PARTE UTILIZADA= Used part: Hoja.

ACCIÓN FARMACOLÓGICA= Pharmacological action: Febrífugo.

COMPOSICIÓN QUÍMICA= Chemical composition: El tamizaje fitoquímico preliminar en la hoja indicó la presencia de saponinas y de alcaloides terciarios. La hoja contiene un alcaloide, el harmano, y un derivado cianogenético, la cianocardina. El contenido de cianocardina corresponde a 29 mg de HCN/100g de hojas frescas (Hegnauer, 1966). Se han reportado los compuestos alicíclicos en las hojas y tallos de esta plantas: ginocardina, passisuberosina, epi-passisuberosina, suberina A, taraktofilina, tetrafilina y epivolkenina.

ZONA GEOGRÁFICA= Geografical zone: Argentina. 

DIVERSIDAD GENÉTICA Y MEJORAMIENTO DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES= Medicinal plants and improvement of medicinal herbs:

Nuclear genome size variation was studied in eight taxa of Passiflora. Nuclear DNA content was estimated by flow cytometry of nuclei stained by propidium iodide. 2C DNA content ranged from 3.16-5.36 pg for diploids and 1.83 pg for tetraploid. Differences in nuclear genome size were observed among Passiflora species (pg): P suberosa 1.83, P. edulis f. edulis 3.16, P. edulis f.flavicarpa (Brazil) 3.19, P. edulis f. flavicarpa (Mexico) 3.21, P. mucronata 3.40, Passiflora edmundoi 3.43, P. laurifolia 3.88, P. giberti 3.92, P. quadrangularis 5.36, the largest value being up to 192% greater than the smallest. The means of 2C DNA content were compared by the Tukey test, and the differences in genome size permitted the recognition of five taxa groups. The result was the same for the means 2C genome size (Mbp) values. The genetic parameters were studied with their respective estimators, phenotypic variance (σ̂2F), genotypic variability (Φ̂G), and the genotypic determination index (H2). The genotypic determination index presented high magnitude estimates (greater than 99% emphasizing the reliability of the results and demonstrating the efficiency of determining the DNA content in the species using only one leaf per plant. Passiflora species show great phenotypic variability and have different geographic distribution that might implicate in genetic diversity.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Nutritional use
More than 380 taxa of the neotropical genus Passijlora have been described since LINNE (1753). It is said that 50 of them have edible fruits (BRUCHER 1989). Some of them are mentioned in the following: P. alata DRYAND, P. amethystina MIKAN., P. cearensis BARB., P. cincinnata MASTERS, P. caerulea L., P. edulis SIMS, P. incarnata L., P. laurifolia L., P. ligularis russ., P. maliformis L., P. mollissima (H. B. K.) BAILEY, P. mooreana HOOKER, P. organensis GARDN., P. pinnatistipula CAV., P. popenovii KILLIP, P. psilantha (somRo) KILLIP, P. quadrangularis L., P. salvadorensis DON SMITH, P. tripartita (russ.) POIR., P. van-vo{xemii TRIANA & PLANCH., P. vitifolia H. B. K., P. warmingii MAST. This enumeration does not however imply that the other species are not edible, but they may be less tasty or are used medically (UPHOFF 1968). The pulp of the fruit as well as the aril of the seeds which can be made into a juice at fruit maturity, are edible in many cases. A great variety of uses of the fruit is known: The fruit may be eaten raw, because it has an aromatic taste, or it may be consumed with sugar, when it is sour-sweet. It is used for flavoring sherbets, for icing, cakes, confectionary, trifles (e.g. P. edulis). This species also supplies the maracuya juice, which is prepared on a commercial scale. In Venezuela, it is called 'parchita maracuya', a name which comes from the Quechua 'murukuya' or 'murukkóya'. The Granadilla corresponds to P. ligularis which is now less cultivated in Venezuela, because the Maracuya is preferred; the fruit of the Granadilla contains numerous seeds with a mucilaginous aril which is the edible part. However, the pulp of many other species of Passiflora is also edible and is converted into refreshing drinks. P. ligularis is also used as a breakfast fruit and is sold on markets. Jelly is made of Passiflora and ice-cream. Crema de Curuba is made of P. mollissima. Passijlora is also used for a variety of pastries, sauces, and a chutney is made from unripe fruits. Further preparations are gelatinous sweets, mousse, milk shakes; the fruit is preserved in syrup or wine. Unfortunately its durability is short and it has to be consumed rapidly or immediately made into a preserve. VELEZ & VELEZ (1990) mention the following edible species for Venezuela: P. quadrangularis, P. ligularis, P. edulis SIMS var. jlavicarpa DEGENER. and P. edulis SIMS. var. edulis, P. manicata russ. and P. mixta L. They also mention a poisonous species: P. adenopoda DC. which looses its toxicity when the skin is completely purple; in the unripe state however it contains a cyanogenic glycoside. Some other species contain this glycoside in the roots, in the leaves, the fruit shell and in the flowers. The pulp of the edible fruits is usually rich in vitamin C, niacin, vitamin A. Maracuya contains 1-4 mg/ml serotonin in 100 g. Further contents are sugar (8-10 %), fruit acid (2-5 %), pectin (0.2-0.3 %) and minerals (0.4-0-6 %), e.g. phosphate and potassium (P. edulis: BRUCHER 1989). The same author also cultivated a giant passion fruit from P. quadrangularis. Due to the presence of a very large number of seeds in the fruit, it is preferably made into a juice, particularly for commercial purposes.

Medical use
Certain species have sedative and narcotic properties, e.g. P. ciliata DRYAND. It is said to produce a deep and restful sleep. It is therefore used as a remedy for insomnia, hysteria and convulsions in children. Dried flowering and fruit tops of P. incarnata are used medicinally in neuralgia, insomnia, diarhoea and dysmenorrhoea. P. salvadorensis DON SMITH has diuretic properties. P. quadrangularis L. supplies pharmaceutical preparations made in Venezuela from the alkaloids which have sedative, antispasmodic and hypnotic effects. The infusion of the leaves of P. foetida L. is used as an emmenagogue; at the same time it has a sedative effect (uPHOF 1968, VELEZ & VELEZ 1990). P. edulis SIMS is taken orally against bronchitis, asthma and as a diuretic. Externally it is applied against haermorrhoidal inflammations. Fresh leaves are used in the treatment of hypertension and to induce diuresis. An aqueous extract of all aerial parts of the plant is used against tetanus, epilepsy, insomnia, nervous tension and as an antihypertensive (GUPTA 1995). The leaves of P. suberosa L. are applied against bucal infections with Candida (candidiasis), as a 'purifyer' of the blood and as a diaphoretic (GUPTA 1995). The entire plant of P. foetida L. has diuretic effects. The infusion of the leaves is used as an emmengogue and to tranquillize during hysteria. It is also used against inflammations of the face and to cure diarrhoea in hares (in veterinary medicine). An infusion of the flowers is applied to cure high fever and to preparare enemas. An infusion also regulates the menstrual flow (RODRIGUEZ 1983, DELASCIO CHITTY 1995). P. mixta L. F. A decoction of the leaves is applied as a tranquillizer of the nerves and helps to cure fever (DELASCIO CHITTY 1995). An infusion of the entire plant of P. mollissima (H. B. K.) Bailey is taken to combat insomnia, depression, anxiety and any other nervous disease (DELASCIO CHITTY 1995). Leaf teas of P. quadrangularis are taken for high blood pressure. Tea of leaves helps against heat, hypertenseion and diabetes. The plant has sedative and antihypertensive properties (sEAFORTH, ADAMS & SYLVESTER 1983). The roots as well as the leaves and the flowers of P. rubra have a slightly narcotic property, similar to that of opium (MANFRED 1982). Leaves and flowers of P. foetida L. have antipyretic and sedative properties and are used as an emmenagogue. They are used against fever, hypertension, insomnia, problems of menstruation and cough (ALBORNOZ 1993). Leaves, flowers and fruits of P. mixta L. have diuretic, antipyretic, hypotensive, diaphoretic, sedative, refreshing and analgesic properties. They are applied against cystitis , depressions, headache, fever, irregularities of menstruation, nervousness, neuralgia, parasitosis and parotitis (mumps). The root is a powerful cumulative narcotic (ALBORNOZ 1993). The leaves of Passiflora ligularis and of other species of Passiflora are used as a cataplasm for liver disorder. Leaves with almond oil and brandy applied as a cataplasm help against head ache. A decoction of the leaves is used as a bath against ulcers and sores. The fresh sap of the leaves taken together with sweetened water has antipyretic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and anthelmintic properties. The leaves of P. edulis seem to produce hallucinogenic effects. The flowers in infusion are taken against epilepsy. A decoction of the flowers only or flowers together with the leaves, have sedative effects in case of insomnia, restlessness, hysteria, nervous headache, depression: A decoctionm of 1-2 spoonfuls of the flowers in a cup of water is taken 2-3 times a day or a tincture of 50-60 drops is taken accordin to requirements. Ground seeds have anthelmintic effects. The fruit shell as a decoction is used against cough. LOPEZ-PALACIOS (1987) considers passiflorine as the most active substance.

Method of use
See above. Cataplasm, infusion, decoction, or fresh, in the form of a bath.

Healing properties
Mostly sedative, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, against infecitons with Candida, antipyretic, analgesic, against depressions, headache, irregular menstruation, antihypertensive etc. The main application is against insomnia and nervousness.

Chemical contents
Passiflorine, the alkaloids harman and harmine, harmol, tryptamine, several sesquiterpenes, coumarin, caffeic acid, hesperidin, vitexin, quercetin, betha-sitosterol, stigmasterol and many other substances (GUPTA 1995) such as, gynocardin, suberin A, passisuberosin, epipassisuberosin, epivolkenin and serotonin are present.

Toxicity
As mentioned above, some species of P. , or some of their organs (e.g. roots) are poisonous. The poisonous principles are, according to BLOHM (1962), prussic acid (in leaves, pericarp and immature seeds) and passiflorine found in P. quadrangularis. When the pulp is eaten in large quantities, it has a somniferous effect; this may be attributed to passiflorine which possesses lethargic properties. The root is anthelmintic; it is regarded as a narcotic and poisonous and in a powdered form, mixed with oil, it is esteemed as an emollient poultice. VELEZ & VELEZ (1990) ascribe the toxicity of P. adenopoda and of other species of Passiflora to cyanogenic glycosides.

1) TOURSARKISSIAN, Martín. Plantas medicinales de Argentina : sus nombres botánicos, vulgares, usos y distribución geográfica. Buenos Aires : Hemisferio Sur, 1980, p.98.

2) 270 (doscientos setenta) plantas medicinales iberoamericanas. Santiago de Bogotá : CYTED-SECAB, 1995, pp.426-428.

3) SOUZA, M.M., et al..Flow cytometric analysis of genome size variation in some Passiflora species. Hereditas. 2004, vol.141, nº1, p.31-38.

4) South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.