PASSIONFLOWER

Constituents​

• Passiflora contains: Alpha-alanine, apigenin, chrysin, citric acid (tricarboxylic acid), coumarin, cyclopassifloic acids A-D, cyclopassiflosides I-VI, diethyl malonate, edulan I, edulan II, flavanoids, glutamine, gynocardin, harmane (aka aribine), haraline, harmalol, harmine, harmol, homoorientin, isoorientin, isoschaftoside, isovitexin, kaempferol, loturine, lucenin-2, lutenin-2, luteolin, n-nonacosane, orientin, passicol, passiflorine, passifloric acid, pectin, phenolic acids, phenylalanine, proline, prunasin, quercetin, raffinose, sambunigrin, saponarin, saponaretin, saponarine, schaftoside, scopoletin, serotonin, sitisterol, and stigmasterol.

• Other constituents include phenolic compounds, fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, oleic, and myristic acids), formic and butyric acids, coumarins, phytosterols, and essential oils [8]. About 294 volatile compounds have been identified in several passion fruit extracts [12]. Maltol has also been discovered in various Passiflora species, which has documented sedative effects, as well as the neurotransmitter serotonin

• Flavonoids and alkaloids, including harmala, though there is no evidence to support that this alkaloid occurs in amounts large enough to be of concern for kidney toxicity. 

• While flavonoids are generally considered among the most active constituents of Passionflower, there has been little definitiveness for attributing its sedative action to a single chemical compound or group of compounds.

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Energetics/ Organoleptics

• ORGANOLEPTIC PERSPECTIVE:  the look of the intricate and delicate flower is a visual clue to its indications, being most successful in fragile and delicate conditions, namely pediatric or geriatric use as well as fragile emotional states.

• ENERGETICS: Slightly cooling and drying, mildly bitter.  As a herb for the nervous system, Passionflower's ability to smooth the flow of energy is recognized as antispasmodic.  It helps reduce or soothe erratic or convulsive nerve impulses throughout the body. In this way, Passionflower can help to calm and cool an overheated or overstimulated nervous system.  Passionflower is indicated for those who “need to have their hearts calmed and grounded so that they can be connected to others”. It suits those that are prone to anxiety, hysteria, and heart symptoms when overstimulated. When “Passionflower types” go into overload they become exhausted physically and mentally in a way that prevents them from connecting to others, focused inward on their own sensations and feelings. This can cause long-term stress, a condition for which Passionflower is perfectly suited. TCM echoes this by indicating Passionflower for Qi imbalance caused by an overload rather than a blockage.

• SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES:  This plant is a conductor meaning that it attunes the mind to higher frequencies, by sharpening the antenna and preparing the nervous system to receive subtle information. Clairvoyance, heightened spiritual states, greater awareness, channeling and even peak experiences of a religious nature take place much more easily with passion flower.

• PLANET: ruled by Venus

• CHAKRA: The crown chakra is stimulated, with the energy likely to move in both directions, vibrating and creating resonance with the 6th and 8th chakras. 

• MERIDIANS/ ORGANS:  KIDNEYS + NECK: There is a strengthening of the nadis (energetic pathways) in the neck, wrist and arm areas. There is also a strengthening of the kidney meridian, especially where ir runs through the interstitial spaces in the chest.

• SOUL BODY: The soul body is cleansed and there is more attunement between the etheric, emotional, and mental bodies. For many people, this causes deep reverence, and it is easier to release energy that may accumulate in the etheric body. 

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Contradictions​

• Passionflower is considered extremely safe and gentle. It’s only known contraindications are, as is the case with many plant medicines, pharmaceuticals. Passionflower may elevate the effects of prescription sedatives, antispasmodics and anxiolytics, so use cautiously (or not at all) together. And do not ever use Passionflower with MAOIs 
• John Fyfe, MD, states “That passiflora is not toxic is evidenced by the fact that it has been given in 10-15 drop doses every hour for six and eight hours, to infants less than one year old, without the slightest evidence of deleterious effects. It has also been administered to the very sick and weak without harmful action”

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History

• The first recorded use of Passionflower dates back to the Aztecs, and was eventually widely cultivated in Europe after the Spanish conquistador era. 

• The name Passionflower is derived from flos passionis, a translation of fior della passione, a name applied to the plant in Italy to note religious symbolism.

• The floral structure was seen as symbolizing the implements of the crucifixion, a symbolic reflection of the Passion of the Christ. The white and purple in the flower were said to symbolize heavenly purity, five stamens for the five wounds Jesus suffered, and three style for the three nails used to bind him to the cross .

• The species name incarnata means “made of flesh or flesh-colored” 

• Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish doctor working in Peru, was the first to document the use of Passionflower in 1569.