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

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.