Passiflora incarnata (Passifloraceae) Passion flower

Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Passiflora incarnata

Family: Passifloraceae

Genus: Passiflora

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit): Primarily cultivated for its edible fruit, the leaves and flowers share mild sedative properties with P. incarnata.

• Passiflora foetida (Stinking Passionflower): Used in traditional medicine in various regions for anxiety, insomnia, and skin conditions.

The Passifloraceae family, while not native to the Indian subcontinent, consists of species prized in Western herbalism and ethnomedicine for their calming and sedative properties. P. incarnata is the primary species used in modern phytotherapy.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Passiflora incarnata | English: Passionflower, Maypop, Apricot Vine | Sanskrit: Not classically documented (non-native). Sometimes referred to as Vikasa lata in modern Indian herbal contexts. | Hindi: Passionflower, Jharmana phool | Tamil: Passionflower, Kiripasupu | Telugu: Passionflower | Kannada: Passionflower | Malayalam: Passionflower | Marathi: Passionflower | Bengali: Passionflower | German: Passionsblume | French: Passiflore | Spanish: Pasionaria, Flor de la Pasión |

3. Medicinal Uses:Sedative, Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), Hypnotic (sleep-inducing), Antispasmodic, Nervine, Analgesic (for nerve pain), Mild Antihypertensive.

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

• Aerial Parts (Leaves, Stems, Flowers): Used dried for teas, tinctures, and extracts.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Harmala Alkaloids (Harmane, Harmaline, Harmalol): These beta-carboline alkaloids are Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in mild to moderate potency. Their action contributes to the plant's Anxiolytic and Antidepressant effects by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Flavonoids (Vitexin, Isovitexin, Chrysin): These are considered the primary active constituents for sedation. Their action involves modulation of the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system, particularly binding to GABA-A receptors, producing Anxiolytic, Sedative, and Antispasmodic effects without being a potent muscle relaxant.

Maltol: A sugar derivative that may contribute to the Sedative and Sleep-promoting properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Anidra (Insomnia) & Chittodvega (Anxiety)

Formulation: Tea or tincture of the aerial parts.

Preparation & Use: In traditional Western herbalism and increasingly in global complementary medicine, passionflower tea or extract is used as a gentle sedative to promote restful sleep and to calm nervous anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.

Reasoning: The flavonoid-mediated GABA activity calms the nervous system, reduces mental chatter, and encourages sleep onset, while the harmala alkaloids provide a background mood-stabilizing effect.

Granthi Shoola (Neuralgic Pain) & Spasms

Formulation: Tincture or extract.

Preparation & Use: Used traditionally for nerve pain (neuralgia), shingles-related pain, and muscular spasms, including those associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.

Reasoning: The antispasmodic and mild analgesic properties help relax involuntary muscle contractions and soothe irritated nerves.

Raktachaapa (Hypertension) of Nervous Origin

Formulation: Tea or tincture.

Preparation & Use: Used for mild hypertension, especially when linked to stress and anxiety, by calming the nervous system and reducing sympathetic overdrive.

Reasoning: By alleviating anxiety, it indirectly helps lower blood pressure associated with stress. Some constituents may also have a direct mild vasodilatory effect.

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

The fruit (maypop) is edible but not the primary reason for cultivation. The plant is used almost exclusively as a medicinal herb.

Calming Passionflower Tea for Sleep & Anxiety

Purpose: To relieve nervous tension and promote natural sleep.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, chopped passionflower aerial parts.

• Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herb.

• Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.

• Strain and drink 1 hour before bedtime or during periods of acute anxiety.

Stress-Support Tincture Blend

Purpose: A portable formula for daytime anxiety or stress.

Preparation & Use:

• A commercial or homemade tincture of Passiflora incarnata (1:5 strength) is commonly used.

• A typical dose is 30-60 drops (1-2 mL) in water, up to 3 times daily.

• It is often blended with other nervines like lemon balm or skullcap.

7. Disclaimer:Passiflora incarnata is generally considered safe and non-habit forming. However, due to its GABAergic and mild MAOI activity, it should not be combined with prescription sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates), antidepressants (especially SSRIs and MAOIs), or alcohol without medical supervision. It may cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after use. It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before use, especially for individuals with a diagnosed mental health condition or those on medication. This information is for educational purposes only.

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

• Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.) - Chapter on Nervine Herbs.

• The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety by Simon Mills & Kerry Bone.

• Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy by Simon Mills & Kerry Bone.

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

1. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian)

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

• Similarities: Both are premier herbal sedatives and anxiolytics used specifically for insomnia and anxiety. They both act on the GABA system, though via different mechanisms (valerian is thought to influence GABA metabolism and reception). They are often used in combination for a synergistic effect.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

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

• Similarities: While Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that builds long-term resilience to stress, and Passionflower is a acute nervine sedative, they both are used for anxiety and insomnia. Ashwagandha addresses the cause (HPA axis dysfunction), while Passionflower addresses the symptom (acute nervous excitation). They can be complementary.

3. Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile)

• Species: Matricaria chamomilla | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Matricaria

• Similarities: Both are gentle, non-addictive nervines suitable for children and adults. They are used as mild sedative teas for restlessness, anxiety, and indigestion of nervous origin. Chamomile is milder and more digestive, while Passionflower is stronger for sleep and anxiety.

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