FlavonoidsApigenin

Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but not Valeriana officinalis, interact with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 transporters, potentially altering uptake of other compounds.

Apigenin, orientin, and vitexin from Passiflora incarnata inhibited and were transported by OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while valerenic acid from Valeriana officinalis only interacted with OATP2B1. Commercially available P. incarnata preparations inhibited transporter-mediated estrone 3-sulfate uptake, suggesting these constituents may affect pharmacokinetics of other drugs.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but Not of Valeriana officinalis, Interact with the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2.

observational

Schäfer AM, Gilgen PM, Spirgi C, Potterat O, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE · Planta medica (2022)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Constituents of Passiflora incarnata (apigenin, orientin, vitexin) and Valeriana officinalis (valerenic acid) tested in vitro
Outcome: Inhibition and transport of estrone 3-sulfate, pregnenolone sulfate, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate via OATP2B1 and OATP1A2
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Madin-Darby canine kidney cells overexpressing OATP2B1 or OATP1A2 (in vitro)

Result:

PubMed: 33511622DOI: 10.1055/a-1305-3936

Mechanism Graph

Constituents of P. incarnata (apigenin, orientin, vitexin) interact with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 transporters.
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Valerenic acid from V. officinalis interacts only with OATP2B1.
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Orientin is a substrate of both transporters; apigenin is transported by OATP1A2; vitexin by OATP2B1.
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These interactions may alter uptake of other compounds relying on these transporters.

Limitations

  • ⚠In vitro study using canine kidney cells, not human subjects, limiting direct clinical applicability.
  • ⚠Only tested sulfated steroids as model substrates; real-world drug interactions may differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis affect drug transporters?▼

Yes, constituents of Passiflora incarnata (apigenin, orientin, vitexin) interact with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, while valerenic acid from Valeriana officinalis only interacts with OATP2B1.

What is the significance of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 interactions?▼

These transporters mediate uptake of various compounds, including steroid sulfates and drugs; interactions could alter pharmacokinetics and efficacy of co-administered medications.

Are the constituents of Passiflora incarnata substrates or inhibitors of these transporters?▼

Orientin is a substrate of both transporters; apigenin is transported by OATP1A2; vitexin by OATP2B1; all showed inhibitory effects on steroid uptake.

Could these findings affect people taking herbal sleep aids?▼

Potentially, as commercial P. incarnata preparations inhibited transporter-mediated uptake, suggesting possible herb-drug interactions, though human studies are needed.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Schäfer AM, Gilgen PM, Spirgi C, Potterat O, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE. "Constituents of Passiflora incarnata, but Not of Valeriana officinalis, Interact with the Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)2B1 and OATP1A2.." Planta medica, 2022. PMID: 33511622 DOI: 10.1055/a-1305-3936
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