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Passion Flower

Table of Contents

  1. Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata): A Comprehensive Guide
    1. Description
    2. Botanical Info
    3. History
    4. Chemistry
    5. Passion Flower as a Mild MAOI
    6. Pharmacology
    7. Effects
    8. Use
    9. Medicinal Use
    10. Warnings
    11. Growing
    12. Storage
    13. References

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata): A Comprehensive Guide

 

Passion Flower, also known as Passiflora incarnata, is a beautiful and fascinating plant with a long history of medicinal use. The plant is native to North and South America and is known for its striking purple flowers and unique fruit. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Passion Flower, including its description, botanical info, history, chemistry, pharmacology, effects, use, medicinal use, warnings, growing, and storage.

 

Description

 

Passion Flower is a perennial vine that can grow up to 30 feet in length. The plant has lobed, palmate leaves and produces showy purple and white flowers that bloom from June to September. The fruit of the plant is a yellow-green berry that is about the size of a hen's egg.

 

Botanical Info

 

Passion Flower is a member of the Passiflora genus and the Passifloraceae family. The plant is native to North and South America and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal properties. Passion Flower is a climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet in length and produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that are typically 3-4 inches in diameter.

 

History

 

Passion Flower has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant was first used by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety and insomnia. The plant was also used by Aztecs to treat wounds and as a sedative. The plant was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where it quickly gained popularity as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia.

 

Chemistry

 

Passion Flower contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. The plant's primary active ingredients are believed to be harmine, harmaline, and harman, which are all mild MAO inhibitors.

 

Passion Flower as a Mild MAOI

 

MAO inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Passion Flower contains mild MAO inhibitors that may help to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in a calming effect.

 

Pharmacology

 

Passion Flower has been shown to have sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic effects. The plant is believed to work by increasing the levels of GABA in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect. Passion Flower is also believed to have mild antipsychotic effects, which may be due to its ability to inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase.

 

Effects

 

Passion Flower is known for its calming and sedative effects. The plant has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Passion Flower may also help to relieve muscle tension and spasms.

 

Use

 

Passion Flower can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule. The plant is also available in a variety of other forms, including extracts, powders, and dried herbs. Passion Flower is typically consumed before bed to help with sleep or during the day to help relieve anxiety.

 

Medicinal Use

 

Passion Flower is used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and spasms. The plant is also used to treat pain, menstrual cramps, and high blood pressure. Passion Flower has also been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.

 

Warnings

 

Passion Flower is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, the plant may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, sedatives, and blood pressure medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Passion Flower, as the plant may cause ut

erine contractions and affect fetal development. Additionally, Passion Flower may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming the plant.

 

Growing

 

Passion Flower is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be grown in a variety of soil types. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can be propagated through cuttings or seeds. Passion Flower vines can grow quite large, so it is important to provide support, such as a trellis or fence, for the plant to climb on.

 

Storage

 

Passion Flower can be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The plant can be dried and stored as a tea or used to make tinctures and extracts.

 

References

 

1. Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):363-7.

2. Dhawan K, Kumar S, Sharma A. Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Dec;78(2-3):165-70.

3. Grundmann O, Wang J, McGregor GP, et al. Anxiolytic activity of a phytochemically characterized Passiflora incarnata extract is mediated via the GABAergic system. Planta Med. 2008 Nov;74(13):1769-73.

4. Miroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, et al. Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jul 9;150(3):791-804.

5. Mouhamed Y, Vishnupriya M, Wahi A, et al. Neuropharmacological Effects of Passiflora incarnata L. in Rodents. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Apr 22;11:401.

 

This article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advise. You can find similar articles to this one in our encyclopedia. Did you enjoy reading this article and do you like to write? If so, we are looking for writers.

Updated on 28 Apr 2023