Passiflora incarnata in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorder

Abstract

Popularly known for its flower as "flower of passion", and for its fruit as "passion fruit", Passiflora incarnata L, belonging to the Passifloraceae family, is a species native to South America, Australia and Southeast Asia. According to scientific evidence, Passiflora incarnata has been used in phytotherapy since the mid-nineteenth century in Western Europe, and current studies reaffirm the therapeutic effects under nervous restlessness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, preoperative anxiety, and even menopausal symptoms. Thus, through an integrative literature review, the present study aimed to describe, according to the literature, the use of Passiflora incarnata for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorder. According to the results, it was observed that Passiflora incarnata may be a viable option for the alternative treatment of some patients with anxiety symptoms, provided that the evolution of the disorder and the use or not of psychotropic drugs is considered. Since this species has anxiolytic action acting as an unspecific depressant of the central nervous system. However, although its use in general is efficient and safe, it is still pointed out that when the use is carried out incorrectly there are possibilities of the appearance of toxic principles and generation of serious problems related to its indiscriminate use. It is essential to follow up and guide a pharmaceutical professional.