Passiflora foetida, a versatile herb

Passiflora foetida, belongs to the family Passifloraceae, a genus of 500 species. Passiflora foetida is native to the southwestern United States (southern Texas and Arizona), Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. It has been introduced to tropical regions around the world, such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, Hawaii, Africa, and the Maldives.

Passiflora foetida is a perennial, soft, hollow vine. Their leaves are distributed alternately, the joints are unevenly distributed. The leaves are about 3 to 10.5 cm long, usually have three rounded or pointed lobes, but sometimes they can be entire or five-lobed. The leaf surface has small, soft and sparse spines. When flowering, the flowers are about 3 to 5 cm wide, pink or purple to white in color and grow individually on the leaf branches. The fruit of the passiflora foetida is 1 to 2 cm in diameter, spherical in structure, thin skin, covered by green tendrils like a bag to protect the fruit. When the fruit is ripe, its skin will change color from green to yellow and the protective tendrils will gradually fall off. Inside the fruit are seeds and fruit juice, when ripe it can be eaten, the fruit has a sweet and slightly sour taste.

According to many studies, the active ingredients in Passiflora foetida affect the central nervous system, helping to calm and prevent anxiety, and insomnia. According to traditional medicine, Passiflora foetida has a sweet and bitter taste, cool properties, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, soothing, insomnia-treating effects, dermatitis, itching, etc. It is often used as a vegetable, decoction, or liquid extract.

The results of the comparative study between the stems and leaves of Passiflora foetida showed that the amount of extract from the leaves was much higher than that from the stems. Moreover, the leaves also contained alkaloids, which showed the importance of the ratio of stems and leaves in the collection of medicinal herbs. This ratio, according to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia III, is not lower than 25% to ensure the quality of medicinal herbs. From the leaves of Passiflora foetida grown in Vietnam, two main flavonoids were identified: vitexin and xylosyl vitexin. The results of this study help guide the development of quantitative indicators for Vietnamese Passiflora foetida based on the main flavonoids to improve the standards of medicinal herbs.

Herbal tea prepared from dried leaves is taken to reduce blood glucose levels. Leaves are used to treat dizziness, headache, biliousness, and asthma. Dried stems are used for sore throat.

Benefits of Passiflora foetida:

- Treats nervous breakdown, reduces stress, calms the mind, and supports good sleep.
- Supports heart disease, and reduces blood pressure, shortness of breath, nervousness, and anxiety.
- Supports relief of body aches, joint pain, and aching limbs.
- Supports cooling the liver, purifies the body, clears heat, and eliminates toxins.
- Treats skin diseases such as dermatitis, rashes, acne, ...
- Reduces cough, asthma, and abdominal pain in women with menstruation.

Do you know?

Vitexin and xylosyl vitexin are two flavonoid compounds found in various plants, including buckwheat, hawthorn, and citrus fruits. They belong to the group of compounds known as chalcones, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Xylosyl vitexin is a glycosylated form of vitexin, meaning it has a sugar molecule (xylose) attached to it. This modification can affect the absorption and bioavailability of vitexin in the body.

Health Benefits from Vitexin and Xylosyl Vitexin:

While research is ongoing, some studies have suggested that vitexin and xylosyl vitexin may offer certain health benefits as below:

1. Antioxidant Properties

Protection against oxidative stress: Vitexin and xylosyl vitexin have been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.  

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Reduction of inflammation: These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.

3. Neuroprotective Effects

Brain health: Some studies suggest that vitexin and xylosyl vitexin may have neuroprotective properties, potentially helping to protect brain cells from damage and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.  

4. Anti-diabetic effects:

Preliminary research suggests that vitexin may have anti-diabetic properties, potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Cardiovascular health:

Vitexin and xylosyl vitexin may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, but more research is needed.

It's important to note that:
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of vitexin and xylosyl vitexin. Individual responses may vary. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.  

Compiled and written by Crocus Media