Gou Teng vs Maracuja

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gou Teng

Uncaria rhynchophylla

Nervine

Passiflora edulis

Nervine

Gou Teng

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Maracuja

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM herb used to calm liver wind and clear heat; used with Tian Ma for headache, dizziness, hypertension, and epilepsy.

Brazilian passion fruit plant; fruit popular as food while leaves and flowers are used medicinally for anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension.

Active Compounds

rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, oxindole alkaloids, flavonoids

passiflorin, isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, chrysin

Traditional Uses

Headaches, Hypertension, Tremors, Childhood convulsions

Anxiety, Insomnia, Hypertension, Digestive spasms

Modern Uses

Antihypertensive effects, Neuroprotective activity, Antiepileptic properties, Anxiolytic effects

Sedative effects, Anxiolytic activity, Antihypertensive properties, Antispasmodic action

Adult Dosage

9-15g dried hooks daily; 500mg extract twice daily

Leaf tea: 1-2 cups at bedtime; 500mg extract at bedtime; fruit juice daily

Contraindications

Spleen deficiency without heat

CNS depressants additive, Pregnancy, Operating machinery

Side Effects

Mild digestive effects, Possible hypotension

Sedation, Drowsiness, Hypotension

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E