Alkaloids; harmine, harman, harmol, harmaline, harmalol, and passaflorine.
Flavonoids; apigenin and various glycosides, homoorientin, isovitexin,
kaempferol, luteolin, orientin, quercitin, rutin, saponaretin, saponarin
and vitexen.
The flavonoids in passion flower are the primary constituents responsible
for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. European pharmacopoeias
typically recommend passion flower products containing no less than
0.8% total flavonoids. The European literature involving passion
flower recommends it primarily for anti-anxiety treatment; in this
context, it is often combined with valerian, lemon balm, and other
herbs with sedative properties.
History
Medical use of the herb did not begin
until the late nineteenth century in the United States. Passion flower
was used to treat nervous restlessness and gastrointestinal spasms.
The effects of passion flower were believed to be primarily on the
nervous system. Its effects were particularly touted for those with
anxiety due to mental worry and overwork.
Passiflora has a depressant effect on Central Nervous System activity
and is hypotensive; they are used for their sedative and soothing
properties, to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and for
insomnia. The alkaloids and flavonoids have both been reported to
have sedative activity in animals. Many of the flavonoids, such
as apigenin, are well-known for pharmacological activity, particularly
anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activities. It is the herb
of choice for treating intransigent insomnia. It aids the transition
into a restful sleep without any 'narcotic' hangover. It may be
used wherever an anti-spasmodic is required, e.g. in Parkinson's
disease, seizures and hysteria. It can be very effective in nerve
pain such as neuralgia and the viral infection of nerves called
shingles. It may be used in asthma where there is much spasmodic
activity, especially when there is associated tension.
Combinations : For insomnia, it will combine well with Valerian,
Hops and Jamaican Dogwood.
Description
The plant is native to North, Central,
and South America. While primarily tropical, some of its 400 species
can grow in colder climates. The name passion flower dates back to
the seventeenth century. The mystery of the beautiful blossom out
of the unassuming bud was compared to the Passion of Christ. The leaves,
stems, and flowers are used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage
Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the
dried herb and let infuse for 15 minutes. Drink a cup in the evening
for sleeplessness, and a cup twice a day for the easing of other
conditions.
Tincture: take 1-4 ml of the tincture and use the same way as the
infusion. The recommended intake of the dried herb is 4-8 grams
three times per day. Many European products combine passion flower
with other sedative herbs to treat mild to moderate anxiety.
Safety
Used in the amounts listed above, passion flower is generally safe
and has not been found to negatively interact with other sedative
drugs. However, some experts suggest not using passion flower with
MAO-inhibiting antidepressant drugs. Passion flower has not been
proven to be safe during pregnancy and lactation.
No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with
your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on
any herb.
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