Fresh Passionflower Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Passionflower, maypop, Passiflora incarnata L., Passiflora incarnata
Overview
Passiflora incarnata aerial parts extract is derived from the above-ground parts of the passionflower plant, including leaves, stems, and flowers. Traditionally, it has been used for its calming properties, particularly in managing anxiety, insomnia, and certain neuropsychiatric disorders. Its pharmacological effects are attributed to key bioactive constituents such as flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin), indole alkaloids (harman derivatives), and coumarins. The extract is primarily valued for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and mild sedative properties. Research on passionflower extract is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, though standardization of extracts can vary.
Benefits
Passionflower extract demonstrates significant anxiolytic effects, with multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews reporting reductions in anxiety levels, including preoperative anxiety. For instance, studies have shown it can reduce anxiety before spinal anesthesia without causing significant sedation or respiratory depression. While human data are less robust, some animal and limited human studies suggest potential sleep-enhancing effects. A systematic review concluded that *P. incarnata* may alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and mild depression without impairing cognitive or psychomotor functions. Effect sizes for anxiety reduction are statistically significant in well-controlled trials, with benefits typically observed within hours to days of administration.
How it works
The anxiolytic effects of passionflower extract are primarily mediated through its interaction with the GABAergic system in the brain. It works by inhibiting GABA uptake in cortical synaptosomes, which increases the availability of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability. Additionally, it modulates GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, though it does not directly bind to the benzodiazepine site. Flavonoids like apigenin may contribute to sedative effects by binding to central benzodiazepine receptors, while alkaloids structurally resemble benzodiazepines, potentially enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission. The bioavailability of these compounds depends on the extract preparation, as flavonoid glycosides and alkaloids are absorbed but may undergo metabolism.
Side effects
Passionflower extract is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials at therapeutic doses. Common side effects are rare, and studies have not observed significant sedation, respiratory depression, or psychomotor impairment. While no significant drug interactions have been widely reported, caution is advised when combining passionflower with other central nervous system depressants due to potential additive effects. Contraindications include pregnancy, as there is insufficient safety data to recommend its use during this period. Although some evidence supports its use in children and adolescents for preoperative anxiety, more research is needed for these special populations.
Dosage
Effective doses of *Passiflora incarnata* extract in clinical trials typically range from 500 mg to 700 mg, administered orally. For anxiety management or before anxiety-provoking events like surgery, it is commonly taken 30 minutes to 1 hour prior. There is no established maximum safe dose, as doses used in trials have been well tolerated. The form of the extract, particularly its standardization to specific flavonoid and alkaloid content, is important for consistent efficacy and safety. Standardized extracts are generally preferred to ensure a reliable concentration of active compounds.
FAQs
Is passionflower extract safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term data exist; however, short-term use of passionflower extract appears to be safe and well-tolerated.
Does it cause sedation?
Mild sedative effects are possible, but passionflower extract generally does not cause significant psychomotor impairment at therapeutic doses.
How quickly does it work?
Effects on anxiety can typically be observed within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration.
Can it replace benzodiazepines?
Passionflower may reduce anxiety with fewer side effects than benzodiazepines, but it is not a direct substitute for all patients or conditions.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/ – This RCT by Aslanargun et al. (2020) investigated the effect of Passiflora incarnata on preoperative anxiety. It found a significant reduction in anxiety compared to placebo in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia, with no reported sedation or respiratory depression, indicating its safety and efficacy in this context.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33352740/ – The systematic review by Sarris et al. (2020) synthesized findings from 9 RCTs on Passiflora incarnata. It concluded that the extract effectively reduces anxiety and stress symptoms without impairing cognitive function, highlighting its overall safety profile despite heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://applications.emro.who.int/imemrf/J_Med_Plants/J_Med_Plants_2013_12_45_1_6.pdf – This study by Hajiaghaee & Akhondzadeh (2013) combined an RCT with mechanistic insights, demonstrating Passiflora incarnata's anxiety-reducing effects via GABAergic modulation. It also confirmed the absence of psychomotor impairment, supporting its use as a non-sedating anxiolytic.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/passion-flower.html – This source provides a general overview of passionflower, including its traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological actions. It serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding the basic properties and applications of the herb.