Description of passionflower
Passionflower, also known as “passionflower” or “passion flower”, is a type of flower that is widely used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Even though passionflower grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, most of the species used medicinally come from South America.
Passionflower contains various biologically active substances, including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and glycosides. Some of these compounds, such as glycosides, are known for their sedative properties.
Passionflower also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These substances can help improve overall health and support the immune system.
Pharmacological properties of passionflower
The main pharmacological properties of passionflower are its sedative, anxiolytic, sedative, anticonvulsant and antidepressant properties.
The soothing properties of passionflower have been confirmed in several studies. This property is due to its ability to reduce anxiety, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality. In addition, passionflower can help in reducing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
The anxiolytic properties of passionflower mean its ability to reduce the manifestations of anxiety, reduce mild manifestations of psychological stress, and reduce emotional stress.
The sedative properties of passionflower can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. Passionflower is known to not only help you fall asleep faster, but also reduces the number of awakenings during the night, increases total sleep time, and reduces the time spent falling asleep.
The anticonvulsant properties of passionflower may be useful in the treatment of certain diseases related to the nervous system. Passionflower is known to reduce the frequency and duration of seizures in animals. In studies on mice, Passiflora edulis extract had sedative and anticonvulsant properties
Antidepressant properties. Studies have shown that passionflower can improve mood and reduce anxiety and tension levels.
Passionflower can also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to its content of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. These properties can help improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and protect the body from free radicals.
Passionflower can also be used in combination with other herbs and plants to enhance its pharmacological properties. For example, a mixture of passionflower and valerian can be effective in improving sleep quality, and a combination of passionflower and lemon balm can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Useful and healing properties of passionflower
It is known that passionflower contains alkaloids that can have analgesic properties and reduce the severity of pain.
Passionflower can help improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, lower blood cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
Passionflower may also be beneficial for women’s health. Some studies have shown that passionflower can reduce symptoms
- premenstrual syndrome, such as soreness and irritability;
- menopause, such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
Some studies have also shown that passionflower may have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce inflammation in the body in the treatment of a number of diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and others.
However, like any other pharmacological drug, passionflower may have contraindications and side effects. Therefore, before using passionflower preparations, it is necessary to consult a medical specialist and follow the recommendations for dosage and use.
Contraindications and side effects of passionflower
Contraindications for the use of passionflower include pregnancy and breastfeeding, individual sensitivity to the components of the product. In addition, passionflower is not recommended for people taking certain medications, such as barbiturates and sleeping pills, as this can lead to an increase in their effects.
Some people may also experience side effects when using passionflower, which include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching and swelling may occur.
Scope and norms of passionflower
To achieve the best effect when using passionflower, it is necessary to observe certain dosage rates. To make tea from dried passionflower leaves, it is recommended to use 1-2 teaspoons per 250 ml of boiling water. Tea should be infused for 10-15 minutes and consumed 2-3 times a day. Passionflower is also available in the form of tablets, capsules and extracts. The dosage and use of these forms depend on the specific drug and should be agreed with a medical professional.
Method of application of Vioheals Passiflora: adults take 1-2 capsules 3 times a day before meals. For sleep disorders – 2-3 capsules 1 time 1 hour before bedtime. 1 capsule contains: passionflower (Passiflorae herba) dry extract – 100 mg; lactose, aerosil, talc.
In conclusion, passionflower has a wide range of medical applications due to its beneficial properties. It can be effective in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and nervous disorders, problems with the cardiovascular system and other diseases. However, a medical professional should be consulted before using passionflower to treat any medical condition, especially if you have any medical condition or are taking medication.
References:
- Janda K, Wojtkowska K, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 19;12(12):3894. doi: 10.3390/nu12123894. PMID: 33352740; PMCID: PMC7766837.
- Dhawan K., Dhawan S., Sharma A. Passiflora: A review update. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2004;94:1–23. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.02.023.
- European Medicines Agency . Assessment Report on Passiflora Incarnata L. herba. Volume 22 European Medicines Agency; Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 2014.
- Patel S. Passiflora Incarnata Linn: A phytopharmacological review. Int. J. Green Pharm. 2009;3:277–280. doi: 10.4103/0973-8258.59731.
- Sedative and anticonvulsant properties of Passiflora edulis dried leaves decoction in mice. E Ngo Bum, E Ngah, BC Ekoundi. Afr. J. Trad. CAM (2004) 1: 63-71.
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of the Pharmaceutical Factory “Viola”