shallow sleep that does not regenerate the body,
frequent awakenings during the night,
insomnia,

Research suggests that passionflower may help alleviate symptoms of sleep disorders through its anti-anxiety effectsand.

Passionflower increases the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This compound reduces its activity, which has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Easier falling asleep means a greater chance of blissful, undisturbed sleep.

Moderate sleep problems can also be helped by melatonin.

See:

Anxiety disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health problem that manifests as, among other things, tension, anxiety, experiencing fear and significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and activitiesand.

GAD is most effectively treated with a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Research suggests that passionflower herb may prove to be an additional support in this process. Furthermore, the use of passionflower herb is not addictive and does not cause as many side effects as, for example, the benzodiazepines often used in GAD therapyand.

Stress and psychological distress

Research on passionflower suggests that it may increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It lowers brain activity, which may facilitate relaxation, reduce mental tension and improve overall wellbeingand.

Learn how other plants can help you combat stress.

Read the articles:

Ailments associated with menopause

Hot flashes during menopause are the bane of many menopausal women. Researchers have investigated the combination of passionflower with other herbs and their effect on relieving unpleasant menopausal symptoms. The results suggest that this natural combination of plants can alleviate annoying hot flashesand.

Pain of neurological origin

Neuralgia is the medical term for nervous system symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and burning in various parts of the body. The unpleasant discomfort is caused by a disruption or damage to the function of the nervous system.

Results to date are encouraging. In the future, this plant may be helpful in treating and alleviating the symptoms of these ailmentsand.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Some species of passionflower may help treat stomach problems. So far, in one study involving animals, researchers have investigated the potential of stink passionflower (passiflora foetida) to treat stomach ulcers. The results suggest that it has the potential to relieve these unpleasant symptoms. To confirm this, more studies involving humansand are needed.

Prevention of lifestyle diseases through antioxidant effects

Many substances contained in herbs have antioxidant potential due to the compounds they contain, such as flavonoids. In studies, passiflora foetida has shown high potential as an antioxidant and in the future may have applications in the prevention of various lifestyle diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetesand.

More research with humans is needed to confirm passionflower's significant effect on the prevention of these diseases, but it cannot be denied the antioxidant potential highlighted by some studies .

Treatment of addiction

Research on a group of opiate and nicotine addicts suggests that passionflower in combination with medication (e.g. clonidine) may be helpful in reducing the unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal from these harmful substances .

Passionflower - uses

Passionflower is included in many medicines and nutritional supplements. They can be taken in the form of capsules, drops or aqueous extracts, among others. There are also compounded products on the market with calming and sleep-enhancing effectsand.

Popular compounded dietary supplements, in addition to passionflower, include:

melatonin,
vitamin B6,
valerian root extract,
hop cone dry extract,
extract of lemon balm leaves,
extract of peppermint leaves,

When is it worth reaching for passionflower herb?

Passionflower can help you ifand:

You feel mentally tense and suffer from stress.
You have trouble calming down before sleep, falling asleep, or waking up frequently during the night.
You have trouble calming down before sleep, falling asleep, or waking up frequently during the night.
You suffer from neuropathic pain.
You are going through a difficult time of menopause.
You want to support your body naturally.

Products with passionflower

Healthiness

For a Good Night's Sleep

Herb extracts of hops and passionflower, melatonin and magnesium and vitamin B6 for people who have trouble falling asleep.

Nervina Antistress Forte

Forget Stress

Composition of plant extracts enriched with magnesium, niacin and vitamin B6 for people under stress and with sleep problems.

Deprescaps

Sooth the Nerves

Valued ingredients in herbal medicine that support the body during periods of increased nervous tension.

Petal passionflower - contraindications

Plant-derived products are generally safe as long as they are consumed in healthy amounts and do not interact with other medicines, dietary supplements or herbs.

See below for information on when to be extra cautious if you want to try passionflowerand.

Pregnancy

Passionflower herb should not be consumed during pregnancy. The plant may induce uterine contractions and lead to premature birth .

Breastfeeding

Passionflower is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Little is known about the safety of these plants and about their effects on a nursing babyand.

Sedative use

Parrot has an effect on the central nervous system. Caution should be exercised when using passionflower and other centrally acting drugs (e.g. sedatives or sleeping pills) at the same time. This can lead to excessive drowsiness and breathing problemsand.

dr. n. hab. — .
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
.

Age of under 12 years

Passionflower herb is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. If your child is cranky, has trouble sleeping or you are concerned about other symptoms, see your GPand.

Do you need help?

. Make an appointment

Driving and operating machinery

Passionflower herb may cause drowsiness. Are you using passionflower? Avoid driving and operating machineryand.

Passionflower - side effects

Can the consumption of passionflower herb be dangerous? Here is the opinion of Dr. Witold Tomaszewski, M.D..

dr. n. — .
Witold Tomaszewskidoctor of medical sciences
.

Side effects that may occur includeand:

insomnia,
dizziness,
disorientation,

See also health articles:

Passionflower plants are of interest not only to natural medicine enthusiasts, but also to scientists. Research into the properties of passionflower is ongoing and it could be a future addition to the treatment of a number of ailments.

Summary

Ahead of you... a well-concentrated extract of the most important information from the article:

Passiflora is a group of more than 500 plant species. The most popular and best researched of these is the passionflower.
Passiflora is the most popular and best researched of these.
Passiflora can be helpful in the treatment of sleep disorders, generalised anxiety, and has been shown to have a relaxing and calming effect.
Passiflora is also known to help with sleep disorders and generalised anxiety.
Passionflower herb has antioxidant effects - it protects the body against many diseases and can slow down the ageing process.
The use of passionflower can support women during menopause, as it relieves the hot flashes that accompany menopause.
Contraindications to the use of passionflower include: pregnancy, breastfeeding, age under 12 years, use of sedatives and sleeping pills.
Passionflower is considered safe for use, and unpleasant side effects are usually related to excessive consumption or interactions with medications or dietary supplements.

FAQ

What does passionflower work for?

Passionflower has been shown to have sedative, anti-anxiety effects and to help with sleep. According to scientific studies, the active compounds in passionflower help to reduce stress and tension levels and promote sleep. Extracts of this plant are present in many dietary supplements for sleep.

Is passionflower healthy?

Yes, passionflower (passiflora) is a plant with health-promoting effects on the human body. It shows a number of benefits especially for mental health. It alleviates symptoms of anxiety and anxiety, helps with sleep, and has a calming effect. Taken in appropriate doses, it is safe to use.

What does passionflower herb help with?

According to scientific studies, passionflower herb helps to reduce anxiety and worry, supports the treatment of sleep disorders, relieves hot flashes during menopause, may relieve pain of neurological origin and may be helpful in reducing unpleasant symptoms associated with drug withdrawal.

After what time does passionflower take effect?

The sedative and sleeping effects of passiflora (mint) are felt within 30-90 minutes of ingestion. The stress- and anxiety-reducing effects can be felt after a few days. The best effects are achieved with regular consumption.

What not to combine passionflower with?

Passionflower (passionflower) should not be combined with alcohol and drugs that affect the central nervous system such as benzodiazepines, sleep medication, antiepileptic drugs. Before using passionflower herb in any form, consult your doctor.

Does passionflower have an effect on sleep?

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

Does passionflower herb lower blood pressure?

Yes, according to scientific studies, passionflower can lower on blood pressure and be helpful for hypertension. If you suffer from hypertension and are taking medication, consult your doctor before using passionflower so that the effects of the plant and the medication do not exacerbate each other.

What are the contraindications to the use of passionflower?

Passionflower herb should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 12 years of age and people taking medications that affect the central nervous system, e.g. sedatives, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines.

Is passion fruit edible?

Whether passion fruit is edible depends on its species. Edible fruits have, for example, passion fruit (its fruit is passion fruit), granadilla, giant passion fruit and curaçao.

Sources

See all

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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

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