Passiflora spp.
I’ve quickly scrolled past any references to the medicinal uses of passionflower for years. One quick look at that beauty tells you it belongs in a tropical climate with some humidity. There is no way it’s going to do well in a high desert with a short growing season.
Apparently I shouldn’t be so judgmental.
When I spotted the passionflower seeds at the feed store last week, I was really surprised. After all, stores usually only carry seeds that will actually grow in the area. So I took a look at the packet and was sufficiently suckered into bringing it home. Since passionflower needs warmth to germinate, I started several seeds in a damp paper towel on the mantle. I later put the rest of them out in the ground and we’ll see what we end up with.
But because it was still a little chilly, I decided I’d rather stay in bed and see what my herbal references had to say about passionflower. I expected only two of them to mention it. As a matter of fact, six of them cover the medicinal uses, and peer-reviewed journals address many more.
Before getting into the actual medicinal uses, it’s important to note that there are several species of passionflower. Passiflora incarnata is what has been historically used for medicinal purposes. Passiflora edulis is most commonly cultivated for commercial production of the passion fruit sold in grocery stores. Researchers note that the medicinal effects may differ from one species to the next, though little research has been conducted on this aspect.[1]
Nutritional value. Passion fruit is significant source of vitamins A, C, riboflavin, and niacin, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and potassium.[2] The mineral content of the peels and seeds is particularly high.[3]
EFFECTIVE AGAINST
· Bacteria
o Gram-positive
§ Listeria monocytogenes[4]
§ Propionibacterium acnes[5]
o Gram-negative
§ Escherichia coli[6]
· Fungi
o Aspergillus niger[7]
· Viruses
o Epstein-Barr[8]
PREPARATIONS
Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb (no roots) boiled 5-10 minutes in 2 cups water. Strain and use 3 times per day and before bed.[9]
Capsules: 1-2 350 mg capsules, 1-2 times per day.[10]
Tincture: Fresh flowering herb is preferred, 1:2; dried herb 1:5; 50% alcohol. Take ½-1½ teaspoons up to 4 times per day.[11]
USAGE
· Cardiologic
§ Fruit peel[15]
§ Peel tincture[16]
· Gastrointestinal
o Diarrhea[17]
o Hemorrhoids[18]
o Worms[19]
· Neurological
o ADHD[20]
§ Aerial parts[25]
o Convulsions[26]
o Depression
§ Aerial parts[27]
o Headaches[28]
§ Aerial parts[33]
§ Vine infusion[34]
o Neuralgia[37]
· Respiratory
o Asthma[38]
§ Fruit peel extract[39]
o Bronchitis[40]
· Skin
o Abscesses
§ Poultice[41]
o Boils
§ Poultice[42]
o Burns[43]
§ Poultice[44]
o Wounds
§ Root infusion[45]
· Urogenital
o Dysmenorrhea[46]
o Menopause[47]
· Other
o Alcohol withdrawal[48]
o Anti-fatigue[49]
o Memory improvement[50]
o Morphine addiction[51]
o Opioid addiction[52]
SYNERGISMS
Combines well with St. John’s wort if a stronger sedative is desired.[53] Works well with valerian in resolving heart palpitations.[54]
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Not to be used during pregnancy.[55] [56] [57] Not to be used for more than 2-3 weeks at a time.[58] Not to be used with anti-coagulants.[59]
[1] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[2] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[3] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[4] B. Ghada, B., et al., Recovery of Anthocyanins from Passion Fruit Epicarp for Food Colorants: Extraction Process Optimization and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties, Molecules, 2020, Vol 25, https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/14/3203 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[5] Nelva K Jusuf, et al., Antibacterial Activity of Passion Fruit Purple Variant (Passiflora edulis Sims var. edulis) Seeds Extract Against Propionibacterium acnes, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020, Vol 13, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/CCID.S229743 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[6] B. Ghada, B., et al., Recovery of Anthocyanins from Passion Fruit Epicarp for Food Colorants: Extraction Process Optimization and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties, Molecules, 2020, Vol 25, https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/14/3203 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[7] B. Ghada, B., et al., Recovery of Anthocyanins from Passion Fruit Epicarp for Food Colorants: Extraction Process Optimization and Evaluation of Bioactive Properties, Molecules, 2020, Vol 25, https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/14/3203 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[8] Stephen Harrod Buhner, Herbal Antivirals, 2013, 112.
[9] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[10] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[11] Stephen Harrod Buhner, Herbal Antibiotics, 2012, 374.
[12] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[13] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[14] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[15] Ronald Ross Watson, , et al., Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma, Nutrition Research, Vol 28 No 3, 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531708000183 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[16] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[17] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[18] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[19] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[20] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[21] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[22] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[23] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[24] Ronald Ross Watson, , et al., Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma, Nutrition Research, Vol 28 No 3, 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531708000183 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[25] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[26] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[27] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[28] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[29] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[30] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[31] Ronald Ross Watson, , et al., Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma, Nutrition Research, Vol 28 No 3, 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531708000183 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[32] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[33] Alexandre Fonseca, et al., Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis): A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, phytochemical profile and associated health effects, Food Research International, Vol 160, 2022, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996922007232?via%3Dihub (accessed 15 May 2023).
[34] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[35] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[36] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[37] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[38] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[39] Ronald Ross Watson, , et al., Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma, Nutrition Research, Vol 28 No 3, 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531708000183 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[40] Ronald Ross Watson, , et al., Oral administration of the purple passion fruit peel extract reduces wheeze and cough and improves shortness of breath in adults with asthma, Nutrition Research, Vol 28 No 3, 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531708000183 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[41] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[42] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[43] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[44] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[45] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[46] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[47] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[48] RVA Schunck, et al., Standardized Passiflora incarnata L. Extract Reverts the Analgesia Induced by Alcohol Withdrawal in Rats, Phytotherapy Research, August 2017, Vol 31 No 8, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28568647/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[49] Min Hu, et al., Anti-fatigue activity of purified anthocyanins prepared from purple passion fruit (P. edulis Sim) epicarp in mice, Journal of Functional Foods, Vol 65, 2020, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619306498 (accessed 15 May 2023).
[50] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[51] K Janda, et al., Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review, Nutrients, 19 December 2020, Vol 12 No 12, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[52] L Izolan, et al., Sintocalmy, a Passiflora incarnata Based Herbal, Attenuates Morphine Withdrawal in Mice. Neurochemical Research, May 2021, Vol 46 No 5, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33544325/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[53] Charles W. Kane, Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States, 2017, 284.
[54] Charles W. Kane, Medicinal Plants of the Western Mountain States, 2017, 303.
[55] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[56] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
[57] Z Ozturk, et al., Pregnancy outcomes in psychiatric patients treated with passiflora incarnate, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, February 2018, Vol 36, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29458926/ (accessed 15 May 2023).
[58] Sam Coffman, Herbal Medic, 2014, 276.
[59] Rebecca L. Johnson, Guide to Medicinal Herbs, 2010, 39.
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