Traditionally used as a natural remedy for insomnia For nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, agitation and irritability Sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free Passion Flower For stressful times. Long term effect. Mild relaxant recommended for adults and children. Helps to relax gradually during stressful periods. Composition Each 25–drop dose contains: Medicinal ingredient: Fresh organically grown* Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) herb tincture (ratio 1:2.5 – 2.7) ...0.76 mL equivalent to 279 – 308 mg of fresh herb. Non-medicinal ingredient: 1 mL of tincture contains 0.65 mL alcohol (ethanol). * Certified by Bio Suisse 1 mL = 33 drops. Dropper included. Dosage Children 4 to 12 years old: Give 5 drops in a small amount of water, 3 times daily, 15 minutes before meals. Adults and adolescents over 12 years old: Take 25 drops in a small amount of water, 3 times daily, 15 minutes before meals. Insalivate before swallowing. Historical overview Native to America, Passion Flower owes its name to the resemblance of its flower to the Christs crown of thorns. It was exported by the first Spaniards and rapidly spread in regions with warm climates. Passion Flower was known for its sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic and « anodynes » (analgesic) properties. It was traditionally used for neuralgia, convulsions, tachycardia, insomnia and hysteria. Actions and pharmacology Passion Flowers main chemical components are alkaloids (harmane, harmaline, harmanine, etc.), flavonoids (vitexine, apigenine, luteoline, quercetine, etc.), maltol and ethylmaltol, sterols, etc. Cyanogen molecules (producing cyanide in certain conditions) were presumably found in Passion Flower. These molecules have only been identified in a few varieties like Passiflora biflora, P. talamancensis, etc., but never in Passiflora incarnata.(3) The flavonoid apigenine links with GABA receptors, which could explain part of Passion Flowers tranquilizing effect. The alkaloids harmanes may inhibit monoamine oxidase, implying possible antidepressant and stimulant effects. Maltol and ethylmaltol may have sedative and anticonvulsant effects. However, there are too few of these molecules to validate these effects.(5) Like that of many other herbs, Passion Flowers effectiveness on anxiety and nervousness relies on the synergy of its components. The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: nervous restlessness.(4) Scientific studies A placebo-controlled clinical study on 182 patients evaluated the effectiveness of a medicinal herb combination containing Passion Flower. The results indicate a significant effect on anxiety (measured by Hamiltons anxiety scale).(6) In an in vivo study, Passion Flower demonstrated tranquilizing and sedative effects as well as a potentializing action on sub-therapeutic dosages of sleeping drugs.(7) Precautions, contraindications and interactions Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you take medication to treat the same ailments or if symptoms persist or periodically reoccur. Avoid taking during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid taking in case of known allergy to any of the ingredients in the product. Do not use if security cap is broken. Keep out of the reach of children. References 1-Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA et al. Potential value of plants as sources of new antifertility agents I. J Pharm Sci 1975 Apr;64(4):535-98 2-A Modern Herbal. Grieve M. 2001 Electric Newt www.botanical.com (accès 06-2001). 3-Herbal Medicines, a guide for health-care professionals. Newall CA et al 1996. The Pharmaceutical Press, 1 Lambeth High Street, London, England 4-The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Blumenthal M et al 1998. American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, Texas, 78723 5-Natural Medicines Comprehensive DataBase 2001. Pharmacist's Letter 3120 W. March Lane, PO Box 8190, Stockton, CA 6-Bourin M, Bougerol T, Guitton B, Broutin E. A combination of plant extracts in the treatment of outpatients with adjustment disorder with anxious mood: controlled study versus placebo. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 1997;11:127-32. 7-Soulimani R, Younos C, Jarmouni S et al. Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. J Ethnopharmacol 1997 Jun;57(1):11-20