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Passiflora incarnata Linn: A Comprehensive Review of Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities


Authors : Ciya Sangwan; Muskan; Dr. Meenu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5n7cvf4k

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdffwdb5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May029

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Abstract : Passiflora incarnata Linn, commonly referred to as passionflower, is a traditional medicinal herb renowned for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It has long been utilized in the treatment of sleep disturbances, anxiety-related conditions, and inflammatory disorders. In recent years, growing scientific interest has positioned P. incarnata as a promising phytotherapeutic agent, particularly for neuropsychiatric and neuroprotective applications. The present review provides a comprehensive and integrative overview of P. incarnata, emphasizing its botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, extraction methodologies, and pharmacological activities. Special attention is given to both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting how process parameters influence the recovery of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds responsible for the plant’s biological activity. The review summarizes current evidence supporting the sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of P. incarnata. Mechanistic insights, particularly those involving modulation of the GABAergic system and oxidative stress pathways, are discussed to explain its neuropharmacological effects. Furthermore, the sustainable utilization of Passiflora biomass and the need for standardized extracts, optimized extraction protocols, and well-designed clinical studies are critically addressed. Overall, this review highlights P. incarnata as a valuable natural resource with significant therapeutic potential and underscores future research directions required for its successful translation into evidence-based herbal formulations. This review critically evaluates existing literature, provides comparative analysis of extraction techniques, and highlights key research gaps for future investigations.

Keywords : Passiflora incarnata L.; Passionflower; Vitexin; Polyphenols; Neuropharmacology; Anxiolytic Activity; Antioxidant Activity.

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Passiflora incarnata Linn, commonly referred to as passionflower, is a traditional medicinal herb renowned for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It has long been utilized in the treatment of sleep disturbances, anxiety-related conditions, and inflammatory disorders. In recent years, growing scientific interest has positioned P. incarnata as a promising phytotherapeutic agent, particularly for neuropsychiatric and neuroprotective applications. The present review provides a comprehensive and integrative overview of P. incarnata, emphasizing its botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, extraction methodologies, and pharmacological activities. Special attention is given to both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting how process parameters influence the recovery of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds responsible for the plant’s biological activity. The review summarizes current evidence supporting the sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of P. incarnata. Mechanistic insights, particularly those involving modulation of the GABAergic system and oxidative stress pathways, are discussed to explain its neuropharmacological effects. Furthermore, the sustainable utilization of Passiflora biomass and the need for standardized extracts, optimized extraction protocols, and well-designed clinical studies are critically addressed. Overall, this review highlights P. incarnata as a valuable natural resource with significant therapeutic potential and underscores future research directions required for its successful translation into evidence-based herbal formulations. This review critically evaluates existing literature, provides comparative analysis of extraction techniques, and highlights key research gaps for future investigations.

Keywords : Passiflora incarnata L.; Passionflower; Vitexin; Polyphenols; Neuropharmacology; Anxiolytic Activity; Antioxidant Activity.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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