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Passionflower study demonstrates anti-anxiety
effect of chrysin
A study in rats showed that the flavonoid compound chrysin, found
in passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), had "a clear
anxiolytic effect" when injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Apigenin,
on the other hand, an important compound in chamomile (Matricaria
recutita), had sedative effects at a dose of 25 mg/kg, but
demonstrated no anxiolytic effects. The researchers theorized
that the anxiolytic effect of chrysin could be related to activation
of the GABAA receptor, because it was blocked by administration
of the benzodiazepine drug flumazenil. However, flumazenil failed
to block the sedative effects of either of the two flavonoids,
leading the researchers to conclude that these effects are not
due to interaction with GABA receptors. Zanoli P, Avallone
R, Baraldi M. Behavioral characterisation of the flavonoids apigenin
and chrysin. Fitoterapia 2000; 71: S117-S123.
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