Other Names: Passiflora incarnata, maypop, wild apricot, wild passion vine
Passion flower, often referred to as passionflower and Passiflora incarnata, is a North American plant that has been used for centuries to promote calmness and relaxation — studies demonstrate that passion flower exhibits both soothing and aphrodisiac properties. Scientists believe that passion flower helps support healthy levels of the chemical GABA in the brain. GABA, short for chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid, promotes healthy responses to situations that may cause anxiety and stress. Therefore, by supporting adequate levels of this important neurotransmitter in the brain, passion flower helps the body naturally respond to stress and avoid depression.
Passion flower extract also helps support optimal energy levels, concentration, memory and mental clarity; all of which are especially useful when the body is trying to cope with stress and remain calm. Therefore, passion flower helps the mind and body respond in a healthier manner to stress and anxiety. It is also an antioxidant that has been shown to help protect cells from oxidative damage and support a healthy immune system.
Studies on Passion Flower:
- Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res. 2011 Aug;25(8):1153-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3400. Epub 2011 Feb 3.
- Movafegh A, Alizadeh R, Hajimohamadi F, Esfehani F, Nejatfar M. Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Anesth Analg. 2008 Jun;106(6):1728-32.
- Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res. 2011 Aug;25(8):1153-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3400. Epub 2011 Feb 3.
Links to studies on Passion Flower:
- Zhang DY, Luo M, Wang W, Zhao CJ, Gu CB, Zu YG, Fu YJ, Yao XH, Duan MH. Variation of active constituents and antioxidant activity in pyrola [P. incarnata Fisch.] from different sites in Northeast China. Food Chem. 2013 Dec 1;141(3):2213-9. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.05.045. Epub 2013 May 21.
- Ferreres F, Sousa C, Valentão P, Andrade PB, Seabra RM, Gil-Izquierdo A. New C-deoxyhexosyl flavones and antioxidant properties of Passiflora edulis leaf extract. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Dec 12;55(25):10187-93. Epub 2007 Nov 15.
- Brown E’, Hurd NS, McCall S, Ceremuga TE. Evaluation of the anxiolytic effects of chrysin, a Passiflora incarnata extract, in the laboratory rat. AANA J. 2007 Oct;75(5):333-7.
- Talcott ST, Percival SS, Pittet-Moore J, Celoria C. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant stability of fortified yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Feb 12;51(4):935-41.
- Pineli Lde L, Rodrigues Jda S, Costa AM, de Lima HC, Chiarello MD, Melo L. Antioxidants and sensory properties of the infusions of wild passiflora from Brazilian savannah: potential as functional beverages. J Sci Food Agric. 2015 May;95(7):1500-6. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.6852. Epub 2014 Sep 4.
- Ramaiya SD, Bujang JS, Zakaria MH. Assessment of total phenolic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of Passiflora species. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:167309. doi: 10.1155/2014/167309. Epub 2014 Jan 21.
- Wong YS, Sia CM, Khoo HE, Ang YK, Chang SK, Chang SK, Yim HS. Influence of extraction conditions on antioxidant properties of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2014 Jul-Sep;13(3):257-65.
- Rudnicki M, Silveira MM, Pereira TV, Oliveira MR, Reginatto FH, Dal-Pizzol F, Moreira JC. Protective effects of Passiflora alata extract pretreatment on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Apr;45(4):656-61. Epub 2006 Nov 2.
- Appel K, Rose T, Fiebich B, Kammler T, Hoffmann C, Weiss G. Modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L. Phytother Res. 2011 Jun;25(6):838-43. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3352. Epub 2010 Nov 19.
- Grundmann O, Wähling C, Staiger C, Butterweck V. Anxiolytic effects of a passion flower (Passiflora incarnata L.) extract in the elevated plus maze in mice. Pharmazie. 2009 Jan;64(1):63-4.
- Deng J, Zhou Y, Bai M, Li H, Li L. Anxiolytic and sedative activities of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Mar 2;128(1):148-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.043. Epub 2010 Jan 4.
- Soulimani R, Younos C, Jarmouni S, Bousta D, Misslin R, Mortier F. 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.
- Beaumont DM, Mark TM Jr, Hills R, Dixon P, Veit B, Garrett N. The effects of chrysin, a Passiflora incarnata extract, on natural killer cell activity in male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing abdominal surgery. AANA J. 2008 Apr;76(2):113-7.
- PK Mediratta, KK Sharma. Differential effects of benzodiazepines on immune responses in non-stressed and stressed animals. Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Shahdara, Delhi-110095.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to prevent, treat, cure, or diagnose any disease. Information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a physician if you are seeking medical advice or have a medical problem.