FlavonoidsApigenin

Constituents of Passiflora incarnata inhibit OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 transporters, potentially affecting uptake of other compounds.

Apigenin, orientin, and vitexin from Passiflora incarnata inhibited OATP2B1 and OATP1A2-mediated uptake of sulfated steroids in vitro. Orientin was a substrate of both transporters, apigenin of OATP1A2, and vitexin of OATP2B1. Commercially available P. incarnata preparations also inhibited transporter-mediated uptake.

Last updated: Aug 23, 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

Apigenin, orientin, and vitexin interact with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2
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Orientin is a substrate of both transporters
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Apigenin is a substrate of OATP1A2, vitexin of OATP2B1
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Result: Constituents of P. incarnata may alter function of OATP2B1 and OATP1A2, affecting uptake of other compounds

Limitations

  • ⚠In vitro study using overexpressing cell lines may not reflect in vivo human physiology
  • ⚠Only sulfated steroids were tested as substrates; relevance to other compounds is unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main active compounds in Passiflora incarnata that affect transporters?▼

Apigenin, orientin, and vitexin were identified as interacting with OATP2B1 and OATP1A2.

Did valerenic acid from Valeriana officinalis interact with the transporters?▼

Valerenic acid only interacted with OATP2B1, not OATP1A2.

Could Passiflora incarnata supplements affect drug absorption?▼

Yes, the study suggests constituents may alter OATP transporter function, potentially affecting uptake of other compounds relying on these transporters.

What type of study was this?▼

This was an in vitro laboratory study using overexpressing cell lines, not a clinical trial.

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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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