Passion Flower

Aerial summits of this climbing plant are used. Constituents are: flavonoids, pyranics, heterosides, alkaloids. Attributed effects with only weak scientific evidence on effectiveness are: sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic. ^{(Fitoterapia.net, EMA 2008, WHO 2007)}

At latest update, relevant information on excretion into breast milk was not found.

Because of paucity of data on toxicity, recommendations done are to use it at low doses for short term periods. Poisonings have occurred from the consumption of preparations of this plant. ^{(Fisher 2000, Solbakken 1997)}

The European Medicines Agency does not authorize its use for children younger than 12 years old, pregnancy and breastfeeding. ^{(EMA 2008)}

When used while breastfeeding, it is recommended to use it at low dose for a short-term period. Following-up the infant for sedation is recommended.

Precautions when taking plant preparations ^{(Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995)}:

• Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties ^{(Hsu 1995)}, poisonings due to containing heavy metals extracted from the soil, and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. ^{(Anderson 2017)}
• Do not take in excess; follow the recommendations of expert phytotherapy professionals. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in quantity or for an exaggerated time because they contain phytoestrogens. ^{(Powers 2015, Zava 1998)}