American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Specific Symptomatology—This remedy is of value in the treatment of
chronic diseases of the kidneys or bladder, where the urine is scanty,
and contains a large quantity of the earthy salts, or urates. Where with
these irritating substances there is ulceration of the kidneys or bladder.
Therapy—Irritation, frequent desire to urinate, and pain in the organs
during urination are relieved by this remedy. It is thought to be useful,
especially in chronic inflammations of the urinary passages.
Pyelitis, pyelonephritis, and cystitis, with large. secretion of pus and
mucus are benefited by it. It should be used in mild infusion, in the
treatment of phosphaturia, or the condition sometimes known as
phosphatic diabetes. It is a good auxiliary remedy in the treatment of all
forms of lithemia.
PASSIFLORA. Passiflora incarnata.
Synonym—Passion Flower.
PREPARATION—
Extractum Passiflorae Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Passiflora. Dose,
from ten minims to one dram.
Specific Passiflora. Dose, from one to fifteen minims.
Physiological Action—Ott reports a series of experiments to determine
the physiological action of passiflora incarnata. As a result he concludes
that the agent exercises a depressing influence upon the reflex activity of
the spinal cord. In acute mania it arrests the exaggerated activity of the
cortex. It temporarily reduces the pulse and arterial tension, the latter
apparently being due to an action upon the vasomotor center of the
medulla oblongata. It stimulates the respiration and can therefore be
given in large doses without danger.
Passiflora given in excessive doses causes spasms and paralysis in
animals. It acts as a narcotic and antispasmodic in man when given in
moderate doses. No extended investigation concerning its physiological
action has yet been made.
Broadnax said that it is used by negroes in an application of the bruised
leaves as a poultice to the head, for headaches; also to bruises to relieve
pain. A decoction is used in teaspoon and tablespoonful doses in various
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 323