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Passiflora incarnata extract inhibits adenosine A1, A2A, and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and monoamine uptake in vitro

A standardized Passiflora incarnata extract showed concentration-dependent inhibition of binding to adenosine A1, A2A, and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, and inhibited dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin uptake in rat cortical synaptosomes. Melatonin MT1 and orexin OX1 receptors were unaffected. These multi-target effects support the traditional use of passionflower for sleep promotion.

Last updated: Jul 28, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

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

Study Evidence

Study 1. A Passiflora incarnata extract exerts multi-target effects on selected sleep-related receptors.

observational

Appel K, Schwarzensteiner I, Zimmermann C, Tober C, Günnewich N · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Standardized Passiflora incarnata extract tested in competitive binding and uptake assays
Outcome: Receptor binding inhibition (adenosine A1, A2A, serotonin 5-HT2A, melatonin MT1, orexin OX1) and monoamine (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) uptake inhibition
Effect Size: N/A
Population: In vitro assays using rat cortical synaptosomes and receptor binding preparations

Result:

PubMed: 42462921DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122198

Mechanism Graph

Extract binds to adenosine A1 and A2A receptors
↓
Extract binds to serotonin 5-HT2A receptor
↓
Extract inhibits dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake
↓
Multi-target modulation of sleep-related neurotransmitter pathways

Limitations

  • ⚠In vitro study only; in vivo effects and clinical relevance not established
  • ⚠Active components responsible for observed effects remain unidentified

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Passiflora incarnata affect melatonin receptors?▼

No, the study found that the extract did not affect melatonin MT1 receptors.

What neurotransmitters are influenced by this extract?▼

The extract inhibited the uptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in rat cortical synaptosomes.

Is this study done on humans?▼

No, this is an in vitro study using rat brain tissue and receptor binding assays, not human subjects.

What receptors does Passiflora incarnata bind to?▼

It binds to adenosine A1, A2A, and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, but not melatonin MT1 or orexin OX1 receptors.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Appel K, Schwarzensteiner I, Zimmermann C, Tober C, Günnewich N. "A Passiflora incarnata extract exerts multi-target effects on selected sleep-related receptors.." Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2026. PMID: 42462921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122198
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.