Passiflora edulis (Passifloraceae) Passion fruit

Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Passiflora edulis

Family: Passifloraceae

Genus: Passiflora

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Passiflora incarnata (Maypop): The primary species used in Western herbalism as a sedative and anxiolytic, officially recognized in pharmacopoeias like the German Commission E.

• Adenia hondala (Hondala): A toxic but medicinally used plant in Sri Lankan and South Indian traditional medicine, employed for its purgative and anti-inflammatory properties after careful detoxification processes.

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

The Passifloraceae family is primarily tropical, known for vines with unique flowers and fruits. While not native to the Indian subcontinent, several species have been introduced and adopted into traditional medicine practices globally.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Passiflora edulis | English: Passion Fruit, Purple Granadilla | Sanskrit: Not classically documented. Sometimes referred to as Krishna Kamala in modern Indian contexts. | Hindi: Passion Phal, Krishna Kamal | Tamil: Passion Palam, Kanna Thali | Telugu: Passion Pandu | Kannada: Passion Hannu | Malayalam: Passion Palam | Marathi: Passion Phal | Bengali: Passion Fol | Spanish: Maracuyá, Parcha | Portuguese: Maracujá | French: Fruit de la passion | German: Passionsfrucht |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), Sedative, Nervine, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hypotensive (mild), Analgesic (mild), Spasmolytic.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves, fruit pulp, and rind are the primary parts used medicinally.

• Leaves: Used for teas and extracts for anxiety and sleep.

• Fruit Pulp & Juice: Consumed for nutrition and antioxidant benefits.

• Rind/Peel: A source of antioxidants and pectin; used in extracts.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Vitexin, Isovitexin, Chrysin): These are considered the key bioactive compounds for the plant's nervine effects. Their action is Anxiolytic and Sedative, believed to interact with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep without being a narcotic.

Alkaloids (Harmala Alkaloids in trace amounts): Found in some Passiflora species; may contribute to MAO-inhibiting activity, affecting mood, but are present in negligible, safe quantities in P. edulis.

Cyanogenic Glycosides (in leaves and unripe parts): Compounds that can release cyanide. Their levels are low in mature leaves used for tea, but caution is warranted. Proper drying and preparation reduce this risk.

Vitamin C, Carotenoids, and Polyphenols (in fruit): Provide potent Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory actions, supporting immune function and reducing cellular oxidative stress.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Chittodvega (Anxiety) & Anidra (Insomnia)

Formulation: Leaf tea or tincture.

Preparation & Use: In traditional medicine systems in the Americas and now adopted globally, a tea made from the dried leaves of passion fruit is consumed 30-60 minutes before bedtime to alleviate nervousness, anxiety, and to induce restful sleep.

Reasoning: The flavonoids, particularly chrysin and vitexin, modulate the GABA system, producing a calming effect on the central nervous system, which helps quiet the mind and prepare the body for sleep.

Raktachaapa (Hypertension) & Hridroga (Heart Palpitations)

Formulation: Leaf tea or fruit juice.

Preparation & Use: The leaf tea is also traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, helping to lower mild hypertension and calm heart palpitations associated with anxiety.

Reasoning: The mild sedative and spasmolytic effects can help relax blood vessels and reduce nervous cardiac stimulation. The high potassium and antioxidants in the fruit also support heart health.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Ojakshaya (Immune Deficiency)

Formulation: Fresh fruit or juice.

Preparation & Use: The fruit is consumed regularly as a nutritive tonic to boost immunity, fight inflammation, and provide a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Reasoning: The high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin A (from carotenoids), and polyphenols directly combat free radicals, reduce systemic inflammation, and strengthen the body's natural defenses.

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

The fruit is widely consumed fresh, in juices, desserts, and smoothies. The leaves are used for medicinal tea.

Calming Passion Leaf Tea

Purpose: To relieve anxiety, stress, and promote sleep.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed passion fruit leaves.

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

• Strain and drink warm 1-2 times a day, especially before bed.

Immunity-Boosting Passion Fruit Smoothie

Purpose: A nutritious and antioxidant-rich drink.

Preparation & Use:

• Scoop out the pulp of 2-3 ripe passion fruits.

• Blend with 1 banana, 1 cup of yogurt or almond milk, and a teaspoon of honey.

• Drink as a healthy breakfast or snack.

7. Disclaimer:

Passiflora edulis fruit is generally recognized as safe. The leaf tea is considered safe for most adults in moderate amounts. However, due to its sedative properties, it may enhance the effect of pharmaceutical sedatives, barbiturates, or antidepressants. It should not be combined with MAO inhibitor drugs. The leaves contain trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides; therefore, tea should be made from properly dried leaves and not consumed in excessive quantities. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal use of the leaves due to insufficient safety data. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

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

• American Herbal Pharmacopoeia: Passionflower Leaf

• The Complete German Commission E Monographs

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal (for introduced species context)

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

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

1. Passiflora incarnata (Maypop)

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

• Similarities: This is the most clinically studied Passiflora for anxiety and insomnia. It is used interchangeably with P. edulis in herbal practice for its superior concentration of calming flavonoids and is the standard in Western herbalism.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

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

• Similarities: Both are premier adaptogenic nervines used to combat stress and anxiety. While Ashwagandha is more of a tonic that builds resilience over time, and Passionflower is more immediately calming, they are often combined in formulations for synergistic support of the nervous system.

3. Valeriana officinalis (Tagar)

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

• Similarities: Both are potent herbal sedatives used specifically for insomnia and nervous tension. They work on the GABA system, though through different phytochemical mechanisms. Passionflower is often considered gentler and less likely to cause morning grogginess than Valerian.

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