Properties of passionflower Passiflora incarnata
The passion flower or passionflower, is a perennial climbing plant cultivated for thousands of years in tropical America and which is part of the large family of Passifloraceae. Its etymology Passiflora incarnata comes from the resemblance found by botanists between its flower and the symbols of the Passion of Christ. Very known for its splendid unusual flowers, this liana has long stems and edible orange red coloured ovoid fruits, called passion fruit.
Discovered in the 16th century in Peru, officinal passionflower then entered the European pharmacopoeia as an antispasmodic remedy and for its calming properties for the nervous system. It was even administered during trench warfare to allay soldiers' anxiety.
Passionflower is recommended for its soothing and sedative qualities which contribute to reducing nervous and sleep disorders. Very rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, the compounds of the passionflower, besides their anti-anxiety virtues, also act on pain based on its analgesic effect.
Very effective in cases of nervousness, irritability or nocturnal awakenings, passionflower has become an essential ingredient on the market for food supplements and relaxation and sleep infusions. Its popularity has grown with the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as its nervous system-relieving properties match current needs in the wellbeing sector. Passionflower is therefore an essential raw material for nutraceuticals, the economic growth of which would represent, according to forecasts, 3.62 billion dollars in 2025.
