Passion Flower

(Passiflora incarnata)

Where is it found?

            This plant can be found in the inner cities of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. 

What does it look like? 

            Passion flowers have large purple and white flowers, yellow fruit, and are usually unpleasant smelling (Delena, 1999).  They are vines that have palmate leaves, and have five sepals and petals on their flowers.  “There is a distinctive fringe of petal-like hairs that emerge from the calyx and is the most distinguishing flower part”  (Moore, 1988, pg.83).

What are the medical uses?

            Passion flower has been known to treat anxiety, convulsions, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.  It works by slowing the pulse, decreasing arterial tension, and quieting respiration and pulmonary blood pressure (Moore, 1988).

What chemical are in it?

            Passion flower was found to contain Harman, Harmol, Harmalol, Harmine, Harmaline, 5-Hydroxytryptamine, and Flavanoids.  It also contains some diuretics which include Apigenin, Kaempferol, and Luteolin.  The plant also has some antihypertensive chemicals, which include Quercetin and Rutin.