Maypop Fruit vs Vanilla

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Maypop Fruit

Passiflora incarnata fruit

Nervine

Vanilla planifolia

Nervine

Description

Fruit of native North American passionflower vine used by Southeastern Native Americans as a food and mild digestive medicine.

The world's second most expensive spice (after saffron), used by Aztecs as medicine and flavoring with real health benefits.

Active Compounds

passiflorin, harmane, vitexin, orientin, isovitexin

Vanillin, Vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, Piperonal

Traditional Uses

Food medicine in Cherokee and Choctaw tradition, Digestive conditions, Mild anxiolytic food, Nutritive and refreshing food

Digestive aid, Aphrodisiac, Fever, Anxiety relief

Modern Uses

Mild anxiolytic, Digestive, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anxiolytic (aromatherapy), Anticancer research

Adult Dosage

Eat fresh fruit; juice; dried fruit tea 2-3 cups daily

Culinary use liberally; 1-2ml pure extract in warm milk for calming

Contraindications

None established as food

None at culinary doses

Side Effects

Generally safe as food

Headache (some individuals), Contact dermatitis (occupational)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E