Abstract

Herbal medicines have been in use since stone days as an alternative therapy for the treatment of number of diseases. In this chapter, medicinal application of Passiflora genus in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and related anxiety disorders are discussed. Passiflora belongs to the genera of Passifloraceae family. Species of the Passiflora fruits are edible and other parts of the plant including leaves, seeds, flowers and fruit peel are used in traditional system of medicine. Phyto constituents namely, Flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and volatile constituents are reported. Various studies carried out in the recent years reported various biological activities in the genus, including antioxidant, diuretic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiviral properties. They also exhibited hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and antianxiety properties. The focus of this review is to preset the current state of knowledge and research findings associated with the use of the Passiflora species in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Co-presence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension increases the risk of many health problems. In this chapter, we reviewed the findings of various species viz. Passiflora edulis, Passiflora alata, Passiflora ligularis, Passiflora quadrangularis, Passiflora glandulosa, Passiflora incarnata, Passiflora nitida, Passiflora nepalensis with the above mentioned activities. This chapter also aims to provide latest information on the medicinal benefits of Passiflora species which can be helpful to prevent hyperglycemia and related manifestation of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.