Passion Flower & Cortisol

Cortisol, also called hydrocortisone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is released in our bloodstream when situations of stress arise or the blood-sugar is low.



Although it's a vital hormone to our survival, when cortisol is constantly released in our body, damage to vital organs, such as heart, brain and muscles can occur, according to Anxiety Depression Alternatives.



Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) contains sedative substances that are used as an herbal alternative to treat stress, potentially avoiding the excessive release of cortisol, according to Nutrition Science News.

Functions of Cortisol

• According to Anxiety Depression Alternatives, energy regulation and mobilization upon stress are the critical functions of cortisol.

  The hormone is regularly released in the bloodstream in the early morning, to trigger a hunger response. Throughout the day, it selects the ideal substance (carbohydrate, fat or protein) that should be used by our body to satisfy physiological needs.

  Cortisol also mobilizes energy, relocating the body fat to demanding tissues, such as muscles during physical activity. In stressful conditions, cortisol makes proteins available to be converted into carbohydrates (glucose) in the liver. In this situation, it can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Effects of Cortisol in Excess

• High levels of cortisol increases food cravings, according to the website Age Well With HGH. This also stimulates the release of insulin, which lowers the blood-sugar levels by taking the carbohydrates into the cells.

  However, some carbohydrates are converted into fat, which is stored around organs and in the abdomen. Weight gain is associated with many conditions, such as strokes, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular diseases.

  According to Anxiety Depression Alternatives, other effects include lowered sex drive, damage to brain areas and damage to the heart.

Benefits of Passion Flower

• Passion flower contains harman alkaloids and flavonoids (quercetin and rutin), which have a tranquilizing and anti-hypertensive effects. In herbal medicine, the flower extracts are mainly used to treat anxiety, restlessness and insomnia, according to Vitamins & Health Supplements Guide.

  When in the bloodstream, harman alkaloids and passion flower's flavonoids decrease arterial tension, blood pressure and respiratory rhythm. Infusion from dried leaves is used as a remedy for insomnia.The effects of passion flower can be noted within 30 minutes of consumption, according to Age Well With HGH.

Criticism

• The effect of passion flower on reducing stress and anxiety symptoms has been compared to the drug Oxazepam, often used to treat depression and anxiety conditions, according to Age Well With HGH.

  However, according to The Man's Choice website, there is no research to confirm the ability of passion flower to directly affect cortisol production or reduce its damaging effects in our body.

Warning

• Although considered nontoxic, passion flower can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. According to Vitamins & Health Supplements Guide, pregnant women should avoid passion flower supplements, because they contain substances that can stimulate uterine contractions.

  Passion flower can also increase the blood-thinning effects of anticoagulant drugs.