The passion-flower......Her fashioning did wait...

  seminal trace...Passion Flower Extract,Flavonoids.2%4%CAS.NO.008057-62-3.Passiflora incarnata extract,Passiflora extract,Passionflower extract....

   Basic Botanical Info of Passion Flower:

 Family :Passifloraceae
 Genus :Passiflora
 Species :incarnata, involucrata, alata, edulis, quadrangularis, caerulea
 Common Names:Passion Vine; Maracuja; Apricot Vine; Maypop,Maracuja, passionflower, carkifelek, charkhi felek, maypop, maypop passionflower,
 saa't gulu, ward assa'ah,apricot vine,maypop herb,purple passion flower,passion vine, zahril aalaam, granadilla, passionvine, maracoc, apricot-vine, saa't gulu, ward assa'ah, zahril aalaam
 Passion Flower is a woody vine with intricate blue, purple, red, or white flowers. There are several species which act as sedatives and anxiolytics and are sometimes consumed as a tea or herbal supplement. Some Passion Flower species sometimes contain small amounts of MAOI chemicals, potentially interacting with other chemicals and medications. And some species, notably P. caerulea, also contain poisonous cyanogenic glycoside.
 Medicinal parts:Plant - dried, collected after some of the berries have natured
 The dried herb, collected after some of the berries have matured. Flower - dried
 Background: Herbalists use passion flower as an antispasmodic (e.g., Parkinson's disease, seizures, and hysteria) and mild sedative for insomnia. The sweet scented passion flower is native to the southeastern United States. To the 17th Century Spaniards who were converting the New World to Christianity, the flowers on this exotic vine symbolize Christ's crucifixion and a blessing upon their task. Five pale lavender to white petals, represented the five wounds and the purple fringed corona at the center of the flower represented the crown of thorns. The flower, which blooms from June until September, is followed by an yellow-orange oval fruit. The dried fruit and flowers are used to relieve restlessness.
 Synonyms:Passion Vine. Granadilla. Maracoc. Maypops.;Apricot vine, banana passion fruit ( P. mollissima ), Calmanervin (combination product),
 Compoz (combination product), corona de cristo, EUP, Euphytose (combination product), Fleischfarbige, fleur de la passion, flor de passion,
 granadilla, grenadille, Jamaican honeysuckle ( P. laurifolia ), madre selva, maypops, Naturest, passiflora, passionflower, passion vine,
 Passionsblume, purple passion flower, Sedacalm, water lemon, wild passion flower.
 


 Basic Botanical Info of Passion Flower:
 Botanical Plant Description of of Passion Flower:
 Phytochemicals and Constituents:
 Biological Activities and Clinical Research:
 Preparations & Dosage:
 Possible Interactions and Administration:
 Legend and Folklore:Passion Flower
 Passion Flower symbolism:
 The passion-flower......Her fashioning did wait
 How Search engine think about passion flower
 Safety and Acute toxicity:


   Botanical Plant Description of of Passion Flower:

 The Passion Flowers are so named from the supposed resemblance of the finely-cut corona in the centre of the blossoms to the Crown of Thorns and of the other parts of the flower to the instruments of the Passion of Our Lord. Passiflora incarnata has a perennial root, and the herbaceous shoots bear three-lobed, finelyserrated leaves and flesh-coloured or yellowish, sweet-scented flowers, tinged with purple. The ripe, orange-coloured, ovoid, many-seeded berry is about the size of a small apple; when dried, it is shrivelled and greenish-yellow. The yellow pulp is sweet and edible.
 The Plant. The passion vine (Passiflora) has travelled widely since then, and is considered a houseplant on the prairies. This climbing vine can grow very quickly under favorable conditions, reaching up to 6 m (20 ft). It is often trained around a hoop, on netting, or on a trellis, supporting itself with spiral-like tendrils.
 The flowers are 7.6 cm (3 in.) in diameter, opening from flat oval buds and flowering from summer to early fall. The ten petals (actually five petals and five sepals) are usually white but may also be red or purple. In front of the petals are fine, colorful filaments that are purple at the base, white in the middle and blue at the tip. Five golden anthers and three brown stigmas are in the center.
 
 The stems are wiry, dark green and angular, and the deeply divided leaves can be up to 10 cm (4 in )wide. Yellow or orange fruit up to 12.7 cm (5 in,) in diameter may develop under favorable growing conditions. The fruit is many-seeded, and some varieties are edible.
 Care. The passion flower is best suited to a sunny room or greenhouse. Ideally, it should have 4 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily throughout the year. However, it may sun scorch in summer if placed too close to a south or west window. The plant may be summered outside.
 In spite of its "passion" for bright light, it prefers temperatures on the cooler side (12.7-18.8C), especially in winter. It will tolerate slightly warmer temperatures in summer but is more likely to become infested with spider mites and may not have as attractive a shape. Cooler temperatures (10C) in winter will allow it a rest period.
 Passion Flower, whose genus name is passiflora, is a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including gastrointestinal complaints of nervous origin), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. Passion Flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system.
 Passion flower is also known as maypop. It is a woody vine with flowers which reminded early pilgrims of the passion or suffering of Christ. The plant produces small berry-like fruit called granadilla or water lemon. The aerial parts of the plant are gathered during fruiting season and then dried for future processing.
 Habitat:The plant is indigenous to an area from the southeast U.S. to Argentina and Brazil.
 


   Phytochemicals and Constituents:

  Constituents: Alkaloids; harmine, harman, harmol, harmaline, harmalol, and Passiflorin.
 Flavonoids: apigenin and various glycosides, homoorientin, isovitexin,kaempferol, luteolin, orientin, quercitin, rutin, saponaretin, saponarin and vitexen.
 Chemical Composition:Alkaloids,Apigenin,Carbohydrates,Coumarins,Flavonoids,Fructose,Glucose,Gum,
 Harmaline,Harmalol,Harman,Harmine,Maltol,Plant alcohols,Orientin,Raffinose,
 Saponaretin,Saponarin,Scopoletin,Stigmasterol,Sitosterol,Sterols,Sucrose,Umbelliferone,Vitexin.

  Phytochemicals:
 Chemical analysis on passionflower indicates it contains three main groups of active chemicals: alkaloids, glycosides and flavonoids. Interestingly, when the glycosides and flavonoids are isolated and tested individually they have demonstrated the opposite effects for which the plant is commonly used for. Only when the two groups of chemicals are combined as a whole herb, do researchers observe the plant's sedative effect. Passionflower also contains naturally occurring serotonin as well as a chemical called maltol which has documented sedative effects (and which might explain the natural calming properties of passionflower). A group of harmane alkaloids in passionflower have demonstrated antispasmodic activity and the ability to lower blood pressure. In addition, a flavonoid named chrysin has demonstrated significant antianxiety activity.
 The main plant chemicals in passionflower include: alkaloids, alpha-alanine, apigenin, aribine, chrysin, citric acid, coumarin, cyclopassifloic acids A-D, cyclopassiflosides I-VI, diethyl malonate, edulan I, edulan II, flavonoids, glutamine, gynocardin, harmane, harmaline, harmalol, harmine, harmol, homoorientin, isoorientin, isoschaftoside, isovitexin, kaempferol, loturine, lucenin-2, lutenin-2, luteolin, n-nonacosane, orientin, passicol, passiflorine, passifloric acid, pectin, phenolic acids, phenylalanine, proline, prunasin, quercetin, raffinose, sambunigrin, saponarin, saponaretin, saponarine, schaftoside, scopoletin, serotonin, sitosterol, and stigmasterol.

 There is some controversy over the exact composition of P. incarnata. Approximately 2.5 percent appears to be flavonoids such as vitexin, orientin, homo-orientin, saponarin, schaftoside, and a few others as glucosides, together with free flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol.
 In Europe, passionflower is required to contain not less than 0.8 percent total flavonoids, calculated as vitexin.
 The harman alkaloids that have been identified by some chemists are disputed by others. Umbelliferone, scopoletin, and maltol have been reported.
 An antifungal, antimicrobial compound dubbed passicol is found in fresh plant matter but dissipates quickly from the dried herb or aqueous extract.
 


   Biological Activities and Clinical Research:

 Actions: Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive.
 Passionflower (as well as its harmane alkaloids) have been the subject of much scientific research. After almost 100 years of study the sedative, antispasmodic and analgesic effects of this tropical vine have been firmly established in science. The analgesic effects of passionflower were first clinically documented in 1897 while the sedative effects were first recorded in 1904. Antispasmodic, anti-anxiety and hypotensive actions of passionflower leaves were clinically validated in the early 1980's. An extract of the fruit demonstrated anti-inflammatory and tranquilizing effects in animal studies. Also, a leaf extract has also shown to have diuretic activity in rats.
 Passionflower has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and recent clinical studies with mice have verified this use as well. In a 2003 study, a leaf extract was reported to improve overall sexual function, increase sperm count, fertilization potential and litter size. Its traditional use for coughs has also been recently confirmed. In a 2002 study with mice a passionflower leaf extract was shown to be comparable to the cough suppressant action of codeine.

   Main Uses:

 for mood disorders (depression, anxiety, stress)
 for insomnia and sleep disorders
 for headaches, migraines and general pain
 for stomach problems (colic, nervous stomach, indigestion, etc.)
 to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
 Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
 analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cough suppressant, aphrodisiac, cough suppressant, central nervous system depressant, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), sedative
 Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
 anticonvulsant, antidepressant, astringent, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), disinfectant, nervine (balances/calms nerves), neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), tranquilizer, vermifuge (expels worms)

   Current Practical Uses:

 Passionflower is widely employed by herbalists and natural health practitioners around the world today for its sedative, nervine, anti-spasmodic and analgesic effects. In the United States, P. incarnata is the species most used to treat insomnia, muscle cramps, hysteria, neuralgia, menstrual cramps and PMS, and as a pain reliever in various conditions. In Europe, it is employed for nervous disorders, insomnia, spasms, neuralgia, alcoholism, hyperactivity in children, rapid heart beat, headaches, and as a pain reliever and antispasmodic. In South America, P. edulis is the species most used as a sedative, diuretic, antispasmodic, for convulsions, alcoholism, headaches, insomnia, colic in infants, diarrhea, hysteria, neuralgia, menopausal symptoms and hypertension. In South America the fruit juice is also used as a natural remedy to calm hyperactive children, as well as for asthma, whopping cough, bronchitis and other tough coughs. In Peruvian traditional medicine today, passionfruit juice is used for urinary infections and as a mild diuretic.
 Passionflower leaves are classified as "Generally Regarded as Safe" by the FDA. They are the subject of various European monographs for medicinal plants and are generally regarded as safe even for children and infants.
 

   Uses based on scientific evidence Grade:

 Congestive heart failure: An extract containing passionflower and hawthorn has been studied in people with congestive heart failure for the treatment of shortness of breath and difficulty exercising. People using this combination of herbs have experienced improvements in these symptoms. However, any positive effects may have resulted from hawthorn, which is more commonly used for congestive heart failure. High quality human research of passion flower alone and compared to prescription drugs used for this condition is needed before a recommendation can be made. C
 Sedation (agitation, anxiety, insomnia):Passion flower has a long history of use for symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, or agitation. There is preliminary evidence in support of these uses from animal research and from poor-quality human studies. Better research is needed beforea firm conclusion can be drawn.
 Anti-anxiety:Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. In studies conducted since the 1930's, its mode of action has been found to be different than that of most sedative drugs (sleeping pills), thus making it a non-addictive herb to promote relaxation.
 Insomnia:The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia. Research had indicated that passion flower has a complex activity on the central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for its overall tranquilizing effects. Also, it apparently has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles within the body, including the digestive system, promoting digestion.

   Uses based on tradition or theory:

 The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
 Alcohol withdrawal, anti-bacterial, anti-seizure, anti-spasm, aphrodisiac, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), burns (skin), cancer, chronic pain, cough, drug addiction, Epstein-Barr virus, gastrointestinal discomfort (nervous stomach), hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, insomnia, menopausal symptoms (hot flashes), nerve pain, pain (general), tension, wrinkle prevention.
 Remedies For: Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive.
 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.
 Indications: Passiflora has a depressant effect on C.N.S.activity and is hypotensive; they are used for their sedative and soothingproperties, to lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia and for insomnia. Thealkaloids and flavonoids have both been reported to have sedative activity inanimals. Many of the flavonoids, such as apigenin, are well-known forpharmacological activity, particularly anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatoryactivities. 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'sdisease, seizures and hysteria. It can be very effective in nerve pain suchas 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.

   Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses:

 Passion fruit is enjoyed by all rainforest inhabitants -humans and animals alike. Several species of Passiflora have been domesticated for the production of their edible fruit. The yellow, gelatinous pulp inside the fruit is eaten out of hand, as well as mixed with water and sugar to make drinks, sherbet, jams and jellies, and even salad dressings. Indigenous tribes throughout the Amazon have long used passionflower leaves for its sedative and pain-relieving properties; the fruit is used as a heart tonic and to calm coughs.
 Passionflower was first "discovered" in Peru by a Spanish doctor named Monardes in 1569 who documented the indigenous uses and took it back to the Old World where it quickly became a favorite calming and sedative herb tea. Spanish conquerors of Mexico and South America also learned its use from the Aztec Indians and it eventually became widely cultivated in Europe. Since its introduction into European herbal medicine systems, passionflower has been widely used as a sedative, antispasmodic and nerve tonic. The leaf infusion was introduced in North American medicine in the mid 1800's as a sedative through native and slave use in the South. It was also used for headaches, bruises and general pain; applying the bruised leaves topically to the affected area. In many countries in Europe, the U.S. and Canada, the use of passionflower leaves to tranquilize and settle edgy nerves has been documented for over 200 years. It was also employed for colic, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual difficulties, insomnia, neuralgia, eye disorders, epilepsy and convulsions, and muscle spasms and pain.
 Medicinal Action and Uses:The drug is known to be a depressant to the motor side of the spinal cord, slightly reducing arterial pressure, though affecting circulation but little, while increasing the rate of respiration. It is official in homoeopathic medicine and used with bromides, it is said to be of great service in epilepsy. Its narcotic properties cause it to be used in diarrhoea and dysentery, neuralgia, sleeplessness and dysmenorrhoea.
 Safety:There are no reported side effects for passion flower and the suggested dosages. However, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women or children under the age of two. If already taking a sedative or tranquilizer, consult a health care professional before using passion flower.

   Properties and Uses:

 Passion flower has related analgesic, sedative, sleep-inducing, and spasmolytic effects.
 The major pharmacological effect of passion flower, first observed nearly a hundred years ago and consistently reported ever since, is a sedative property. The analgesic property of this herb was also observed, and doctors had success treating the sleeplessness experienced by neurasthenic and hysteric patients, as well as that caused by nervous exhaustion. Early investigators noticed that the herb worked best when sleeplessness could be traced to an inflammation of the brain; passion flower appeared to act as an analgesic and was free from side effects. Later in this century, investigators discovered that the flavonoid fraction was more effective. However, other tests showed that the most effective sedative activity was obtained from a combination of both the flavonoids and the alkaloids.
 Early research indicated that an extract of passion flower was effective against the disturbance of menopause, and as agent against the sleeplessness that occurred during convalescence from the flu. The herb had no side effects, and appeared to induce a normal peaceful sleep. Observations on the day following administration revealed no depression of body or mind, in contrast to the morning-after effects usually experienced with narcotic drugs.
 Passion flower is one of the main constituents of a German sleeping pill called Vita-Dor. This product, also containing aprobarbital, valerian root, hops, mellissa, and thiamine, is highly effective in inducing and maintaining sleep throughout the night. A recent Romanian patent was issued for a sedative chewing gum that contains passion flower extract in a base of several vitamins. Many other examples of the widespread application of passion flower in Europe could be cited; however, American recognition of the sedative effects of passion flower has lagged seriously behind.
 Some of passion flower's main constituents are the harmine and harman alkaloids (passiflorine, aribine, loturine, yageine, etc.). In man small doses (about 3-6 mg) stimulate the central nervous system, much like coffee and tea (black). In larger doses (15-35 mg), these alkaloids produce a strong motoric restlessness followed by drowsiness. Still larger doses intensify the motoric activity and cause hallucinations, convulsions, and vomiting. Oral doses of 300-400 mg will produce marked psychotic symptoms, replete with hallucinations, followed by pronounced central nervous system depression. Hence, passion flower is sometimes used as a mild hallucinogen. Since large doses of pure harman alkaloids are needed to produce psychoactive symptoms of any merit, use of the whole plant probably has no such observable effect.
 Pharmacological investigations in animals indicate that relatively large doses of harman derivatives excite the central nervous system, producing hallucinations and convulsions that appear to be of extrapyramidal origin. These effects do not agree with the properties of the whole plant. Harman alkaloids arrest spasms in smooth muscle, lower the blood pressure, and expand the coronary vessels, effects which have also been observed in whole herb extracts and appear occasionally in the folk literature. A centrally-depressive chemical, a gamma-pyrone derivative called maltol, has been isolated from passion flower and shown to have mild sedative properties in mice; maltol could offset the stimulant properties of harman alkaloids, but it is unlikely that it account for all sedative effects observed in humans.
 Presently, the active principle in passion flower remains unknown. It has been verified that the herb's alkaloid fraction is sedative, the flavonoid fraction (also containing some harman) is active, and a combination of the two is most active.
 Ellingwood considered it specific for "wakefulness, disturbed sleep frommental worry, and exhaustion from cerebral fulness and from excitement,especially with feebleness. Anemic patients are relieved by it, also thewakefulness of infants and the aged. It is not usually efficient if thewakefulness is caused by pain, nor when the patient is in full strength.Nervous excitement, and irritation with muscular twitchings, evidences ofapproaching convulsions in childhood, with marked cerebral fulness areindications, and it is given at any time preceding or during convulsiveparoxysms if it can be swallowed. It is indicated in convulsions of anycharacter." In addition he recommends it for the following conditions:convulsions of childhood, severe spasms, epilepsy, chorea,tetanus, hysteria, persistent hiccough, sleeplessness oftuberculosis.
 Cautions: It may cause drowsiness or have a tranquilizing effect.
 Symptom: Sleeplessness/Insomnia, Anxiety, Nervousness, Muscle Spasms, Poor Digestion, Pain, Migraines, Menstrual Cramps, Inflammation, Infection

   Worldwide Ethnomedical Uses:

 Brazil for alcoholism, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, cough, constipation, convulsions, delirium, depression, diarrhea, flu, gout, headache, heart tonic,
 ......hemorrhoids, hyperactivity, hypertension, hysteria, infantile convulsions, insomnia, irritability, menopause, menstrual disorders, nervous disorders, nerve pain,
 ......rheumatism, stress, ulcers, urinary insufficiency, whopping cough, worms(intestinal), and as a pain-reliever, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative

 England for anxiety, eye problems, headaches, hypertension, hysteria, insomnia, muscle problems, nerve pain, nerve weakness, pain, restlessness, spasms, and as a relaxant and tranquilizer

 Europe for agitation, anxiety, asthma, insomnia, irritability, menopause, menstrual disorders, nervousness, pain, palpitations, restlessness, stress

 Peru for epilepsy, heart problems, hypertension, insomnia, muscular spasms, nervousness, tetanus, and as an aphrodisiac and sedative

 Turkey for epilepsy, insomnia, menstrual disorders, neuralgia, neurosis, spasms, and as a sedative

 South America for burns, colic, depression, diarrhea, dysentery, epilepsy, eruptions, eye disorders, headache, hemorrhoids, hyperactivity, hypertension, ......
 ......hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, menopause, menstrual disorders, nervousness, nerve pain, neurosis, pain, seizures, skin problems, spasms, worms, and as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, and sedative

 U.S. for agitation, anxiety, asthma, burns, depression, diarrhea, epilepsy, headache, hypertension, hysteria, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual disorders,
 ......mood disorders, nervous complaints, neuralgia, seizures, shingles, spasms, and as a aphrodisiac, pain-reliever, sedative, and tranquilizer

 Elsewhere for anxiety, asthma, epilepsy, heart problems (palpitation, tachycardia) hypertension, hysteria, insomnia, menstrual disorders, mood disorders, neuralgia, nicotine addiction, pain, sexual dysfunction, shingles, spasms
 


   Preparations & Dosage:

 Infusion:   pour a cup of boiling water onto lteaspoonful of the dried herb and let infuse for l5 minutes. Drink a cup in theevening for sleeplessness, and a cup twice a day for the easing of otherconditions. Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture and use the same way as theinfusion.
 Dosing:  Dosages---3 to 10 grains. Of Fluid extract, 10 to 20 minims.
 The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
 Standardization:  Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. While there is no widely accepted standardization for passion flower, the flavonoid components have been used for standardization in some commercial products.
 Adults (18 years and older):
 General:   Safety and effectiveness have not been established for any dose. There are no standard or well-studied doses of passion flower. Different preparations and doses have been used traditionally.
 Dried herb:   0.5 to 2 grams taken 3 to 4 times daily by mouth has been used.
 Tincture(1:8):   1 to 4 milliliters taken 3 to 4 times daily by mouth has been used.
 Tea:   Tea made from 4 to 8 grams of dried herb, taken daily has been used.
 Infusion:   2.5 grams has been used 3 to 4 times daily.
 Children (younger than 18 years):
 There is not enough scientific data to recommend passion flower for use in children at any dose.
 


   Possible Interactions and Administration:

   Possible Interactions:
 Passion flower should be used with caution in conjunction with CNS-depressants or stimulants.
 Specifically, this herb should not be used at all in conjunction with the potent CNS-depressant analgesic, methotrimeprazine.
 

   Comments:
 To minimize central nervous system depression and possible synergism, it would be wise to avoid using passion flower with procarbazine antineoplastic drugs.
 The neuromuscular relaxing action of passion flower may be enhanced by the use of certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as clindamycin.
 In the absence of other hard data, it may be assumed that observable interactions occur between the many central nervous system drugs and the psychoactive principles in this herb.

   Toxicity Levels:
 No toxicity of passion flower has been noted, although harman alkaloids have demonstrated toxic effects (as discussed in the Method of Action section).
 

   Side Effects and Warnings:
 Passion flower is generally considered to be a safe herb, with few reported serious adverse events. In cases of side effects, the products being used have rarely been tested for contamination (which may have been the cause). There is a report of children in Costa Rica who died from eating passiflora fruit ( P. adenopoda ) due to cyanide poisoning, derived from a substance (cyanogenic B-glycoside) in the fruit. However, in other studies, these substances (cyanogenic alkaloids) have not been found in passiflora fruit.
 Rapid heart rate and rhythm, nausea, and vomiting have been reported. Side effects may also include drowsiness/sedation and mental slowing. Use caution if you are driving or operating heavy machinery.
 Passion flower may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding and alter blood tests that measure blood clotting (international normalized ratio or "INR").
 There is a case report of liver failure and death of a patient taking a preparation of passion flower with kava. Patients should use caution with any kava-containing products, as kava has been associated with liver damage. The cause of the liver damage is less likely related to the presence of passion flower.
 

   Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
 There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the safe use of passion flower in any dose during pregnancy or breastfeeding. During the 1930s, animal studies found uterine stimulant action in components of Passiflora .
 Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

   Interactions:
 Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
 

   Interactions with Drugs:
 Certain substances (harmala alkaloids) with monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) action have been found in small amounts in some species of Passiflora. Although levels of these substances may be too low to be cause noticeable effects, in theory, use of passion flower with MAOI drugs may cause additive effects. MAOI drugs include Isocarboxazid (Marplan?), phenelzine (Nardil?), and tranylcypromine (Parnate?).
 Based on animal research, use of passion flower with alcohol or other sedative-hypnotic drugs may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
 Passionflower may in theory increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?). Literature review reveals no reported cases of significant bleeding in humans with passion flower.
 Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol, and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?) or disulfiram (Antabuse?).
 

   Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements:
 Certain substances (harmala alkaloids) with monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) action have been found in small amounts in some species of Passiflora. Although levels of these substances may be too low to be cause noticeable effects, in theory, use of passion flower with herbs or supplements with MAOI activity may cause additive effects. Herbs and supplements with possible MAOI activity include 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), California poppy, chromium, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), DLPA (DL Phenylalanine), ephedra, evening primrose oil, fenugreek, Ginkgo biloba , hops, mace, St. John's wort, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), sepia, tyrosine, valerian, vitamin B6, and yohimbe bark extract. In theory, use of passion flower with caffeine, guarana, or ephedra (Ma huang) may cause an increased risk of elevated blood pressure.
 Based on animal research, use of passion flower with sedative-hypnotic herbs or supplements may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples include: calamus, calendula, California poppy, capsicum, catnip, celery, couch grass, dogwood, elecampane, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops, kava (may help sleep without drowsiness), lavender aromatherapy, lemon balm, sage, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, Siberian ginseng, St. John's wort, stinging nettle, valerian, wild carrot, wild lettuce, withania root, and yerba mansa. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
 Passionflower may in theory increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba , and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases. Some examples include: alfalfa, American ginseng, angelica, anise, Arnica montana , asafetida, aspen bark, bilberry, birch, black cohosh, bladderwrack, bogbean, boldo, borage seed oil, bromelain, capsicum, cat's claw, celery, chamomile, chaparral, clove, coleus, cordyceps, danshen, devil's claw, dong quai, evening primrose, fenugreek, feverfew, flaxseed/flax powder (not a concern with flaxseed oil), ginger, grapefruit juice, grapeseed, green tea, guggul, gymnestra, horse chestnut, horseradish, licorice root, lovage root, male fern, meadowsweet, nordihydroguairetic acid (NDGA), onion, papain, panax ginseng, parsley, poplar, prickly Ash, propolis, quassia, red clover, reishi, Siberian ginseng, sweet clover, rue, sweet birch, sweet clover, turmeric , vitamin E, white willow, wild carrot, wild lettuce, willow, wintergreen, and yucca. Literature review reveals no reported cases of clinically significant bleeding in humans with passion flower.
 

   Interactions with Foods:
 Certain substances (harmala alkaloids) with monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) action have been found in small amounts in some species of Passiflora. Although levels of these substances may be too low to be cause noticeable effects, in theory, use of passion flower with tyramine/tryptophan containing foods may cause an increased risk of dangerously high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). These include protein foods that have been aged/preserved. Specific examples of foods are anchovies, avocados, bananas, bean curd, beer (alcohol-free/reduced), caffeine (large amounts), caviar, champagne, cheeses (particularly aged, processed, or strong varieties), chocolate, dry sausage/salami/bologna, fava beans, figs, herring (pickled), liver (particularly chicken), meat tenderizers, papaya, protein extracts/powder, raisins, shrimp paste, sour cream, soy sauce, wine (particularly chianti), yeast extracts, and yogurt.


   Legend and Folklore:Passion Flower

 The Legend. Legend has it that in 1620 a Jesuit priest in Peru came across the plant we now know as passion flower. Enthralled with its beauty, that night he had a vision likening its floral parts to the elements of the Crucifixion or Passion of Christ. The five petals and five sepals became the ten apostles (omitting Peter and Judas). The three pistils became the nails of the cross; the purple corona (or filaments) was the crown of thorns, and the stemmed ovary was the Lord's goblet.

 Passion flower has a mild sedative effect that encourages sleep. This property has been well-substantiated in numerous studies on animals and humans. Nervous symptoms and cramps that inhibit sleep are alleviated by ingestion of the herb, and leading quickly to restful uninterrupted and deep sleep. When Spanish explorers first encountered the Indians of Peru and Brazil, they found this plant used in native folk medicine as a sedative. They took it back to Spain, from whence it gradually spread throughout Europe. It was in Europe that the leaves of the plant first found use as a sedative and sleep-inducing substance. Interestingly, its sedative effect was not noted by American until lately.

 Today, more than 400 species of passion flower are found throughout the world. The active constituents of passion flower can be broadly classified as alkaloids and flavonoids, supported in their actions by a variety of other constituents, including amino acids, sugars, coumarins, and alcohols (actually sterols).
 

 A decoction of passion flower has been successfully used in bronchial asthma. It has been used in Europe and America as a topical treatment for burns; compresses of the herb have a marked effect on inflammations.

 The leaves of Passiflora edulis are used in South America as a diuretic and for hemorrhoidal inflammations. In Brazil, Passiflora incarnata is used as an antispasmodic and sedative. In North America, passion flower is often used as an analgesic and anticonvulsant, with some success noticed in cases of tetanus. In Italy, a combination of passion flower, belladonna, and lobelia is used to treat asthma. In Poland, a proprietary drug for treating excitability, contains an extract of passion flower.

 Numerous homeopathic drugs contain passion flower; it is possible that the main sedative activity of the plant is truly homeopathic in nature, being in that respect a function of the harman alkaloid constituents otherwise stimulant in nature.

 Passion flower has been commonly used in the treatment of nervous, high-strung, easily excited children; cardiovascular neuroses; bronchial asthma; coronary illness; circulation weakness; insomnia; problems experienced during menopause; concentration problems in school children; and in geriatrics. There is some experimental support for these applications.
 Passion flower appears completely nontoxic, and has been approved for food use by the FDA.
 


   Passion Flower symbolism:

 The Passion Flower with its various parts is seen as a symbols of Jesus' scourging, crowning with thorns and crucifixion.
 This flower, a genus with numerous species, indigenous to the tropical Americas, is unique among the hundreds of old Christian flower symbols in that there is specific historical documentation of the time and place of its origin - the symbolism having been first perceived by the Mexican Augustinian friar, Emmanuel de Villegas, who reported it, with sketches, in Europe in 1610.
 It is said that the test of the authenticity of the biblical Prophets was the enduring acceptance of their prophecies by the community. The same can be said of religious flower symbols, whatever their origin: if they achieve enduring acceptance, this signifies, as in the case of the Passion Flower,that they contain a certain "prophetic" unction which enriches the faith and devotion of the believers.
 The endurance in religious oral tradition of the "galaxy" of flower symbols of Our Lady, and of her life and her mysteries from medieval times, as discovered and recorded for literate tradition by botanists and folklorists, bears testimony to their enriching prophetic unction, which we at Mary's Gardens propose for wider knowledge and appreciation.
 
 The Passion Flower symbolism, as originally perceived, and then augmented, includes:
 The spiraled tendrils- the lash of Christ's scourging
 The central flower column - the pillar of the Scourging
 The 72 radial filaments- the Crown of Thorns
 The top 3 stigma - the 3 Nails
 The lower 5 anthers - the 5 wounds
 The Style- the Sponge used to moisten Christ's Lips with Vinegar
 The leaves (some species) - the head of the Centurion's Spear
 The red stains - Christ's Blood Drops
 The Round Fruit- The World Christ came to save
 The Fragrance- The Spices prepared by the Holy Women
 This multiple symbolism of the Passion Flower combines a number of symbols found in flowers individually in the prior traditions of the rural countrysides of the Old World, from which the missionaries to the New World came.
 Thus, in the popular oral religious traditions of Spain,Paliurus aculeatus was known as Espina de Cristo, "Christ's Thorn" (by which name it is generally known today) and Espina Santa, "Holy Thorn"; Pichomon acarna (?) as Azota-Christos, "Christ's Lash";Gentiana cruciata, Cross Gentian, and others, as Hierba en Cruz,"Herb of the Cross"; Ophioglossum vulgatum, Adder's-Tongue Fern, as Lanza de Cristo, "Christ's Lance"; and Fumaria officinalis, Fumitory, as Sangre de Cristo, "Christ's Blood". Familiarity with these or other plant symbols of the Passion and Cross of Christ no doubt pre-disposed missionaries and their converts to discover symbolism such as that of the Passion Flower, and to make transferrences such as that of the symbolism of "Mary's Gold" from the European Marigold, Calendula, to the golden Tagetes genus of the New World.
 Such symbols gave a specific focus of Christian faith to the religious sense of nature, and also provided a visual means of teaching the Gospel story in an era where there were no printed catechisms.
 And, once introduced into Europe, the Passion Flower soon acquired other religious names, such as in Germany, Jesus-Leiden,"Jesus' Passion"; Christos-Strauss, "Christ's Bouquet"; Herr-Gotts-Blume, "Our Lord's Flower"; Dorn-Krone, "Crown of Thorns";Christos-Krone, "Christ's Crown"; Marter, "Martyr"; and Muttergottes-Schurzchen, "Mother-of-God's Star".
 


   The passion-flower......Her fashioning did wait

 The Sacred
     "She heard no sound before her gate,
   Though very quiet was her bower.
     All was as her hand had left it late:
   The needle slept on the broidered vine,
     Where the hammer & spikes of the passion-flower
      Her fashioning did wait."
   -Helen Gray Cone,
   1859-1934.


   Safety and Acute toxicity:

 Acute toxicity(LD50):Passional Flower Extract.Powder.Dry.
 LD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Oral.Rodent-rat. 15000 mg/kg;

 Chronic Effects on Humans::Not available.
 Other Toxic Effects on Humans:Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact(irritant),of ingestion,of inhalation.

  Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:
 Acute Potential Health Effects:
 Skin:May cause skin irritation.
 Eyes:May cause eye irritation.
 Inhalation:Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation.
 Ingestion:Ingestion of large quantities may cause digestive tract irritation with nausea,vomiting,and diarrhea.It may also affect behavior/central nervous(central nervous system depression,somnolenece,altered sleep time),metabolism,and urinary system.


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  Scientific References:

  1.The passion-flower......Her fashioning did wait...