Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts of Passiflora incarnata

Fitoterapia. 2001 Dec;72(8):922-6. doi: 10.1016/s0367-326x(01)00322-7.

Abstract

The petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water extracts of Passiflora incarnata whole plant and sorted out plant parts have been evaluated for their anxiolytic activity using the elevated plus-maze model in mice. The methanol extracts of leaves, stems, flowers, and whole plant exhibited anxiolytic effects at 100, 125, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The roots were practically devoid of anxiolytic effects. These results show that roots and flowers of P. incarnata act as natural adulterants by causing a significant increase in the anxiolytic dose. Therefore, separation of these parts is recommended prior to any pharmacological, phytochemical and standardization studies on P. incarnata.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Passiflora*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Structures
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Plant Extracts