Passion flower used to reduce anxiety

Passiflora incarnata, or passion flower, was so named by 16th century Spanish explorers who thought the flower’s petals and sepals resembled Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns. There are about 500 species of the perennial vine worldwide, including several that thrive in the southeastern United States and parts of California. In addition to its striking flowers -- the source of the plant’s purported medicinal powers -- the vine produces edible yellow, orange or purple fruits (the color depends on the species), which are used to make juices and jams.

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Uses: Passion flower is sometimes taken orally for anxiety, tension, insomnia, high blood pressure and depression. Topical preparations are used to treat burns, cold sores, insect bites and sunburn. Homeopaths occasionally prescribe the supplements for asthma and whooping cough.

Dose: Usually, 100 milligrams two times a day, or 1 to 4 cups of tea made using 1 teaspoonful of dried passion flower per cup of boiling water. Passion flower extracts are available in capsule form and as liquid extracts.

Precautions: Because passion flower contains chemicals that could trigger miscarriage, pregnant women should avoid the supplement. It also can slow blood-clotting time and may block the effects of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, so people on anticoagulants, aspirin or monoamine oxidase inhibitors should take care. Common side effects of passion flower treatment include dizziness, nausea and drowsiness.

Research: Lab studies suggest passion flower may have some antibacterial activity and that it contains chemicals that act like benzodiazepines, which cause relaxation by dampening nerve-cell activity in the brain. So far, few rigorous human studies have examined passion flower’s list of medicinal effects.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis