What are the possible side effects of Passion Flower (Passiflora)?
Passion flower is generally considered to be a safe herb, with few reported serious adverse events. In cases of side effects, the products being used have rarely been tested for contamination (which may have been the cause). Cyanide poisoning has been associated with passiflora fruit but this has not been proven in human studies. Rapid heart rate and rhythm, nausea, and vomiting have been reported. Side effects may also include drowsiness/sedation and mental slowing. Patients should use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery. Passion flower may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding and alter blood tests that measure blood clotting (international normalized ratio or “INR”). There is a case report of liver failure and death of a patient taking a preparation of passion flower with kava. Patients should use caution with any kava-containing products, as kava has been associated with liver damage. The cause of the liver damage is less likely related to the presence of passion
