Passion flower
( Passiflora incarnata ) is a vine whose leaves and flowers are
widely used in Europe to make a herbal remedy
for anxiety and insomnia . The plant, which is native to the tropical
regions of North America , was first used by
the Aztecs of Mexico as a folk remedy for these conditions. Passion flower is
also known as maypop, apricot vine, passion vine, and granadilla. It grows as
much as 30 ft (10 m ) tall, with a thick, woody stem.
Passion flower has
been researched for its sedative and anxiolytic effects. A 1986 survey of
British herbal sedatives revealed passion flower as the most popular. Other
popular species included Valeriana officinalis , Humulus lupulus , and
Scutellaria lateriflora . Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia lists many
multi-ingredient preparations from other countries.
The pharmacological
activity of Passiflora is attributed primarily to the alkaloids and flavonoids.
The harmala alkaloids inhibit monoamine oxidase, which may account for part of
their pharmacologic effect.
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