Passion Flower (Passiflora
incarnata L.)
The aerial parts of Passion Flower have been believed to benefit various
conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and gastrointestinal disturbance.
Passion Flower is generally considered to be a safe herb with limited side
effects. However, adverse events have been reported in the past.
Passion Flower may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding and liver
damage. Users should avoid using Passion Flower together with monoamine
oxidase inhibitors, hypnotics, blood-thinning agents, and tyramine/tryptophan.
What are the active ingredients of Passion-flower?
Passiflora incarnata L. has isovitexin as one of the major flavonoids. The highest
concentration of isovitexin occurs between pre-flowering and flowering stages.
Passiflora incarnata has four major C-glycosidic flavonoids and they are
schaftoside, isoschaftoside, isovetexin-2''-O-glucopyranoside and
isoorientin-2''-O-glucopyranoside. [2] Its leaves contain the largest accumulation
of flavonids. [1]
What are the potent health benefits of Passion-flower?
Researchers from Universite de Metz, France, demonstrated the anxiolytic and
sedative effects of extracts of the aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata L.
(Passion-flower) and its indole alkaloids and flavonoids in a study of mice. [3]
Some other also showed similar effects of passion flower extract on anxiety in
animals. [9,10]
A tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) recently isolated from the methanol
extract of aerial parts of the plant Passiflora incarnata Linneaus had exhibited
encouraging results in countering the dependence produced by addiction-prone
substances like morphine, nicotine, cannabinoids and ethyl alcohol, during the
studies performed by the researchers. [5,11]
Researchers from Panjab University, India suggested the potential benefits of the
passion flower on asthma. They treated acetylcholine chloride
(Ach)-induced-bronchospasm in guinea-pigs with passion flower extracts at
doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. After 7-day treatment regimen, they noted a
significant prevention of dyspnoea-related-convulsions in animals. [6]
Researchers from Panjab University, India, suggest that a benzoflavone moiety
(BZF) extracted from passion flower may have value in treating nicotine addiction.
Those mice treated with the two highest doses of BZF,in combination with
nicotine showed significantly fewer nicotine-abstinence withdrawal jumps and
normal ambulatory behavior. BZF treatment also prevented weight loss and
resulted in normal performance in a swimming endurance test, which may be a
measure of stress and/or depression. Similarly, acute administration of a single
20 mg/kg dose of BZF prevented some of the nicotine-withdrawal effects; lower
doses were almost inert. [7]
Excessive long term consumption of alcohol and nicotine have serious
detrimental effects upon the libido, fertility, and sperm count in male species. In
an animal study, Indian researchers found that BZF speeds up the restoration of
sexuality in rats upon cessation of the administration of substances like alcohol,
nicotine and alcohol-nicotine combinations, which have severe detrimental
effects upon male sexuality, fertility and vigour. BZF, the strongest inhibitor of
aromatase enzyme, when administered concurrently with substances like
alcohol and nicotine restores sexual virility, libido and vigour in male rats by
maintaining the blood-testosterone levels to be high. [8]
What are the potent side effects of Passion-flower?
Low dose of passion flower is probably safe. A 34-year-old female developed
severe nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, prolonged QTc, and episodes of
nonsustained ventricular tachycardia following self-administration of a herbal
remedy, Passiflora incarnata L., at therapeutic doses. [4]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
FOR ANY QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION DO NOT COPY THIS ARTICLE
TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR BLOG(S) NOR ANY TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
[1] Menghini A, Mancini LA. TLC determination of flavonoid accumulation in clonal
populations of Passiflora incarnata L. Pharmacol Res Commun. 1988 Dec;20 Suppl
5:113-6. [2] Li QM, et al, Mass spectral characterization of C-glycosidic flavonoids isolated
from a medicinal plant (Passiflora incarnata). J Chromatogr. 1991 Jan 2;562(1-2):435-46.
[3] Soulimani R, et la, Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid
and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997
Jun;57(1):11-20. [4] Fisher AA, et al, Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin
Toxicol. 2000;38(1):63-6. [5] Dhawan K, et al, Attenuation of benzodiazepine dependence in
mice by a tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus: a non-habit
forming anxiolytic. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2003 May-Aug;6(2):215-22. [6] Dhawan K, et al,
Antiasthmatic activity of the methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata. Phytother
Res. 2003 Aug;17(7):821-2. [7] Dhawan K, et al, Nicotine reversal effects of the
benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice. Addict Biol. 2002
Oct;7(4):435-41. [8] Dhawan K, et al, Prevention of chronic alcohol and nicotine-induced
azospermia, sterility and decreased libido, by a novel tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety
from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in healthy male rats. Life Sci. 2002 Nov
15;71(26):3059-69. [9] Dhawan K, et al, Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts
of Passiflora incarnata. Fitoterapia. 2001 Dec;72(8):922-6. [10] Dhawan K, et al,
Suppression of alcohol-cessation-oriented hyper-anxiety by the benzoflavone moiety of
Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):239-44. [11]
Dhawan K, et al, Reversal of cannabinoids (delta9-THC) by the benzoflavone moiety from
methanol extract of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice: a possible therapy for
cannabinoid addiction. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Jun;54(6):875-81.
incarnata L.)
The aerial parts of Passion Flower have been believed to benefit various
conditions such as insomnia, anxiety and gastrointestinal disturbance.
Passion Flower is generally considered to be a safe herb with limited side
effects. However, adverse events have been reported in the past.
Passion Flower may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding and liver
damage. Users should avoid using Passion Flower together with monoamine
oxidase inhibitors, hypnotics, blood-thinning agents, and tyramine/tryptophan.
What are the active ingredients of Passion-flower?
Passiflora incarnata L. has isovitexin as one of the major flavonoids. The highest
concentration of isovitexin occurs between pre-flowering and flowering stages.
Passiflora incarnata has four major C-glycosidic flavonoids and they are
schaftoside, isoschaftoside, isovetexin-2''-O-glucopyranoside and
isoorientin-2''-O-glucopyranoside. [2] Its leaves contain the largest accumulation
of flavonids. [1]
What are the potent health benefits of Passion-flower?
Researchers from Universite de Metz, France, demonstrated the anxiolytic and
sedative effects of extracts of the aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata L.
(Passion-flower) and its indole alkaloids and flavonoids in a study of mice. [3]
Some other also showed similar effects of passion flower extract on anxiety in
animals. [9,10]
A tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) recently isolated from the methanol
extract of aerial parts of the plant Passiflora incarnata Linneaus had exhibited
encouraging results in countering the dependence produced by addiction-prone
substances like morphine, nicotine, cannabinoids and ethyl alcohol, during the
studies performed by the researchers. [5,11]
Researchers from Panjab University, India suggested the potential benefits of the
passion flower on asthma. They treated acetylcholine chloride
(Ach)-induced-bronchospasm in guinea-pigs with passion flower extracts at
doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. After 7-day treatment regimen, they noted a
significant prevention of dyspnoea-related-convulsions in animals. [6]
Researchers from Panjab University, India, suggest that a benzoflavone moiety
(BZF) extracted from passion flower may have value in treating nicotine addiction.
Those mice treated with the two highest doses of BZF,in combination with
nicotine showed significantly fewer nicotine-abstinence withdrawal jumps and
normal ambulatory behavior. BZF treatment also prevented weight loss and
resulted in normal performance in a swimming endurance test, which may be a
measure of stress and/or depression. Similarly, acute administration of a single
20 mg/kg dose of BZF prevented some of the nicotine-withdrawal effects; lower
doses were almost inert. [7]
Excessive long term consumption of alcohol and nicotine have serious
detrimental effects upon the libido, fertility, and sperm count in male species. In
an animal study, Indian researchers found that BZF speeds up the restoration of
sexuality in rats upon cessation of the administration of substances like alcohol,
nicotine and alcohol-nicotine combinations, which have severe detrimental
effects upon male sexuality, fertility and vigour. BZF, the strongest inhibitor of
aromatase enzyme, when administered concurrently with substances like
alcohol and nicotine restores sexual virility, libido and vigour in male rats by
maintaining the blood-testosterone levels to be high. [8]
What are the potent side effects of Passion-flower?
Low dose of passion flower is probably safe. A 34-year-old female developed
severe nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, prolonged QTc, and episodes of
nonsustained ventricular tachycardia following self-administration of a herbal
remedy, Passiflora incarnata L., at therapeutic doses. [4]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
FOR ANY QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION DO NOT COPY THIS ARTICLE
TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR BLOG(S) NOR ANY TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
[1] Menghini A, Mancini LA. TLC determination of flavonoid accumulation in clonal
populations of Passiflora incarnata L. Pharmacol Res Commun. 1988 Dec;20 Suppl
5:113-6. [2] Li QM, et al, Mass spectral characterization of C-glycosidic flavonoids isolated
from a medicinal plant (Passiflora incarnata). J Chromatogr. 1991 Jan 2;562(1-2):435-46.
[3] Soulimani R, et la, Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid
and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997
Jun;57(1):11-20. [4] Fisher AA, et al, Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin
Toxicol. 2000;38(1):63-6. [5] Dhawan K, et al, Attenuation of benzodiazepine dependence in
mice by a tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus: a non-habit
forming anxiolytic. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2003 May-Aug;6(2):215-22. [6] Dhawan K, et al,
Antiasthmatic activity of the methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata. Phytother
Res. 2003 Aug;17(7):821-2. [7] Dhawan K, et al, Nicotine reversal effects of the
benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice. Addict Biol. 2002
Oct;7(4):435-41. [8] Dhawan K, et al, Prevention of chronic alcohol and nicotine-induced
azospermia, sterility and decreased libido, by a novel tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety
from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in healthy male rats. Life Sci. 2002 Nov
15;71(26):3059-69. [9] Dhawan K, et al, Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts
of Passiflora incarnata. Fitoterapia. 2001 Dec;72(8):922-6. [10] Dhawan K, et al,
Suppression of alcohol-cessation-oriented hyper-anxiety by the benzoflavone moiety of
Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):239-44. [11]
Dhawan K, et al, Reversal of cannabinoids (delta9-THC) by the benzoflavone moiety from
methanol extract of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus in mice: a possible therapy for
cannabinoid addiction. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2002 Jun;54(6):875-81.
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Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Almond
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Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
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Reishi / Lingzhi
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THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS,
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
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