Passion Flower
Passion Flower
Snapshot
Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a calming botanical used to support relaxation, sleep quality, and nervous system balance.
What is Passion Flower?
Passion Flower is derived from the aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) of Passiflora incarnata, containing flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides that exert anxiolytic and mild sedative effects.
Where It Comes From
Native to North and South America, Passion Flower vines are harvested at flowering stage; plant material is dried and extracted using alcohol or water–ethanol solvents, then concentrated into powders, tinctures, and capsules.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Contains flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin), indole alkaloids (harmane, harmine), and GABA‑like glycosides, which modulate GABA neurotransmission and reduce neuronal excitability.
Health Benefits
Passion Flower supports relaxation and stress relief; improves sleep onset and quality; may reduce mild anxiety; and can aid in alleviating restlessness and nervous tension.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts (4–6% flavonoids) are typically dosed at 200–400 mg, 1–2 times daily; tinctures at 1–2 mL (1:5) up to three times per day; herbal tea infusion uses 1–2 tsp dried herb steeped 10–15 min.
How to Use It
Take capsules or tincture during daytime for anxiety or 30–60 minutes before bedtime for sleep support; passion flower tea can be sipped in the evening.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals experiencing mild anxiety, stress, or occasional insomnia; those seeking gentle, non‑habit‑forming relaxation support.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May potentiate the effects of sedatives, benzodiazepines, or CNS depressants; caution when driving or operating machinery; avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data.
Final Thoughts
Passion Flower is a time‑honored nervine botanical that offers gentle anxiolytic and sedative benefits, fostering calmness and sleep without heavy sedation.
Scientific Studies
Movafegh A, et al. Effect of Passiflora incarnata on post-operative anxiety: a double‑blind randomized clinical trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2011;25(1):43–47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3716342/
Akhondzadeh S, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double‑blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001;26(5):363–367. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00338.x
Bourin M, et al. Animal models for screening anxiolytic‑like agents: a perspective. Therapie. 1997;52(6):472–482. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9482786/