Herbal Medicinal Products fromPassiflorafor Anxiety: An Unexploited Potential

Abstract

Herbal medicines containing Passiflora species have been widely used to treat anxiety since ancient times. The species Passiflora incarnata L. is included in many Pharmacopoeias, and it is the most used species in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are around 600 species of the genus Passiflora and probably other species that can be used safely. Thus, this article was based on a search into the uses of the main species of the genus Passiflora with anxiolytic activity and its main secondary metabolites and some pharmacological studies, patents, and registered products containing Passiflora. Furthermore, the Brazilian Regulatory Health Agency Datavisa, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom, and the European Medicines Agency websites were consulted. The results showed that Passiflora species have health benefits but clinical trials are still scarce. The complexity of Passiflora extracts creates challenges for the development of herbal medicines. P. incarnata is the most studied species of the genus and the most used in natural anxiolytic herbal medicine formulations. However, there are hundreds of Passiflora species potentially useful for medicinal and nutraceutical purposes that are still little explored.

Organic cultivation practices enhanced antioxidant activities and secondary metabolites in giant granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis L.)

“…Several species have a long history in traditional herbal therapy, but the medicinal use has been scientifically verified only for very few Passiflora species. In particular, P. incarnata L. is the most widely used top address anxiety disorders in contemporary Western phytotherapy [18].…”

Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Herbal Medicines Used to Treat Anxiety: Monitoring of Safety

“…The most toxic and ubiquitous class 1 elements (Cd, As and Pb), as well as class 2 (Co) and class 3 (Ba, Cr, Cu) must be considered in the risk assessment for all drug products ( USP, 2021 ). The regulatory requirements for the registration of herbal medicines products in Brazil are similar to those in Europe ( da Fonseca et al, 2020 ), however, the limit for heavy metals, metals and metalloids in medicinal plants in natura not yet established.…”

Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders—A Systematic Review

“…Passiflora incarnata is a source of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoid, and cyanogenic glycosides. The primary phytochemicals found in the passionflower are flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol) and flavonoid glycosides (vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, and isoorientin) [ 1 , 2 ]. The species has the highest overall isovitexin content [ 3 ].…”

“…Chronic, long-term stress is a pathological condition, which may impair concentration and memory, as well as lead to affective disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and the post-traumatic stress disorder [ 7 ]. Passiflora incarnata is one of the herbal remedies used to alleviate the effects of stress [ 2 ]. A rat study demonstrated that long-term use of passionflower was correlated with reduced stress levels and, consequently, increased motivation to act and improved motor activity [ 8 ].…”