Passiflora alata (Passiflora alata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Passiflora alata work for anxiety?

Passiflora alata contains flavonoids including chrysin, vitexin, orientin, and luteolin that modulate GABA receptors in the brain. These compounds enhance GABA activity, producing calming and sedative effects similar to conventional anxiolytics. The herb's anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research on the specific mechanism remains limited. Evidence level: C.

Can I take Passiflora alata with other medications?

Passiflora alata interacts with central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol. Combining it with sedatives may cause additive drowsiness and excessive sedation. It may also interact with antidepressants and antianxiety medications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications, especially those affecting the nervous system. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Passiflora alata?

Adults typically take Passiflora alata as tea prepared with 5-10 grams of dried leaves per cup, consumed up to three times daily. Capsule formulations are commonly dosed at 200mg three times daily. Dosage varies by product strength and concentration. Follow product label instructions and consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Passiflora alata safe during pregnancy?

No, Passiflora alata is contraindicated during pregnancy. The herb's sedative compounds may affect fetal development and uterine activity. Pregnant women should avoid this herb entirely. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so lactating women should also avoid it. Evidence level: C, based on pharmacological activity and traditional contraindications.

What are the side effects of Passiflora alata?

Common side effects include drowsiness and mild gastrointestinal effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort. These effects are generally mild and reversible upon discontinuation. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the herb affects you. Discontinue use if allergic reactions or severe symptoms occur. Evidence level: C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Passiflora alata is a native South American flowering plant used in folk medicine as a sedative and tranquilizer [PMID:11268119, 15619554]. It is also commercially valued for its edible fruit [PMID:25117349, 38674353].

Background

Passiflora alata is a native flowering plant from the Amazon, geographically spread from Peru to Brazil [PMID:33092066]. It is an official species of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since 1929 [PMID:33092066, 19799991].

Traditional uses

Used in folk medicine as sedatives and tranquilizers [PMID:11268119, 15619554, 19799991].

Active compounds

The plant contains polyphenols, flavonoids (including vitexin, isoorientin, rutin, and catechin), tannins, and saponins [PMID:27385958, 36009222, 15619554]. Aroma components include linalool and beta-ionone [PMID:35561053, 27598839].

Mechanism of action

Aqueous leaf extracts modulate bone marrow-derived professional antigen-presenting cells (BM-pAPCs) by decreasing the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and CD86, which polarizes T cells to a Treg profile [PMID:35202987].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAnxiety

Hydroethanol and aqueous extracts induced anxiolytic-like effects in rats without affecting memory processes [PMID:11268119, 18598170]

Evidence DInflammation

Aqueous leaf extracts inhibited leukocyte migration and reduced exudate formation in mouse models of carrageenan-induced pleurisy [PMID:17215089]

Evidence DType 1 Diabetes (NOD mice)

Aqueous leaf extract decreased diabetes incidence, reduced infiltrative cells in pancreatic islets, and increased glutathione in the kidney and liver [PMID:24269180]

Evidence DTumor Proliferation

Leaf extract (PaLE) showed antitumor activity in S180-tumor bearing mice, with cell proliferation inhibition > 75% in several cell lines [PMID:33092066]

Evidence DSedation

Aqueous extracts from the pericarp and leaves decreased locomotor activity in mice in a dose-dependent manner [PMID:23893399]

Safety & adverse effects

Acute toxicity tests in mice showed no deaths up to 4800 mg/kg p.o. [PMID:19799991]. However, antitumor treatments (100-150 mg/kg/day) were associated with reduced body mass, reduced food consumption, and increased spleen mass with histopathological changes in white pulp [PMID:33092066]. Rats treated with 300 mg/kg p.o. for 14 days showed signs of irritability [PMID:19799991].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (rats/mice), indicating potential anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 25117349 (2014) — Analysis of transferability of microsatellite primers (SSR) in wild Passiflora species and intraspecific genetic diversity in Passiflora alata. · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
2.PMID: 27385958 (2012) — Biological activities of extracts from cultivated Granadilla Passiflora alata. · EXCLI journal
3.PMID: 35561053 (2022) — Elucidation of aroma compounds in passion fruit (Passiflora alata Ait) using a molecular sensory approach. · Journal of food biochemistry
4.PMID: 38674353 (2024) — Cytogenomic Characterization of Transposable Elements and Satellite DNA in Passiflora L. Species. · Genes
5.PMID: 11268119 (2001) — Comparative pharmacological study of hydroethanol extracts of Passiflora alata and Passiflora edulis leaves. · Phytotherapy research : PTR

Passiflora alata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Passiflora alata

Piscidia piscipula

Prunus serotina

Indian Pipe

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Passiflora alata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Passiflora alata

Related Herbs

Piscidia piscipula

Prunus serotina

Indian Pipe

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources