Main active constituents

Alkaloids, such as harmine, harman, harmol, harmaline, harmalol, and passaflorine.
Flavonoids, apigenin, various glycosides, homoorientin, isovitexin, kaempferol, luteolin, orientin,quercetin, rutin, saponaretin, saponarin and vitexen.

Physiological Effects

Parts Used: Leaves and whole plant

Traditional Use and Health Benefits

This stunningly beautiful flower is native to the Americas where it has been used for centuries to heal bruises and cuts. Modern day herbalists recommend it as a powerful nervine tonic to treat stress, anxiety and to help the mind prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

It has also been used traditionally to provide relief to women who are experiencing menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, and is especially adept at dealing with insomnia related to this change in a woman’s life.

Passion Flower Benefits

Anxiety/Depression If depression is related to the menopause then Passion Flower could be the most effective herb. As well as alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats (which are in themselves depressing enough), the alkaloids "chrysin" and "benzoflavone" present in this herb have been found to increase GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid) in the brain. GABA is one of the inhibitory neurotransmitters, used by the brain to prevent over-excitement and attain balance. It also helps to decrease the activity of depression inducing brain cells.

Insomnia Passion Flower is a gentle anti-anxiety and mildly sedative herb that can even be used to induce a good night's sleep in children. One particular study asked volunteers with trouble sleeping to drink a cup of Passion Flower tea at bedtime for a period of time, all reported significant sleep improvement.

The increased GABA in the brain that Passion Flower can induce will also reduce the anxiety so often associated with insomnia. In addition, Passion Flower is known to be a muscle relaxant, easing away tension that can make it more difficult to drift off to sleep.

Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory Passion Flower is powerfully antioxidant due to the presence of the antioxidant compounds; vitexin, isovitexin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, apigenin and luteolin glycosides. It also contains indole alkaloids, fatty acids, gum, maltol, phytosterols, sugars and traces of volatile oils. One compound in particular – quercetin – has been extensively studied, it has been found to be exceptionally effective in ridding the body of damaging free radical molecules and it inhibits various enzymes that cause inflammation.

These compounds also relax the nervous system, helping to relieve nerve related pain such as back pain.

Lowers Blood Pressure Studies show that using extract of Passion Flower can help to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension). It was found that one cup of Passion Flower tea daily can help to regulate blood pressure levels in people with mild hypertension. However, it is important to note that those on blood pressure medication should not consume this herb as it can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Passion Flower Seed Oil Passion Flower Seed Oil is one of the highest natural sources of omega 6 (linolenic) fatty acid. This healing compound helps to restore the barrier function of skin and can be beneficial to acne sufferers who have been found to have less linolenic acid than "normal" skin types. It is also high in vitamin A which slows down the breakdown of collagen and normalizes oil production, making it great for oily skin.

Also great for use on the scalp and hair, Passion Flower Seed Oil moisturizes dry hair and its anti-inflammatory properties can help to treat a dry, irritated scalp.

Do not take Passion Flower if pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from liver damage/disease.

Passion Flower can interfere with blood thinning and blood pressure medications. If you are taking any medication, please consult your health care practitioner.

Due to its sedative effects, driving or operating machinery is not recommended after consuming Passion Flower.

Contraindications/Precautions

• Do not take Passion Flower if pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from liver damage/disease.

• Passion Flower can interfere with blood thinning and blood pressure medications. If you are taking any medication, please consult your health care practitioner.

• Due to its sedative effects, driving or operating machinary is not recommended after consuming Passion Flower.

Disclaimer

This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

Additional Resources