Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) extract, a traditional anxiolytic and sleep aid with a GABAergic mechanism.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS PASSIONFLOWER?
Detailed overview
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a traditional herb used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality. Its presumed active constituents are flavonoids (such as chrysin and vitexin) and alkaloids that reduce neuronal excitability by modulating GABA-A receptors and GABA availability. In small clinical trials it produced anxiety reduction comparable to oxazepam, eased preoperative anxiety, and improved both subjective and polysomnographic sleep parameters. The evidence is moderate: several small, well-designed randomized trials exist, but larger confirmatory studies are still needed.
Mechanism
GABA-A positive modulation + GABA availability
Evidence
Moderate (small human RCTs)
Legal status
Freely available herb / dietary supplement
Receptor profile
- GABA-A receptorsModerate
- GABA levels / availabilityModerate
- Serotonin (5-HT) receptorsWeak
- HPA axis / cortisolWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Drowsiness or sedation, especially at higher doses or with daytime use
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Occasional stomach upset or nausea
- Additive sedation with other sedatives, hypnotics or alcohol
- Rarely confusion or impaired coordination at high doses
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy: avoid, as some constituents may theoretically stimulate uterine contractions; limited safety data during breastfeeding too
- Before surgery: discontinue at least 1-2 weeks prior due to additive sedation and possible interaction with anesthesia
- Concurrent use of benzodiazepines, hypnotics, opioids or alcohol: increased CNS depression
- Avoid before driving or operating machinery due to sedation
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam
Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M
Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Movafegh A, Alizadeh R, Hajimohamadi F, Esfehani F, Nejatfar M
A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality
Ngan A, Conduit R
Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study
Lee J, Jung HY, Lee SI, Choi JH, Kim SG
Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials
Miroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, Minciullo PL, Gangemi S
Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review
Janda K, Wojtkowska K, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Skonieczna-Żydecka K
FAQ
FAQ
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) extract, a traditional anxiolytic and sleep aid with a GABAergic mechanism.
Telegram
Have a question about Passionflower?
Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.
Personalized consultation
Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?
Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.
Fill out the form~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant
Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.