Solaray Passion Flower Capsule

Solaray Passion Flower Capsule is a single-herb supplement from Solaray’s True Herbs range, supplied in a bottle of 100 vegetarian capsules (VegCaps). Each capsule provides 350mg of passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) aerial parts with blossoms, so the recommended serving of 2 capsules provides 700mg. The only other listed ingredient is the vegetable cellulose capsule shell, and the product is labelled vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Passion flower, also known as maypop, is a climbing plant native to the Americas whose leaves, stems and flowers have a long history of traditional use as a calming herb in Europe and the Americas. Its aerial parts contain naturally occurring flavonoids such as vitexin and isovitexin. Scientific research on passion flower is still limited and its effects have not been firmly established, so this product should be regarded as a herbal supplement and not as a treatment for anxiety, sleep disorders or any other medical condition.

Because passion flower can cause drowsiness and dizziness, it may add to the effects of alcohol, sedatives and sleeping pills, and it should not be used during pregnancy. It is not recommended for children, and it should be stopped before planned surgery. If you have ongoing problems with sleep, low mood, stress or anxiety, or you take any regular medicines, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this supplement.

Take 2 capsules daily with a meal or a glass of water, as directed on the Solaray label. Swallow the capsules whole. Start in the evening or on a day when you do not need to drive until you know how passion flower affects you, and do not exceed the recommended serving. If you plan to use it regularly for more than a few weeks, discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.

Adults: 2 capsules (700mg passion flower) daily with a meal or a glass of water, per the manufacturer’s label. Do not exceed 2 capsules daily unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time – do not double up. Children under 12 years: not recommended.

Store in a cool, dry place, as directed on the label. Keep the bottle tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Drowsiness or sleepiness.
• Common: Dizziness, light-headedness or confusion.
• Common: Nausea, stomach upset or dry mouth.
• Serious: Rare reports of a fast or irregular heartbeat – stop use and seek medical attention if you notice palpitations.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing – stop use and seek medical help immediately.

• Pregnancy – passion flower should not be used during pregnancy as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Breastfeeding – safety has not been established; avoid unless advised by a doctor.
• Children under 12 years.
• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) or any ingredient in the product.
• Within 2 weeks before planned surgery or procedures needing anaesthesia, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Alcohol: may increase drowsiness and dizziness – avoid alcohol while taking this product.
• Sedatives and sleeping pills (e.g. benzodiazepines such as diazepam or lorazepam, zolpidem), sedating antihistamines, opioid painkillers and other medicines that cause drowsiness: passion flower may add to their sedative effects – do not combine without medical advice.
• Anaesthesia and medicines used around surgery: may increase nervous system depression – tell your doctor and stop at least 2 weeks before surgery.
• Antidepressants, anti-epileptic medicines and other medicines that act on the brain: discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
• Other calming herbs or supplements such as valerian, chamomile, kava, hops or melatonin: may have additive drowsiness effects – avoid combining unless advised.
• Food: may be taken with a meal or a glass of water. No specific food interactions are known.

• Take your first doses in the evening or at home so you know how passion flower affects your alertness.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedating products while taking this supplement.
• Tell your doctor you take passion flower if you have surgery or a procedure planned, and stop it 2 weeks beforehand.
• Do not use during pregnancy, and ask your doctor before use if you are breastfeeding.
• See a doctor if sleep problems, stress or low mood persist – these may need proper assessment.

Precautions: Passion flower may cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion, so take care when driving, operating machinery or doing tasks that need alertness. Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines or herbs. Do not use during pregnancy, and avoid use while breastfeeding and in children under 12 unless advised by a doctor. Short-term use has been studied most; discuss longer use with a doctor or pharmacist. Older adults, people with liver or heart conditions, and anyone taking regular medicines should seek advice before use. Natural ingredients can still cause side effects and interactions.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop palpitations, severe drowsiness, confusion or signs of an allergic reaction. See a doctor if sleep problems, stress, low mood or anxiety continue or affect your daily life, and tell your doctor or anaesthetist that you take passion flower before any surgery.