posted June 04, 2009 08:44 AM         

CAM Type: biologically based
Introduction to Passion Flower:

Passion flower is a genus of around 500 different species of flowering plants of the Passifloraceae family. Mostly vines, with some being shrubs, a few are herbaceous. Passion flower bears small berry-like fruit called grandilla. The bright flowers and aerial (growing above ground) parts of the Passion Flower plant are used in medicinal compounds to promote emotional balance through relaxation of the nervous system.

Passion flowers are native to tropical and sub-tropical sections of the Americas, and have a long history among Native Americans in both North and Central America. It has long been used to aid with epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, and pain.
Common Uses:

Nervous tension, anxiety/panic attacks, mild mood swings, irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping

Pharmacology and Phytochemicals:

Researchers have isolated numerous components found in the aerial parts of the Passion Flower plant, including Flavonoids believed to lend a sedative effect in the nervous system. These include Vitexin, Isovitexin, Chrysin, and Orientin. Chrysin is a “monoflavonoid” considered to be the main active component in Passion Flower.
Mechanisms of Action:

The precise mechanism of action is not completely understood, the belief is that the combination of Flavonoids in Passion Flower contribute to its effectiveness as an anxiolytic which aids with relaxation, relief from occasional anxiety and panic resulting from stress, and to ease tension.
Usage:

Passion Flower is often combined with other natural sedatives like Valerian to promote its natural anti-anxiety effects. An effective amount of Passion Flower is 100mg to 200mg per day for adults and around 75mg to 150mg for children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 13.
Safety, Side Effects and Warnings:

Large amounts of Passion Flower have not been shown to cause adverse reactions, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using any dietary supplement.
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/complementary_alternative_medicine/herbs_supplements/passion_flower.php

posted June 04, 2009 08:46 AM         

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Passion Flower (100 capsules)
$11.70
Passion flower has a mild tranquilizing effect. It may also relax blood vessel spasms, which could make it helpful for migraines. Dr. Weil states that passion flower is calming without being sedating and is a useful adjunct to programs of stress reduction, much safer than pharmaceutical tranquilizers. Each capsule contains 350 mg of passion flower.

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