Passiflora incarnata

Common Names:

Passion flower, purple passionflower, Maypop, wild apricot, Purple watch, Maypops, Passionflower and true passionflower.

Passiflora incarnata contains a rich blend of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and cyanogenic glycosides.

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Binomial Name:

Passiflora incarnata

Family:

Passifloraceae

Used Plant Parts:

All parts of the plant – leaves, flowers, stems.

Origin and Distribution:

Origin

The Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as the Purple Passionflower or Maypop, is a perennial vine with a rich historical background and uniquely designed flowers.

Its origins lie in the southeastern United States, encompassing areas from Virginia to Florida and extending west to Texas. The plant has been of interest to Native American tribes for its medicinal properties and to early European settlers for its ornamental and symbolic significance.

Distribution

Over time, the distribution of the Purple Passionflower has expanded beyond its native southeastern U.S. territories. It has been introduced to various parts of the world, including Europe and Asia, primarily as an ornamental plant.

This expansion highlights the plant’s adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions.

Habitat

In its natural habitat, the Passiflora incarnata thrives in a variety of settings. It is typically found in open fields, forest edges, and disturbed areas, where it prefers well-drained soils and ample sunlight. Despite this, it has shown a notable ability to adapt to partial shade.

Characterized by rapid growth and an extensive root system, the Purple Passionflower can cover large areas, demonstrating both its beauty and aggressive nature.

Botanical Description:

• Flower Structure: The most striking feature of Passiflora incarnata is its intricate flower. Each bloom, typically 6-8 cm in diameter, showcases a complex arrangement of petals and sepals.
  The flowers have five white to purple petals and five sepals, which are often a similar color to the petals, creating a layered look. In the center, a fringed corona adds to the ornamental appeal, radiating in filaments of purple and white.
  The reproductive parts, including stamens and a three-branched style, are prominently displayed, extending outward from the flower’s center.
• Leaves and Vines: The plant exhibits a climbing habit, using tendrils to grasp onto supporting structures. The leaves are alternate, deeply lobed (usually three lobes), and serrated. Their color is typically a vibrant green, offering a stark contrast to the purple and white of the flowers.
• Fruit and Seeds: After pollination, Passiflora incarnata produces oval fruits known as maypops. These fruits are roughly 5-8 cm in length, initially green, and mature to a yellowish color.
  Inside, the fruit contains numerous seeds surrounded by a pulpy, aromatic, and edible substance. The seeds are black or dark brown, encased in a hard outer shell.
• Root System: This species has a perennial root system, which allows it to survive and regrow annually. The roots are extensive and can spread widely, helping the plant to stabilize and acquire nutrients and water efficiently.
• Adaptations: Passiflora incarnata has adapted well to various environmental conditions. Its tendrils allow it to climb and maximize exposure to sunlight, while its extensive root system supports its growth in different soil types.

The compounds present in passion flower are known for their soothing properties, making it a traditional remedy for sleep enhancement.

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Active Ingredients:

• Flavonoids: One of the key groups of active compounds in Passiflora incarnata are flavonoids. These are a class of plant secondary metabolites (compounds not directly involved in the growth, development, or reproduction of an organism) known for their antioxidant properties (substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals).
  Examples include vitexin and isovitexin, which have been studied for their potential calming and anti-anxiety effects.
• Alkaloids: Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds commonly found in plants, often with significant pharmacological effects. In Passiflora incarnata, alkaloids like harmane may contribute to its sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties.
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): This is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps to regulate nerve excitability throughout the nervous system. Passiflora incarnata is thought to increase GABA levels in the brain, which may explain its calming effects.
• Saponins: These are compounds found in various plants that typically have a foam-forming characteristic. In medicinal contexts, saponins from Passiflora incarnata are of interest for their potential health benefits, including their role in immune system modulation and inflammation reduction.
• Phenolic Compounds: These are a large group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of phenol units. In Passiflora incarnata, they contribute to the plant’s antioxidant activity, which is crucial in protecting the body from oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body).
• C-glycosides: These are glycosides (compounds where a sugar is bound to a non-carbohydrate moiety, usually a small organic molecule) in which the sugar is bound through a carbon atom. C-glycosides in Passiflora incarnata, like vitexin, may play a role in the plant’s therapeutic effects, particularly in promoting relaxation and sleep.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

• Native American Medicine: For Native American tribes, particularly those in the southeastern United States, Passiflora incarnata was more than just a plant; it was a vital component of their medicinal repertoire.
  They utilized it primarily for its sedative and calming effects. It was often prescribed for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and hysteria. Moreover, Native Americans also used the plant as a poultice for wounds, boils, and earaches, exploiting its anti-inflammatory properties.
• European Traditional Medicine: After its discovery by European colonists, the Purple Passionflower quickly found its way into European traditional medicine. It was predominantly used as a sedative and a treatment for nervous disorders.
  Europeans were particularly intrigued by its potential to alleviate symptoms of epilepsy and hysteria. The plant was also used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties in treating headaches and menstrual cramps.
• South American Uses: In South America, where other species of Passiflora are native, indigenous cultures recognized the calming and sleep-inducing properties of these plants, which they used similarly to Passiflora incarnata.
  They often brewed it as a tea to soothe the nerves, treat insomnia, and even as a digestive aid.
• Modern Herbal Medicine: Today, the use of Passiflora incarnata in herbal medicine spans globally. It’s commonly found in sleep aids and anti-anxiety formulations.
  Herbalists and practitioners of complementary medicine value it for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making it a popular choice for managing day-to-day stress.
• Homeopathic Remedies: In homeopathy, Passiflora incarnata has been adopted as a remedy for conditions related to nervous exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and restlessness. It’s appreciated for its gentle action and compatibility with other homeopathic treatments.

Conventional Medicinal Uses

Research-Proven Medical Applications

• Anxiety and Stress Reduction: A study[1] published in the “Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics” (Akhondzadeh, Shahin, et al, 2001) found that Passiflora incarnata exhibits anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects comparable to the benzodiazepine drug Oxazepam, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative for managing mild anxiety disorders.
  This is attributed to its ability to increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.
• Sleep Disorders: Research in “Phytotherapy Research” (Ngan et al, 2011) demonstrated[2] the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata in improving sleep quality. Its sedative properties, likely due to flavonoid content and GABA modulation, make it beneficial in treating insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
• Menopausal Symptoms: A study[3] in ” Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research ” (Ramasamy, et al, 2019) highlighted the potential of herbal extracts of passion flower, valerian and hops in alleviating menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.
  Its phytoestrogenic properties, which mimic the action of estrogen, could be responsible for these benefits.
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms: Several studies[4] have tested the potential of medicinal passion fruit in alleviating and reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms (mainly used as pain relievers and acting on the central nervous system in the brain).

Once established, passionflower vines exhibit vigorous growth, often enveloping bushes and presenting a challenge to remove.

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Medical Applications Requiring Further Research

• Pain Management: Preliminary studies suggest a role in pain relief, particularly neuropathic pain, but further research is needed to understand the extent and mechanism of its analgesic properties.
• Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: While traditional use supports its anti-inflammatory role, more clinical trials are necessary to validate these effects and determine their scope in treating inflammatory conditions.
• Addiction Treatment: Early research indicates that Passiflora incarnata might aid in treating addiction, especially opioid withdrawal, by mitigating withdrawal symptoms. However, comprehensive clinical studies are required to substantiate these findings.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Some studies have explored its use in treating ADHD symptoms due to its calming effects, but conclusive evidence is still lacking.

Recommended Dosages

Passiflora incarnate is used for its calming and sedative properties. The recommended dosage varies based on the form in which it is used (such as tea, extract, or capsules) and the purpose of use.

It’s important to note that while generally considered safe, its use should be guided by healthcare professionals, especially in children and pregnant or nursing women.

Adults

• Tea: A common preparation is tea, made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. This can be consumed 2-3 times a day for anxiety or sleep disorders.
• Extracts: Liquid extract forms are often used, with a typical dosage being 10-30 drops of the extract in water or juice, three times a day.
• Capsules/Tablets: When taken in capsule or tablet form, a general recommendation is 200-500 mg of dried herb up to three times daily.

Children

Generally, lower doses are recommended, often half the adult dose, depending on the child’s age and weight. However, clinical evidence supporting specific pediatric dosages is limited, and its use in children should be approached with caution.

Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety:

Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: One of the most common side effects of Passiflora incarnata is drowsiness or sedation, given its use as a sleep aid and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing agent).
• Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness or confusion, particularly at higher doses.
• Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can occur, especially in those with sensitive stomachs or when taken on an empty stomach.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, and swelling are possible, particularly in individuals with plant allergies.

Drug Interactions:

• Sedatives: Passiflora incarnata can enhance the effects of sedative drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and some antidepressants. This can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced motor coordination.
• Blood Thinners: There is a potential interaction with anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) like warfarin, as Passiflora incarnata might enhance their effects, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Blood Pressure Medications: It may interact with blood pressure medications, potentially leading to an unexpected drop in blood pressure.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining MAOIs with Passiflora incarnata can lead to high blood pressure and other serious heart-related side effects due to potential tyramine interaction.

Different parts of the Passion Flower are symbolically linked to the events of Jesus’ scourging, the crowning with thorns, and the crucifixion.

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Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to limited research, it is advised to avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Surgery: Given its sedative properties, it’s recommended to stop using Passiflora incarnata at least two weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid excessive sedation.

Bibliography