Passiflorae herba

Passiflorae herba, also called passionflower herb, is a drug consisting of the crushed, flower- or fruit-bearing aerial parts of passionflower. The drug is used to treat nervous restlessness, among other conditions. Positive monographs exist from Commission E, ESCOP and WHO.

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: to relieve mild stress symptoms, as a sleep aid, approved for nervous restlessness.
ESCOP monograph: for tension, restlessness, excitability, difficulty falling asleep.
Commission E monograph: restlessness.

Empirical medicine: spasmolytic for mild convulsions.

Passiflorae herba contains coumarin derivatives, up to 2.5 % flavonoids, including above all glucosides of apinine and luteolin, also vitexin. Furthermore protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, maltol, small amounts of essential oil and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Passionflower herb is effective in a weak form against cramps, relieves anxiety and dampens restlessness and also inhibits locomotor activity.

Passiflorae herba works according to commission E against nervous restlessness (possibly associated with pectanginous complaints). Further indications are, according to the HMPC-monograph, mild symptoms of mental stress and sleep disorders, and according to the WHO-monograph additionally for nervous stomach complaints.

The daily dose is 4 to 8 g of the drug. As a tea infusion, put 1-2g of drug in 150ml of boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, drink 1-4x/day.

The drug is usually used in combination with valerian root, cones, lemon balm leaves (e.g. Sedaselect® N) or hawthorn leaves with flowers (e.g. Passin® Drg).

Rarely nausea or tachycardia. Restriction of fitness to drive and operate machinery

Allergy to any of the ingredients. The intake is not recommended in children < 12 years (no clinical studies are available). There is also a lack of data on pregnancy and lactation.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

The fixed combination"Valerian root+hop cone+passion flower herb" from:

• Valeriana radix (valerian root) "
• Humulus lupulus (hop cone) and
• Passiflorae herba (Passionflower herb)

has a sedative effect. The combination can also be used in children under 12 years of age.

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