Assessment of the hypnotic/sedative effects and toxicity of Passiflora edulis aqueous extract in rodents and humans

Abstract

Passiflora species are used in folk medicine as hypnotic and sedative treatments. in this study the hypnotic-sedative effects and toxicity of Passiflora edulis were assessed in rats and mice and in healthy volunteers. It was verified that some samples of Passiflora edulis had a nonspecific central nervous system depressant effect. Furthermore, hepatobiliary and pancreatic toxicity to animals and humans were detected.