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Passionflower
( Passiflora incarnata )
Family
Passifloraceae
Synonyms
Passion vine, purple
passionflower, maypops
Character
Anodyne, antispasmodic,
antibiotic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine, sedative (mild).
Description
This family of herbs has 12
genera and over 500 species of plants which grow in warm tropical regions
and are especially abundant n South America. They can be described as woody,
herbaceous vine plants with prominent tendrils. Many species of this family
bear edible fruits which some believe are related to the papaya plant.
Phytochemistry
Glycosyl flavonoids, alkaloids,
phenols, tannins and cyanogenic compounds have been found in this family of
plants. the plants also contain an acetylenic compound which is thought to
give them their antibiotic properties.
Traditional rain forest use
The Kubeos administer fruit
extracted from Passiflora laurifolia to children to treat sore
throats. They also make teas to induce sleep. The Desanos bathe the eyes
with a leaf decoction of a related species to treat conjunctivitis. The
Tikunas use a similar application made of the juice from crushed flower buds
to soothe eye inflammations. The Mayan peoples of the Yucatan in Mexico used
passionflower to treat insomnia, hysteria and convulsions in children.
Modern medicinal applications
Used as an effective nervous
system calmant in Europe, passionflower is recommended for anyone trying to
get off pharmaceutical sleeping pills. In Italy it is used to treat
hyperactive children. It is suggested for eye inflammations, hyperactivity,
alcoholism, anxiety, eye inflammations, insomnia, nervousness, headaches,
hyperactivity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, asthma, hormonal in
balances, and stress.
Authentication
Relatively unknown is the fact
that passionflower contains low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin,
which naturally calms the brain, thus achieving relaxation. It is the
harmane alkaloids in the herb which have demonstrated their ability to relax
smooth muscle and expand the coronary arteries of the heart, thereby
decreasing blood pressure. Additional research has also found that
passionflower exerts an anti-inflammatory action making it useful for
conditions like arthritis. Antibiotic activity may be due to the presence of
an acetylenic compound.
Safety
No known toxicity |
