PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS PASSION FLOWER/573

OVERDOSAGE

Death by asphyxiation following the intake of large quanti-

ties of protoanemonine-forming plants has been observed in

animal experiments.

^ Symptomatic treatment for external contact should consist of

^ mucilaginosa, after irrigation with diluted potassium perman-

ganate solution; in case of internal contact, activated

charcoal should follow gastric lavage.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Whole, cut and powdered forms of

the drug are used, as are homeopathic forms for internal use.

Daily Dosage: A single dose of a decoction/liquid extract/

infusion is 0.12 to 0.3 g taken 3 times daily. The usual single

dose of the drug is 0.2 g; Powder 0.1 to 0.4 g; Tincture:

single dose: 0.3 to 1 ml.

Conditions of the inner eye: 1 to 3 pills 3 times daily (from

powder and extract at 50 g /75 pills).

Homeopathic Dosage: From D2: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5

to 10 globules 1 to 3 times a day; from D3: 1 suppository 2

to 3 times a day; from D4: 1 ml injection solution sc twice

weekly and 3 to 4 nose drops 3 to 5 times a day (HAB1).

^ LITERATURE

Pourrat A et al., (1980) Planta Med 38:289.

Ruijgrok HWL, PM 11:338-347. 1963.

Siess M, Seybold G, Untersuchungen iiber die Wirkung von

Pulsatilla pratensis, Cimicifuga racemosa und Aristolochia

clematis auf den Ostrus infantiler und kastrierter wei|3er Mause.

In: Arzneim Forsch 10:514. 1960.

Further information in:

Chan H, But P (Eds.), Pharmacology and Applications of

' Chinese Materia Medica, Vol 1, World Scientific Singapore

1986.

Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur

Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufi., Wiss. Verlags-

Ges. Stuttgart 1997.

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

j£ Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.

Passiflora incarnata

See Passion Flower

Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata

TRADE NAME

Passion Flower (available from numerous manufacturers),

Alcohol Free Passion Flower Liquid

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the whole or cut

dried herb and the fresh aerial parts. The yellow pulp from

the berry is edible. Several other related species also have

edible fruits or healing properties.

Flower and Fruit: The axillary pedicle grows up to 8 cm and

bears 1 flower. The flowers are androgynous and rayed with

a diameter of 5 to 9 cm and have an involucre. The 5 sepals

are green on the outside, white on the inside and tough. The

5 petals are white to pale red. There is a secondary corolla

inside the petals made up of 4 thread wreaths arranged in

rays around the axis of the flower, which are white on the

inside and purple on the outside. The ovary has 3 carpels and

3 style branches, which end in a thickened stigma. The 5

stamens are joined at the base and fused to the

androgynophor.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The Passion Flower is a perennial

vine on a strong, woody stem reaching up to about 10 m in

length. The vine is initially angular, later.gray and rounded

with longitudinally striated bark. The leaves are alternate,

petiolate, serrate and very finely pubescent. The under

surface is hairier than the upper surface. There are bumpy

extra-floral nectaries on the leaf blades. Stipules and tendrils

grow from the leaf axils.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to an area from the

soumeast U.S. to Argentina and Brazil. It is cultivated in

Europe as a garden plant.

Production: Passion Flower herb consists of the fresh or

dried aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata. The flowering

shoots are cut 10 to 15 cm above the ground, usually after

the formation of the first apple-sized fruit. The harvest is

dried in a hay drier or in die air. For a maximum flavonoid

content in the flowering shoot, twice yearly harvest is

recommended; opinions are not, however, unanimous.

Not to be Confused With: Passiflora caeulea, Passiflora

foetida or Passiflora edulis

Other Names: Granadilla, Maypop, Passion Vine