Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review.

2020-12-19
Nutrients 12(12)
- Katarzyna Janda
- Karolina Wojtkowska
- Karolina Jakubczyk
- Justyna Antoniewicz
- Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka

PubMed: 33352740
DOI: 10.3390/nu12123894

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Methods: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Rigorous Journal

Background

Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Passiflora incarnata in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects.

Methods

The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Results

The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.

Conclusion

Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.

Research Insights

Passion Flower→Improved Attention Span
No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Improved Memory Function
No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Improved Sleep
No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Reduced Anxiety
The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Passion Flower→Overall tolerability
No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.
Finding
Reported