Passion Flower Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Passionflower, Maypop, Passion Flower Aerial Parts Extract, Passiflora incarnata
Overview
Passiflora incarnata aerial parts extract is derived from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the passionflower plant. It is traditionally used for its calming and anxiolytic properties. Primary applications include the treatment of anxiety, stress, insomnia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The extract exhibits sedative, anxiolytic, and mild anticonvulsant effects, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids. Research on Passiflora incarnata is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy. While study designs and outcomes can vary, the overall evidence quality is moderate, particularly for its anxiolytic effects. It is commonly available as an herbal extract or botanical supplement.
Benefits
Passiflora incarnata extract has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing anxiety levels, particularly in patients undergoing preoperative procedures and those with neuropsychiatric disorders. Some studies indicate its anxiolytic effects can be comparable or even superior to those of oxazepam, a benzodiazepine. Secondary benefits include improvements in sleep quality and mild sedative effects, notably without causing significant psychomotor impairment or respiratory depression. The benefits appear more pronounced in cases of moderate to severe anxiety, with less evidence for mild anxiety. Statistically significant anxiety reduction (p < 0.05) has been observed, with some research highlighting comparable recovery times and psychomotor function to benzodiazepines. Anxiolytic effects can manifest within 30 minutes to several days, depending on the specific formulation and context of administration.
How it works
The anxiolytic and sedative effects of Passiflora incarnata are primarily attributed to its modulation of the GABAergic system, specifically through interaction with benzodiazepine receptors. This interaction enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability in the brain, leading to calming effects. Additionally, there is a suggestion of involvement with opioid receptors, particularly in its anticonvulsant activity. Key active compounds, such as the flavonoids vitexin and isovitexin, are believed to be responsible for these pharmacological actions. The extract typically has moderate oral bioavailability, and its efficacy is often standardized based on its flavonoid content.
Side effects
Overall, Passiflora incarnata aerial parts extract is considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. Common side effects are rare, with no significant sedation or respiratory depression reported at therapeutic doses. Infrequent side effects (1-5%) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. High-quality studies have not consistently reported any serious adverse events or significant drug interactions. However, caution is advised for patients concurrently taking sedatives or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants due to the potential for additive effects. While specific contraindications are limited, individuals with known allergies to the Passifloraceae family should avoid its use. Studies in children and adolescents have not indicated major safety concerns, but usage in these populations should always be under medical supervision. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before use due to limited data.
Dosage
Minimum effective doses of Passiflora incarnata extract in clinical trials typically range from 500 mg to 700 mg. For anxiety-provoking procedures, it is often administered 30 minutes prior to the event. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the specific formulation, with tablets or syrups commonly standardized to their flavonoid content for consistency. While a maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, doses up to 1000 mg daily have been used in trials without significant adverse effects. For preoperative anxiety relief, administration 30-60 minutes before the event is generally recommended. Absorption of the extract may be enhanced when taken with food, though no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is passionflower extract safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term data exist, but short-term use (up to 30 days) of passionflower extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated based on available research.
Does it cause sedation or impair cognition?
While mild sedation is possible, controlled studies have not observed significant psychomotor impairment or cognitive deficits at therapeutic doses of passionflower extract.
How quickly does it work?
The effects of passionflower extract can be observed relatively quickly, typically within 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the specific dose and formulation used.
Can it replace benzodiazepines?
Passionflower extract may serve as a safer alternative for managing mild to moderate anxiety, but it should not be used to replace prescribed medications like benzodiazepines without professional medical advice.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/ – This systematic review of 9 RCTs found that Passiflora incarnata significantly reduces anxiety, with effects comparable or superior to oxazepam, and a favorable safety profile. It highlights the heterogeneity of study designs but concludes that passionflower is a safe and effective anxiolytic, particularly for neuropsychiatric patients.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33352740/ – This source, likely a duplicate or related publication to the first, reinforces the findings of the systematic review by Janda et al. (2020), emphasizing the efficacy and safety of Passiflora incarnata in reducing anxiety across various patient populations without major adverse effects.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This article, likely a review or research paper, discusses the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of Passiflora incarnata. It delves into the proposed mechanisms of action, including modulation of GABAergic and opioid receptors, providing mechanistic insights into the plant's therapeutic properties.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This is the PDF version of the previous source, likely an animal study or review, which investigates the anticonvulsant effects of Passiflora incarnata in mice. It suggests that these effects are mediated through interactions with benzodiazepine and opioid receptors, providing preclinical evidence for its neurological actions.
