Harman alkaloids were previously considered to be the active principles of Passiflora incarnata and other species (LöHDEFINK and KATING 1974; cf. ß-carbolines, harmine and harmaline).''S Occasionally it is stated in the literature that in 100 g dried passiflora ticarnata herb contains about 10 mg harmane alkaloids;
this amount of salary is strongly doubted (MEIER 1995b: 120). Cinnamic acid derivatives and coumarins may have been mistaken for harmans in the analysis (MEIER et al. 1994: 38). Maltol (a γ-pyrone), considered the main active ingredient, is a by-product produced in the
Heating of the raw drug occurs and cannot be responsible for the effect. According to the latest research results However, the C-glycosylflavones apigenin and luteolin were recognized as the main active substances (MEIER 1995b: 120, MEIER 1995a, MEIER et al. 1994). The following compounds are present in Passiflora incarnata: vicenin-2, isoorientin-2"-O-glucoside, Shaftoside, Isoshaftoside, Isoorientin, Isovitexin-2"-O-glucoside, Isovitexin and Swertisin. Orientin and Vitexin are only in small traces present. Saponarin, which was previously also described as an ingredient, is missing (MEIER 1995a). Passiflora jorullensis contains passicol, harmol, harman, harmin, harmalol and harmaline (EMBODEN 1979: 1870.
The slimy pulp (fruit pulp) of passion fruit (Passiflora editlis) primarily contains 2 to 4% citric acid, relative low ascorbic acid (only 20 to 50 mg per 100 g of pulp), carotenoids (0.5 to 2.5 mg per 100 g of pulp), starch and over 200 Flavorings (MEIER 1995b: 116ff.). Whether harmans actually occur in the fruit is not occupied.
The root of Passifora involucrata is apparently rich in ß-carbolines with MAO-inhibiting properties. The chemistry of the flowers of Passtlora foetida has not yet been elucidated (ARGUETA V. et al. 1994: 1190.
