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Passionflower
(Passiflora
incarnata)
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Medicinally
Passionflower
(Passiflora incarnata) was used historically in
South America and later in Europe as a
"calming" herb for anxiety, insomnia,
seizures, and hysteria. It is still used today to
treat anxiety and insomnia. Although scientists
aren't sure, it is believed that passionflower
works by increasing levels of a chemical called
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA
lowers the activity of some brain cells, resulting
in relaxation.
It
has been found to contain beta-carboline armada
alkaloids which are MAOIs with anti-depressant
properties. The flower and fruit has only traces
of these chemicals, but the leaves and the roots
are often more potent and have been used to
enhance the effects of mind-altering drugs. Once
dried, the leaves can also be smoked.
Possible
Interactions:
Passionflower
may interact with the following medications:
Sedatives
(drugs that cause sleepiness) -- Because
of its calming effect, passionflower may increase
the effects of sedative medications. These can
include:
- Anticonvulsants
such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam
(Valium)
- Drugs
for insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien),
zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta),
ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic
antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
amoxapine, doxepin (Sinequan), and
nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Antiplatelets
and anticoagulants (blood thinners) --
Passionflower may increase the amount of time
blood needs to clot, so it could make the effects
of blood-thinning medications stronger and
increase your risk of bleeding. Blood-thinning
drugs include:
- Clopidogrel
(Plavix)
- Warfarin
(Coumadin)
Monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors or MAOIs)
-- MAO inhibitors are an older class of
antidepressants that are not often prescribed now.
Theoretically, passionflower might increase the
effects of MAO inhibitors, as well as their side
effects, which can be dangerous. These drugs
include:
- Isocarboxazid
(Marplan)
- Phenelzine
(Nardil)
- Tranylcypromine
(Parnate)
History
Leaves
and roots have a long history of use among
Native Americans in North America and were
adapted by the colonists. The fresh or dried
leaves of Maypop are used to make an infusion, a
tea that is used to treat insomnia, hysteria,
and epilepsy, and is also valued for its
painkilling properties.
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Passionflower
herb C/O
(Passiflora incarnata)
Origin-
Italy 
Passion
Flower is a sedative, anti-spasmodic and
is a mood enhancer. Passion flower is the
herb of choice for sleeplessness. The
anti-spasmodic values treat Parkinson's, seizures
and hysteria.
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Bulk
Herbs
A-D
E-O
P-Z
For
educational purposes only This information
has not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
