Passionflower
Introduction
Passionflower is a plant with bright purple flowers. The flowers and leaves have been used to ease feelings of anxiety and problems sleeping. Passionflower is most often made into a tea. It can also be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
One cup of tea 1 to 2 times daily
What Research Shows
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take passionflower in small doses for a short time, but lightheadedness, drowsiness, and confusion may happen. Passionflower should not be taken during pregnancy.G1,G3 Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period or when breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
- People taking medicine for anxiety or sleeping problems should talk to their doctors before taking passionflower. It may cause problems with the body’s nervous system.G2
References►
A. Anxiety
A1. Lakhan S, Vieira K. Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Nutr J. 2010;9:42.
A2. Aslanargun P, Cuvas O, et al. Passiflora incarnata Linneaus as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia. J Anesth. 2012;26(1):39-44.
A3. Dantas LP, de Oliveira-Ribeiro A, de Almeida-Souza LM, Groppo FC. Effects of passiflora incarnata and midazolam for control of anxiety in patients undergoing dental extraction. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2017 Jan 1;22(1):e95-e101.
A4. Yeung KS, Hernandez M, et al. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytother Res. 2018 May;32(5):865-891.
B. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
B1. Anheyer D, Lauche R, et al. Herbal medicines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Feb;30:14-23.
C. Depression
C1. Yeung KS, Hernandez M, et al. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance. Phytother Res. 2018 May;32(5):865-891.
D. Diabetes
D1. de Queiroz Mdo S, Janebro DI, et al. Effect of the yellow passion fruit peel flour (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa deg.) in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutr J. 2012 Oct 22;11:89.
E. Insomnia
E1. Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res. 2011 Aug;25(8):1153-1159.
E2. Maroo N, Hazra A, et al. Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic formulation NSF-3 in primary insomnia in comparison to zolpidem: a randomized controlled trial. Indian J Pharmacol. 2013 Jan-Feb;45(1):34-39.
F. Knee Osteoarthritis
F1. Farid R, Rezaieyazdi Z, et al. Oral intake of purple passion fruit peel extract reduces pain and stiffness and improves physical function in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis. Nutr Res. 2010 Sep;30(9):601-606.
G. Safety
G1. Fisher AA, Purcell P, et al. Toxicity of Passiflora incarnata L. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2000;38(1):63-66.
G2. Carrasco MC, Vallejo JR, et al. Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23(12):1795-1796.
G3. Miroddi M, Calapai G, et al. Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Dec 12;150(3):791-804.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 5/8/2020