The Passiflora incarnata plant grows freely worldwide despite urban encroachment. People use this flowering vine, commonly known as passion flower, for its flowers, leaves and fruit. Traditional healers also used the plant for its medicinal properties. Future research will likely reveal the health benefits of passion flower, but much work remains before its safety can be established. The extract, for example, causes drug interactions. Speak with a doctor before self-medicating with herbs.
Promotes Sleep
Sleep problems affect 37 percent of the population, according to a 2009 survey in "Sleep Medicine." Medications can treat these problems, but drugs often have side effects. Herbal remedies may provide support for conventional treatments. A 2011 paper in "Phytotherapy Research" looked at passion flower and sleep quality. Healthy adults first received either passion flower or an inert tea for a week. They then received the opposite treatment for an additional week. Results revealed that passion flower enhanced sleep quality, but the long-term effects of passion flower remain unknown.
Reduces Anxiety
The prevalence of anxiety disorders remains high despite medical advances. Psychiatric counseling can provide relief, but the cost of psychotherapy can be an economic burden. Herbal extracts may help reduce this burden. A 2008 article in "Anesthesia and Analgesia" evaluated the ability of passion flower to reduce hospital anxiety. Patients received either passion flower or an inert treatment immediately before surgery. Results indicated the herb significantly reduced anxiety. It did not adversely affect post-surgical recovery, and no negative reactions were reported. Chronic use, however, may not produce the same beneficial effects or an identical safety profile.
Enhances Desire
Sexual dysfunction has become common with the "graying" of society. Many over-the-counter supplements remain available despite concerns about ineffectiveness and safety. Herbal products may provide a better treatment option. A 2003 report in "Phytotherapy Research" tested the effect of passion flower on sexual behavior. Laboratory animals received either the herbal extract or an inert treatment during a single testing session. Passion flower increased the number of "mounts" by male rodents, indicating enhanced sexual desire. Effects were observed 95 minutes after receiving the treatment. The mice showed no evidence of toxicity. Results obtained in animals, however, may not apply to humans.
Prevents Oxidation
Oxidation likely plays a critical role in human aging. Oxidative stress within special cells called mitochondria create free radicals, increasing the age-related decline in organs. Some evidence suggests herbs have antioxidant properties that can reduce this damage. A 2008 study described in "Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica" tested this hypothesis using passion flower. Oxidation assays indicated the herb "caught" more free radicals than water. Further tests revealed that certain chemicals within the extract were responsible for the anti-free-radical properties of passion flower. Vicenin, isovitexin and orentin showed the most potent antioxidant effects. In the future, these substances may be in use to prevent aging.
References
- "Sleep Medicine"; Epidemiological and Clinical Relevance of Insomnia Diagnosis Algorithms According to the DSM-IV and the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD); Maurice M. Ohayon and Charles F. Reynolds III; 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Investigation of the Effects of Passiflora Incarnata (Passionflower) Herbal Tea on Subjective Sleep Quality; A. Ngan and Russell Conduit; Feb. 3, 2011
- "Anesthesia and Analgesia"; Preoperative Oral Passiflora Incarnata Reduces Anxiety in Ambulatory Surgery Patients; Ali Movafegh, et al.; June 2008
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Aphrodisiac Activity of Methanol Extract of Leaves of Passiflora Incarnata Linn in Mice; Kamaldeep Dhawan, et al.; April 2003
- "Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica"; Antiradical Activities of the Extract of Passiflora Incarnata; Ruta Masteikova, et al.; September-October 2008
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