"Passiflora Incarnata"
“Passiflora Incarnata"
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| Benefits | Studies | Chemical & Nutrient Content |
Growing | Suggestions |
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Genus: Passiflora
Species: P. incarnata Also known as: Passionflower, maypop, apricot vine, water lemon Parts used: Leaves |
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| Solaray Passion Flower Extract - 60 Veggie Caps |
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| Nature's Answer Passion Flower 2000MG - 1 Ounces Liquid |
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| Nature's Answer Passion Flower Extract 500 MG - 60 Veggie Caps |
Passiflora incarnata contains tranquilizing substances (maltol, ethyl-maltol and flavonoids) as well as stimulating substances (harmala chemicals). Making this herb an excellent nervine.
Researchers have concluded that passiflora incarnata has “complex activity” on the central nervous system with an overall mild tranquilizing / sedative effect despite the presence of stimulants. It is non-narcotic and there is no possibility of addiction. Another indication of the health benefits of herbs.
Passiflora incarnata can also be used as a digestive aid and in women's health. Its antispasmodic properties not only relaxes the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract but other smooth muscles such as the uterus; helpful with controlling menstrual discomfort.
One study shows passiflora incarnata helps relieve pain and two others show it kills disease causing molds, bacteria and fungi, thus supporting its Indian use in wound treatment.
Animal studies have shown the harmala chemicals in passiflora incarnata dilate the coronary arteries. Blocked coronary arteries result in heart attack; therefore, it could possibly help in prevention.
As with all herbal nutrition supplements, passion flower supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT:
Numerous flavonoids, maltol, coumarin derivates and a small amount of essential oil and alkaloids.
GROWING:
Passiflora incarnata or passion flower plants; also known as the “divine vine”, has a perennial root with annual tendrils and is fast growing so it will need something to climb; such as a fence or trellis. It can reach the height of as much as 30 feet.
The leaves on passiflora incarnata are a dull green and deeply divided into three to five lobes with serrated edges about four to six inches long. Its white flowers are three inches across tinged in purple with a sweet fragrance.
The passiflora incarnata also produces an oval yellowish berry about the size of a hen egg. It appears green and turns to orange as it matures. It is referred to as "maypop fruit" which is edible, although very seedy.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing nervine actions include balm, black cohosh, blue cohosh, chamomile, dong quai, ginkgo, ginseng, gotu kola, skullcap and valerian.
