Passion of Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata commonly known as Passion Flower or passion vine, is from the family Passifloraceae. The parts used are the aerial parts, mainly the leaves. This mighty little flowering vine is common in most sleeping tincture (click here to buy) .This is because the main actions of this plant are anti-anxiety and a mild sedative. The main chemical components is harmine, however trace amounts of harman can be found in the plant itself. Passiflora incarnata has other chemical components such as flavonoids and other like chemical classes. These classes include apigenin, kaempferol, maltol, alkaloids ( harmine, harmaline, and harman), and several others like essential oils. Harman did not show up in biologically active concentrations in a study done with mice.

Harmine (main active chemical) is a beta-carboline alkaloid, this compound has been found to be a strong inhibitor of monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase is known for metabolizing catecholamine neurotransmitters. This is the main chemical responsible in the herb for its ability to improve anxiety. The chemical harmine has shown to improve insulin sensitivity as well as an antidepressant.

There have been few adverse reactions however side effects may include drowsiness, and in one documented case nausea and dizziness. Controlled studies on interactions is not documented however theorized. Those who take benzodiazepines and barbiturates. There is no known toxicity but dosages should remain around 2g of dried herb no more than 3-4 times daily. Those who are pregnant should avoid as Passiflora spp. has been shown to cause uterine contractions.

Sources:

4th Edition Herbs and Natural Supplements: an evidence-based guide by Leslie Braun and Marc Cohen

All preliminary research was conducted on nonhuman specimens.  This is for educational purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This statement isn't evaluated by the FDA.