Passiflora foetida (Passifloraceae) Stinking Passionflower

Passiflora foetida (Stinking Passionflower)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Passiflora foetida

Family: Passifloraceae

Genus: Passiflora

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Passiflora incarnata (Maypop, Krishna Kamal): The most widely recognized medicinal passionflower, used as a sedative, anxiolytic, and nervine tonic in Western herbalism and Ayurvedic integrative practice.

• Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit): Primarily cultivated for its edible fruit, also shares some mild calming properties.

The Passifloraceae family is characterized by climbing vines with unique, complex flowers, many of which possess significant central nervous system activity.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Passiflora foetida | English: Stinking Passionflower, Wild Water Lemon, Running Pop | Sanskrit: Not classically documented; sometimes referred to as Jhumkalata in modern compilations. | Hindi: Jangli Passionfruit, Popphali | Tamil: Mupparisavalli, Siru Cheddi | Telugu: Tellajumiki | Kannada: Kukki Balli | Malayalam: Malamkaythonda, Poochapazham | Marathi: Lankamodak | Bengali: Jhumkalata | Spanish: Pasionaria Hedionda | French: Passiflore Fétide |

3. Medicinal Uses:Sedative, Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (pain-relieving), Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow).

Medicinal Parts:The whole aerial plant (leaves, stems, flowers) is used, though the leaves are most common.

• Leaves: The primary part used for infusions and poultices.

• Fruit: The ripe, pulpy aril surrounding the seeds is edible. The unripe fruit and seeds are considered toxic.

• Whole Plant: Used in decoctions and extracts.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Cyanogenic Glycosides (Gynocardin): Found primarily in the leaves and unripe fruit. These compounds can release cyanide, which in very small, controlled doses may contribute to sedative and analgesic effects, but in excess are toxic. This necessitates careful use.

Flavonoids (Vitexin, Iso-vitexin, Chrysin): These are key bioactive compounds. Their actions include Anxiolytic and Sedative effects through interaction with GABA receptors in the brain, similar to P. incarnata.

Alkaloids (Harmala Alkaloids in trace amounts): May contribute to the plant's psychoactive and antispasmodic properties.

Saponins and Tannins: Contribute to Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, and Astringent properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Chittodvega (Anxiety) & Anidra (Insomnia)

Formulation: Leaf infusion or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A tea made from the dried leaves is used in folk medicine across the Americas, Asia, and Africa to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

Reasoning: The flavonoid compounds, particularly chrysin and vitexin, are believed to modulate GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) pathways in the central nervous system, inducing relaxation and sedation.

Shoola (Pain) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or wash.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to headaches, inflamed joints, skin rashes, and wounds. A leaf decoction is used as a wash for skin infections and hemorrhoids.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial phytochemicals help reduce local swelling, pain, and prevent infection.

Jwara (Fever) & Mutrakrichra (Dysuria)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A weak decoction of the plant is used as a traditional remedy to reduce fever and as a diuretic to ease painful urination.

Reasoning: The diuretic effect helps flush the system, while the anti-inflammatory action may address underlying causes of discomfort.

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

The ripe, red or orange pulp (aril) surrounding the seeds is edible and sweet, often sucked directly from the fruit. The leaves are used only medicinally.

Calming Infusion for Anxiety

Purpose: To relieve nervous tension and mild insomnia.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1 teaspoon of dried Passiflora foetida leaves.

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

• Strain and drink 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Limit to 1 cup per day.

Topical Leaf Poultice for Headache

Purpose: To soothe tension headaches or local inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a few fresh, clean leaves into a paste.

• Apply directly to the forehead or temples and leave on for 15-20 minutes.

7. Disclaimer:

Passiflora foetida contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can be TOXIC in large quantities or if improperly prepared. INTERNAL USE IS NOT ADVISED WITHOUT EXPERT GUIDANCE. The unripe fruit and seeds are particularly toxic and should never be consumed. Signs of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, vomiting, and respiratory distress. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should absolutely avoid it due to its emmenagogue and potential toxic effects. This plant should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbal practitioner who understands its preparation and dosing. This information is for academic and identification purposes only.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants by A. N. M. Alamgir

• Passiflora: Passionflowers of the World by Torsten Ulmer and John M. MacDougal

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 pharmacopoeial standard for medicinal passionflower. It is extensively researched and used for anxiety, insomnia, and neuralgia without the high levels of cyanogenic glycosides found in P. foetida. It is the safer choice for herbal preparations.

2. Valeriana officinalis (Tagara)

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

• Similarities: Both are premier sedative and anxiolytic herbs that act on the GABA system. While their phytochemistry differs (valerenic acids vs. flavonoids), they are used therapeutically for similar indications—nervous unrest, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

3. Evolvulus alsinoides (Vishnukranta)

• Species: Evolvulus alsinoides | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Evolvulus

• Similarities: Both are climbing/vining plants used traditionally as calming nervines and brain tonics for anxiety and mental stress, showcasing a convergent traditional use for nervous system support.

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