Passiflora calcarata (Passifloraceae) Spurred Passionflower

Passiflora calcarata

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Passiflora calcarata

Family: Passifloraceae

Genus: Passiflora

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Passiflora incarnata (Jhumkalata/Jhummaka): A widely recognized species in herbal medicine, used globally as a sedative and anxiolytic. It is documented in modern herbal pharmacopoeias and sometimes referenced in contemporary Ayurvedic practice.

• Passiflora foetida (Stinking Passionflower): Used in various folk medicines for anxiety, insomnia, and skin conditions.

• Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit): Primarily cultivated for its fruit, but the leaves share some medicinal properties of the genus.

The Passifloraceae family is renowned for its species containing calming and sedative compounds, though P. calcarata itself is less documented than its relatives.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Passiflora calcarata | English: Spurred Passionflower | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. | Hindi: Jhummaka, Panch Pandav (shared name with other Passiflora spp.) | Tamil: Siru kodikkai, Ciruppunaikkirai | Telugu: Tella Jumiki | Kannada: Kukkiballi | Malayalam: Cirupunna | Marathi: Panch Pandav | Bengali: Jhumko Lata | Spanish: Pasiflora | French: Passiflore |

3. Medicinal Uses:Sedative, Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), Nervine, Mild Hypnotic (sleep-inducing), Antispasmodic.

Medicinal Parts:The aerial parts, particularly the leaves and stems, are used medicinally.

• Leaves and Stems: Used to prepare teas, decoctions, and tinctures.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Vitexin, Isovitexin, Chrysin): These are the primary bioactive compounds in many passionflowers. Their action is Anxiolytic and Sedative, believed to interact with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing nervous excitement.

Harmane Alkaloids (Harmala alkaloids in trace amounts): Some Passiflora species contain these, which can have MAO-inhibiting effects, but typically in concentrations too low to be significant in standard preparations. Their presence necessitates caution with other medications.

Cyanogenic Glycosides: Compounds like gynocardin may be present in some species. In small amounts, they are considered part of the plant's therapeutic profile, but high doses can be toxic.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Chittodvega (Anxiety) & Anidra (Insomnia)

Formulation: Leaf infusion or decoction.

Preparation & Use: In folk medicine traditions, particularly in South India, a tea made from the leaves of P. calcarata is used to calm the nerves, relieve restlessness, and promote restful sleep.

Reasoning: The flavonoid content is thought to support the calming of the nervous system, helping to ease the mind and prepare the body for sleep, similar to the more studied P. incarnata.

Antahshoola (Intestinal Colic) & Spasms

Formulation: Weak leaf tea.

Preparation & Use: A mild tea is sometimes given to relieve nervous stomach aches, cramps, and muscular spasms related to anxiety or tension.

Reasoning: The antispasmodic properties of the flavonoids may help relax smooth muscle tissue in the digestive tract.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal as a calming tea.

Calming Passionflower Tea

Purpose: To relieve nervous tension, anxiety, and mild insomnia.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1 teaspoon of dried Passiflora calcarata leaves (or 1-2 fresh leaves).

• Steep in 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes.

• Strain and drink 30-60 minutes before bedtime, or during periods of high stress. Limit to 1-2 cups per day.

Combination Sedative Decoction

Purpose: For more pronounced restlessness or sleeplessness (under guidance).

Preparation & Use:

• Mix equal parts dried Passiflora calcarata leaves and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root.

• Boil 1 teaspoon of this mixture in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink warm before bed.

7. Disclaimer:

Passiflora calcarata is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, due to the presence of various alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, it should be used in moderation. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may potentiate the effects of sedative and antidepressant medications (like benzodiazepines and SSRIs). Do not combine with MAO inhibitor drugs. Long-term safety data is lacking. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, especially for diagnosed anxiety or sleep disorders.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (Chapter on Nervine Herbs)

• Ethnobotany of the Western Ghats (regional studies)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Passiflora incarnata (Maypop Passionflower)

• Species: Passiflora incarnata | Family: Passifloraceae | Genus: Passiflora

• Similarities: This is the most clinically studied species for anxiety and insomnia. It shares an almost identical phytochemical profile (flavonoids like vitexin) and medicinal applications, serving as a pharmacological reference point for understanding P. calcarata.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

• Species: Withania somnifera | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Withania

• Similarities: While an adaptogen with broader systemic effects, Ashwagandha shares significant anxiolytic and sedative properties. Both are used in Ayurvedic and folk traditions to calm Vata dosha, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, though their mechanisms of action differ.

3. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)

• Species: Valeriana officinalis | Family: Caprifoliaceae | Genus: Valeriana

• Similarities: A classic Western herbal sedative, Valerian is used for the same core indications as Passionflower: insomnia and anxiety. Both are thought to work via the GABA system, providing a cross-cultural comparison of nervine herbs.

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