Passiflora incarnata is one of the best-documented species of the over 500 Passiflora genus with therapeutic properties. The aerial parts of the plant, flowers, and fruits are used for medicinal purposes.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in controlling different vigilance states. GABA receptors are the targets of many pharmacological active ingredients as over 20% of all neurons in the brain are estimated to be GABAergic.
Evidence was shown that numerous pharmacological effects of P. incarnata are mediated via modulation of the GABA system, including affinity to different GABA receptors, and effects on GABA uptake.
Passionflower is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
The results from a study suggest that Passionflower is an effective drug for the management of generalised anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of job performance with Passiflora extract compared to oxazepam is an advantage.
In outpatient surgery, the other study concluded that administration of oral Passionflower as a premedication reduces anxiety without inducing sedation as well as being helpful in reducing anxiety with dental procedures or other medical procedures.
As per Fahami et al study the Passionflower group had a significant decrease in menopausal symptoms throughout the third and the sixth weeks of study, therefore Passiflower was reported as an alternative treatment for treating menopausal symptoms such as insomnia, depression, anger, headache and other vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) for those having contraindications to hormonal treatment. The author suggested that these herbal medicines could be used as an alternative to hormone therapy in menopausal or perimenopausal women.
Passionflower is often used for its calming effects and to help with insomnia. It has been used traditionally for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep.
The referenced research on mice indicateded an effectiveness of P. incarnata in the treatment of various neuropathic pain conditions.
Some studies indicated beneficial effects in various addiction protocols, including alcohol dependance, smoking cessation, opioid withdrawaland cannabinoid addiction.
