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Passionflower Flower Extract

Q: Is passionflower safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term data exists; short-term use appears safe, but caution is advised for prolonged use until more data is available.

Q: Can passionflower cause dependence?

No evidence suggests dependence or withdrawal symptoms, unlike benzodiazepines.

Q: How quickly does it work?

Effects on anxiety can be seen within 30–60 minutes for acute use; chronic benefits are less well studied.

Q: Does it cause sedation?

Mild sedation is possible but generally less than pharmaceutical sedatives.

Q: Can it be combined with other anxiety medications?

Potential for additive effects exists; consult a healthcare provider before combining.

Also known as: Passiflora incarnata, Passionflower, Maypop, Passion vine

Overview

Passionflower extract is derived from the flowers, leaves, and sometimes fruit of *Passiflora incarnata*, a vine native to the Americas. It's traditionally used for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous restlessness, and is being investigated for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mild analgesic effects. The extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals believed to contribute to its effects. Research is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly for anxiety and sedation. Evidence is mixed but promising, with some well-conducted RCTs and systematic reviews supporting anxiolytic effects. Other uses are mostly supported by animal or in vitro studies, with limited clinical data. Standardized extracts ensure consistent flavonoid content.

Benefits

Passionflower extract has shown promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, with studies indicating comparable efficacy to benzodiazepines like oxazepam but with fewer side effects such as sedation and cognitive impairment. A standardized extract (500 mg) has been shown to reduce anxiety in preoperative patients versus placebo (p<0.05). Some evidence suggests mild sedative effects, improving sleep quality without heavy sedation. Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, possibly via opioidergic pathways. In vitro studies show antimicrobial activity against pathogens like *Helicobacter pylori*. A clinical trial with *Passiflora edulis* peel extract showed significant reduction in cough and wheezing in asthma patients (p<0.05). Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and preoperative anxiety appear to benefit most.

How it works

Passionflower's anxiolytic and sedative effects are primarily attributed to the modulation of the GABAergic system. Flavonoids in passionflower may enhance GABA neurotransmission, leading to central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects via GABA-A receptor modulation. There is also possible opioid receptor involvement in analgesic effects. Flavonoids in passionflower have moderate oral bioavailability; standardized extracts ensure consistent flavonoid content (e.g., hyperoside 11–15 mg/100 ml).

Side effects

Passionflower is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile compared to benzodiazepines. Common side effects include mild sedation and dizziness, though less frequent than with benzodiazepines. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include gastrointestinal discomfort and headache. Rare side effects (<1%) include allergic reactions and hypersensitivity. Caution is advised when combined with other sedatives, alcohol, SSRIs, or benzodiazepines due to potential additive CNS depressant effects. Use is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Limited data exists for children and the elderly, so use cautiously in these populations.

Dosage

For anxiety, a minimum effective dose is approximately 250–500 mg of standardized extract daily. Clinical trials have shown 500 mg of standardized extract (containing 11–15 mg total flavonoids) to be effective. Doses up to 750 mg have been used in studies without serious adverse effects, but the maximum safe dose is not well defined. It is often administered 30–60 minutes before anxiety-provoking events or at bedtime for sleep. Extracts standardized for flavonoid content are preferred for consistency. Absorption may be influenced by food intake; standardized extracts improve reliability.

FAQs

Is passionflower safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term data exists; short-term use appears safe, but caution is advised for prolonged use until more data is available.

Can passionflower cause dependence?

No evidence suggests dependence or withdrawal symptoms, unlike benzodiazepines.

How quickly does it work?

Effects on anxiety can be seen within 30–60 minutes for acute use; chronic benefits are less well studied.

Does it cause sedation?

Mild sedation is possible but generally less than pharmaceutical sedatives.

Can it be combined with other anxiety medications?

Potential for additive effects exists; consult a healthcare provider before combining.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/ – This systematic review of multiple RCTs involving adults with anxiety or neuropsychiatric disorders found that passionflower reduces anxiety symptoms. The effects were comparable to benzodiazepines, but with fewer side effects. The review acknowledges limitations such as small sample sizes in some RCTs and heterogeneity in extract standardization, but overall assesses the quality as moderate to high.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33352740/ – This study involved both animal models for cough and a clinical trial in asthma patients (n≥30) over 4 weeks. The results showed significant cough reduction, with antitussive effects comparable to codeine in animals. The study is limited by the small number of clinical trials and species differences, but is considered to be of moderate quality due to the placebo-controlled clinical trial.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This systematic review examined various RCTs on anxiety and sedation and found evidence supporting anxiolytic and sedative effects. The review calls for more large RCTs to further validate these findings. The review acknowledges limitations such as limited large-scale RCTs and variable extract formulations, but is considered to be of moderate quality due to its evidence-based approach.
https://examine.com/supplements/passionflower/ – Examine.com provides a summary of the research on passionflower, focusing on its effects on anxiety, sleep, and pain. It highlights the evidence supporting its use as a mild anxiolytic and sedative, while also noting the need for more research to confirm its other potential benefits.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/passion-flower.html – Drugs.com provides information on passion flower, including its uses, side effects, and interactions. It notes that passion flower has been traditionally used for anxiety and insomnia, and that some studies have shown it to be effective for these conditions.