Passionflower
Also known as: Apricot vine, Passiflora, Passiflora incarnata, Maypop, Mburucuya, Passion flower
Overview
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a flowering, woody vine traditionally used as a calming and sedative agent. The flower petals, leaves, and stems of the plant are typically used in supplements. People around the world have used it as a treatment for pain, insomnia, anxiety, and opioid dependence. The supplement comes in several formulations, including teas, capsules, tablets, and liquids. In addition to its uses as a supplement, passionflower is also a FDA-approved food additive for flavoring purposes.
Benefits
Passionflower appears to act on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway system. By increasing levels of GABA, brain cell activity is decreased, leading to calming and sedating effects. Passionflower also contains flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as indole alkaloids. The latter may be responsible for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of passionflower, although more research is needed to clarify their role.
How it works
Passionflower has been traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia, due to its calming and sedating effects. However, there is limited clinical data to support the use of passionflower for these purposes, and larger clinical trials should be conducted. One study compared the effect of 45 drops/day of a branded passionflower extract to oxazepam in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Results showed that passionflower decreased symptoms of anxiety, with a lower incidence of job performance impairment and dizziness than oxazepam. Two other studies compared passionflower to placebo in the anxiety-inducing situation of preoperative procedures. Both 500 mg of the same standardized passionflower extract and 750 mg of a Passiflora incarnata syrup resulted in a decrease in anxiety, compared to placebo, without causing sedation. Additionally, one study showed that passionflower may be a helpful add-on therapy to sertraline for anxiety. One study found that sleep quality was improved when drinking 2 grams of passionflower tea a day compared to placebo.
Side effects
The most effective dose and frequency for passionflower have yet to be established. Manufacturers frequently do not specify the purity and concentration of passionflower supplements, contributing to uncertainty regarding recommended strength, frequency, and dosing. However, a range of dosing has been used in different clinical studies and may be used for reference. Dosing for capsules and tablets ranges from 500–1200 mg per day. For liquid extracts, dosages typically range from 30–60 drops diluted in water per day. Additionally, one study using passionflower in the form of tea used a daily dosage of 2 grams of dried passionflower leaves steeped in hot water.
Dosage
Passionflower is generally well-tolerated, but there are some side effects that have been found in clinical trials. Some common side effects of passionflower supplementation include dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. In rare but serious cases, passionflower has been shown to increase uterine contraction, causing the induction of labor; it should therefore not be used in pregnancy. Additionally, there has been one case report of increased heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain after taking passionflower supplements.
FAQs
What is passionflower?
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a flowering, woody vine traditionally used as a calming and sedative agent. The flower petals, leaves, and stems of the plant are typically used in supplements. People around the world have used it as a treatment for pain, insomnia, anxiety, and opioid dependence. The supplement comes in several formulations, including teas, capsules, tablets, and liquids. In addition to its uses as a supplement, passionflower is also a FDA-approved food additive for flavoring purposes.
What are passionflower’s main benefits?
Passionflower has been traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia, due to its calming and sedating effects. However, there is limited clinical data to support the use of passionflower for these purposes, and larger clinical trials should be conducted. One study compared the effect of 45 drops/day of a branded passionflower extract to oxazepam in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Results showed that passionflower decreased symptoms of anxiety, with a lower incidence of job performance impairment and dizziness than oxazepam. Two other studies compared passionflower to placebo in the anxiety-inducing situation of preoperative procedures. Both 500 mg of the same standardized passionflower extract and 750 mg of a Passiflora incarnata syrup resulted in a decrease in anxiety, compared to placebo, without causing sedation. Additionally, one study showed that passionflower may be a helpful add-on therapy to sertraline for anxiety.
What are passionflower’s main drawbacks?
Passionflower is generally well-tolerated, but there are some side effects that have been found in clinical trials. Some common side effects of passionflower supplementation include dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. In rare but serious cases, passionflower has been shown to increase uterine contraction, causing the induction of labor; it should therefore not be used in pregnancy. Additionally, there has been one case report of increased heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain after taking passionflower supplements.
How does passionflower work?
Passionflower appears to act on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway system. By increasing levels of GABA, brain cell activity is decreased, leading to calming and sedating effects. Passionflower also contains flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as indole alkaloids. The latter may be responsible for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of passionflower, although more research is needed to clarify their role.
