Passion Flower

Passion Flower - Introduction

Passion flower is a genre of about 500 different species of flowering plants belonging to the Passifloraceae family. These are usually vines and some are shrubs, a small number are herbaceous. Passion flower bears a fruit called grandilla that is a berry-like fruit. The Passion flower’s bright flowers and aerial parts are used in making medicinal compounds as it provides emotional balance by relaxing the nervous system.

Passion flower are usually found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, and has been used for centuries by Native Americans in the North and Central America. It has been in use for a long time to assist with hysteria, pain, insomnia and epilepsy.

Passion Flower - Common uses

Tension, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, mild mood swings, restlessness, trouble in sleeping and irritability.

Passion Flower - Pharmacology and Phytochemicals

Researchers have separated several components present in the aerial portion of the Passion flower plant, together with Flavonoids that is believed to provide a sedative effect in the nervous system. It includes Isovitexin, Orientin, Chrysin and Vitexin. Chrysin is a monoflavonoid regarded as the main active component of Passion flower.

Passion Flower - Mechanisms of Action

The exact mechanism of action has not been fully understood. It is believed that the combination of Flavonoids present in Passion flower adds to its effectiveness and acts as an anxiolytic that helps in providing relaxation, respite from occasional anxiety and relief from panic as a result of stress as well as to alleviate tension.

Passion Flower - Usage

Passion Flower is usually used with a combination of other natural sedatives such as Valerian to advance its natural anti-anxiety effects. The effective quantity of Passion flower is 100 mg to 200 mg a day in case of adults and about 75 mg to 150 mg in the case of children and adolescents in the age group of 7 to 13.

Passion Flower – Side effects, warnings and safety

It has been shown that large quantities of Passion flower do not result in adverse reactions. However, as with the case of any diet supplement it is suggested to consult a doctor before taking it.