Passion Flower Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Passionflower Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Passionflower is generally considered safe when used as a flavoring in foods. The US FDA approves its use in small quantities. When taken orally in appropriate amounts, passionflower extract is likely safe for short-term use. However, there is limited information about its safety when used topically. Caution is advised during pregnancy, as some reports link it to potential risks.

How Does Passionflower Work? What's the Mechanism of Action?

Passionflower's active components include flavonoids like vitexin and indole alkaloids such as harman. It's thought to exert its effects through its interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. This interaction results in sedative, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), and anticonvulsant effects. Passionflower's compounds influence neurotransmitters that regulate mood and anxiety, similar to benzodiazepines, but with some differences in receptor binding.

Pharmacokinetics

Information about the pharmacokinetics of passionflower is currently limited. Further research is needed to fully understand how the body processes and absorbs its compounds.

Interaction Overview (Full List Below)

Passionflower may interact with CNS depressant drugs, potentially enhancing their effects. It might also impact the bioavailability of certain organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates. Additionally, caution is advised when combining passionflower with herbs or supplements that also have sedative properties.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of passionflower can include confusion, dizziness, hypersensitivity, and sedation. These effects are generally well-tolerated when taken orally.

Are Passionflower Supplements Standardized?

For medicinal use, passionflower should contain at least 1.5% total flavonoids expressed as vitexin. This standardization helps ensure consistent quality and potency in passionflower products.

What Is Passionflower Typically Used For?

Passionflower has been traditionally used as a sedative. It has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, including pre-procedural anxiety. However, its effectiveness for conditions like adjustment disorders, alcohol use disorder, ADHD, congestive heart failure, fibromyalgia, menopausal symptoms, muscle cramps, neuropathic pain, opioid withdrawal, seizures, and stress requires more research to determine its true potential.

Passionflower is also believed to improve sleep quality in cases of insomnia and may have applications in pre-operative anxiety reduction. However, more evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness for these uses.

Keep in mind that while passionflower offers potential benefits, further research is essential to fully understand its effects and applications.

Drugs that interact with Passion Flower