Passiflora foetida L.

Family : Passifloraceae

Synonym(s) : Passiflora foetida L. var. arizonica Killip, Passiflora foetida L. var. hastata (Bertol.) Mast., Passiflora foetida L. var. hibiscifolia (Lam.) Killip, Passiflora foetida L. var. hispida (DC.) Killip ex Gleason, Passiflora hastata Bertol., Passiflora hibiscifolia Lam., Passiflora hispida DC. ex Triana & Planch.

English Name : Stinking Passion Flower and Scarlet Fruit Passion Flower

Origin : Tropical America

Description

A climber with coiled tendrils. Leaves ovate to elliptic, glabrous, foetid smell. Flowers at leaf joints with a stalk, showy, white petals with violet coloured slender projection, sepals hairy, green. Fruit berry enclosed in hairy sepals.

Parts Used : Root, leaf, plant and its aerial part

Herb Effects

Diuretic, anticancer and stimulates the cardiovascular system (aerial part); antihysteric (leaf and root); relieves headache (leaf).

Active Ingredients

C-glycosides of luteolin and apigenin and apigenin-8-C-diglucoside (plant); ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, niacin, thiamin (fruit)

Medicinal Use

Fruit is emetic, decoction is used in biliousness and asthma. Leaves are applied on the head in giddiness and headache. Their decoction is reportedly used to treat asthma and biliousness. A decoction of the leaves or roots is said to be an emmenagogue and useful for treating hysteria.

Reference