Symptom → Plant Sources
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) as a tool for helping with Nervous tension
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (reduces anxiety in clinical trials)
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Full Passionflower monograph →All plants for nervous tension →
Background Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata ) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Passiflora incarnata in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects. Methods The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders. Results The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed. Conclusion Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.
2 sources supporting Passionflower for Nervous tension. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anxiolytic / calming action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
This review evaluates the ethnopharmacology, clinical applications, safety and clinical trials of Passiflora incarnata, used traditionally as an anxiolytic and sedative.
Extracts of Passiflora incarnata exhibited anxiolytic activity in experimental models, providing pharmacological support for the traditional use of passionflower for anxiety.
In a randomized controlled trial, oral Passiflora incarnata administered before spinal anesthesia reduced preoperative anxiety without changing psychomotor function, supporting its anxiolytic use.
Methanol extracts of Passiflora incarnata aerial parts exhibited anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus-maze model in mice, characterising the anxiolytic principle of passionflower.
Background Many patients have preoperative anxiety; therefore, the development of a strong anxiolytic with minimal psychomotor impairment for premedication may be desirable. Methods In this study, 60 patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral Passiflora incarnata (500 mg, Passipy IranDarouk) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) as premedication, 90 min before surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used for each patient to assess anxiety and sedation before, and 10, 30, 60, and 90 min after premedication. Psychomotor function was assessed with the Trieger Dot Test and the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test at arrival in the operating room, 30 and 90 min after tracheal extubation. The time interval between arrival in the postanesthesia care unit and discharge to home (discharge time) was recorded for each patient. Results The demographic characteristics of patients, ASA physical status, duration of surgery, basal NRS score, sedation at the preset time intervals, and discharge time were similar in the two groups. The NRS anxiety scores were significantly lower in the passiflora group than in the control group (P Conclusions In outpatient surgery, administration of oral Passiflora incarnata as a premedication reduces anxiety without inducing sedation.
A phytochemically characterized Passiflora incarnata extract showed anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze in mice mediated via the GABAergic system, providing a mechanism for the anxiolytic effect of passionflower.