Abstract

Human infections particularly those involving microorganisms that is, bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, can cause serious infections in tropical and subtropical countries of the world. In recent years, multiple drug resistance in human pathogenic microorganisms has been developed due to indiscriminate use of commercial anti-microbial drugs commonly used in the treatment of such diseases. Plants have been the basis of many traditional medicines throughout the world for thousands of years and have continued to provide new remedies to mankind. They are one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds. In India, local empirical knowledge about medicinal properties of plants is the basis for their use as home remedies. It has been generally accepted by many people in India and elsewhere in the world that beneficial medicinal effects can be obtained by ingesting plant products. Passiflora is one of the plants used in Ayurveda for several remedies such as sedative, anxiety and hypertension etc. This review focused on the various virgin areas of research on the Passiflora sp. This study supports the use of traditional medicines (herbal extracts) to cure many diseases like diarrhea, intestinal tract, throat, ear infections, fever and skin diseases.

Key words: Passiflora, bioactive molecules, antimicrobial activity.