Composição química e aspectos farmacológicos de espécies de Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae)

(Chemical studies and pharmacological activities of Passiflora L. species (Passifloraceae)). Passiflora species (Passifloraceae) are native from the South-America which some ones are used in folk medicine as a sedative and tranquilizer. Although many studies have been done about their anxiolytic activities, there are few investigations about their chemical components, other pharmacological properties and moreover the active substances are not yet identified. Flavonoids and saponins were found in Passiflora species and, because of their structural diversity and chemical stability, they are good chemical markers to provide sample authentication, to detect adulterations and also to differentiate among closely related species. Herein, it is presented recent data about chemical and pharmacological activities about some Passiflora species native to southern Brazil. P. incarnata L. data is also presented due its economical and pharmacological importance, although it does not occur in Brazil. Key words: Passiflora, chemistry, pharmacology, flavonoids, saponins.