Passion Flower 4:1

History:

There are about four hundred known Passiflora species, and most are natives of the Americas, where they mainly inhabit its tropical portions. Passiflora is native to North, Central and South America and grows along hedgerows, on the edges of woods, in thickets and over open ground.  In North America, the magnificent Passion Flower is the State Flower of Tennessee, which grows on a perennial woody vine with a trailing stem that can climb to the tops of many trees seeking the sun, often covering spans up to thirty feet in length. The North American Purple Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is one of the hardiest species of the Passion Flower genus and is even considered a common wildflower in some southern areas of the United States. It bears white to pale lavender, highly ornamental flowers of about two inches across with edible berries (called Maypops in the South). The fruits ripen only in warm, sunny climates, and the vine thrives in well-drained, sandy (slightly acid) soil in sun. In South America, the exquisite Blue (or wild) Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) also grows on a fast-growing woody vine that generally reaches about thirty feet, but may climb to eighty feet in length when supporting trees are available. It, too, bears edible fruits, prefers loose, light, sandy soils and thrives in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. The Blue Passion Flower is native to South America but is cultivated worldwide; it is evergreen in tropical climates but deciduous where winters are cool. In the sixteenth century, early Spanish explorers were astounded by the beauty of the exotic climbing vine that resembled elements of the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and named it Passion Flower in honor of the agonies of Christ. Passiflora incarnata (Purple Passion Flower) and Passiflora caerulea (Blue Passion Flower) are often used interchangeably because of their reputed shared nervine qualities. Its botanical generic and specific, Passiflora, are derived from the Latin, flos passionis, which was bestowed on the flower because of its fancied resemblance to the Crucifixion "Crown of Thorns." The Spanish explorers soon discovered Passion Flower to be a source of medicine for the Native Americans: The Houma tribe added it to drinking water as a tonic, and in the Yucatan, it was used for natural rest and nervous system support. Other tribes used it in poultices, and the early Algonquians brewed Passion Flower in a relaxing tea, much as we do today. In 1783, a visiting European doctor described it as useful for healthy nerves, and other early physicians prescribed the fruit juice as a wash for eyes. The plant was largely ignored in conventional North American medicine until the late 1800s, when it became popular in nineteenth-century herbal preparations. Passion Flower finally received official recognition in the United States National Formulary from 1916 to 1936; and the aerial parts of the plant are used in herbal preparations. Despite the dearth of research into Passion Flower in the United States, the herb is frequently prescribed in Europe for healthy nervous system support; however, because of its increased popularity and use in the United States, clinical trials will hopefully be conducted to determine why the plant appears to produce results. The effects of Passion Flower tend to be cumulative and may take time to build for full efficacy. Aside from its therapeutic value, the fruits are pulped for jams and desserts, and because they create a popping sound when mashed, the plant received one of its common names, "Maypop."  Some of the constituents in Passion Flower include beta-carboline harmala alkaloids, (harmaline, harmalol, harmol, harmine), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin), vitexin, isovitexin, coumarins (e.g. scopoletin and umbelliferone), glycosides (orientin, homorientin, lucenin), carbohydrates, benzopyrones, fatty acids, gamma-pyrone derivatives (maltol, ethylmaltol), passicol, gums, amino acids (rich in α-alanine) and calcium. The genus is also said to be rich in formic, butyric, linoleic, linolenic, malic, myristic, oleic and palmitic acids. 

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Passion Flower Herbal Supplement. Since it may cause sleepiness, it should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Children should never be given this herb in any form, and older adults and older children (twelve) should take low dosages (preferably in consultation with a physician). Do not use Passion Flower if you take MAO inhibitors, and it should not be taken with other prescription sedatives or sedative herbs or alcohol, as it increases their sedative effects. Passion Flower may have additive anticoagulant effect.

Capsule Information:
Our Passion Flower 4:1 supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.