Comparação entre as propriedades ansiolíticas das espécies passiflora incarnata e valeriana officinalis

Abstract

The anxiolytic effects may come from plants with medicinal properties, such as species of the genera Passiflora and Valeriana that have great pharmacological interest, because their use is recommended to control mainly anxiety, which is an extremely important action, especially nowadays, considering that anxiety is a disease that affects about 5% of the global population. In this context, the aim of this literature review was to approach the properties of the species Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis, comparing their anxiolytic potential. For the development of this work, a bibliographic survey was carried out using the SciELO and Google academic databases, annals of state, federal and private universities, including the online digital collection of the FHO library, books, chapters and publications. The mechanism of action of these plants in the body is directly linked to the central nervous system (CNS), leading to the decrease of synaptic receptors (GABA), promoting relaxation to the user. These effects occur due to the presence of organic compounds in these plants, such as passiflorin in the leaves, flowers and fruits of P. incarnata and valerenic and isovaleric acids present in the roots of V. officinalis.  However, despite P. incarnata having fewer compounds when compared to V. officinalis, an advantage in relation to this plant is related to the greater distribution in different parts of the plant which leads to an advantage regarding the accessibility of these components for the population although both are effective alternatives, low cost, naturals and easily accessible to the population.