Scientific name
Passiflora incarnata L.
Family
Passifloraceae
Origin
America
Synonyms
Passion flowerParts Used
The drug consists of the flowering tops (Official Pharmacopoeia)
Chemical constituents
- Indole alkaloids (armano, passiflorina, harmine, armolo, harmaline, armalol);
- Tannins;
- Phytosterols;
- Phenolic acids;
- Trace essential oil;
- Cyanogenic heterosides;
- Flavonoids (hyperoside, vitexin, isovitexin, saponaria, rutin, apigenin, quercetin);
- Amino acids;
- Oxycoumarin;
- Fatty acids;
- Organic acids.
Passionflower in Herbalist: Properties of Passiflora
The clinical indications place passionflower as an excellent remedy in the anxious syndrome characterized by restlessness and insomnia, therefore the activities of the plant are mainly sedative and antispasmodic.
In addition to these properties, passionflower is useful in the treatment of menopausal disorders, such as tachycardia, dyspnoea, hot flashes and stress in general.
