Passion Flower
Passion Flower
Snapshot
Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a calming botanical used to support relaxation, sleep quality, and nervous system balance.
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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 waterโethanol solvents, then concentrated into powders, tinctures, and capsules.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Contains flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin), indole alkaloids (harmane, harmine), and GABAโlike 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 (4โ6% flavonoids) are typically dosed at 200โ400โฏmg, 1โ2โฏtimes daily; tinctures at 1โ2โฏmL (1:5) up to three times per day; herbal tea infusion uses 1โ2โฏtsp dried herb steeped 10โ15โฏmin.
How to Use It
Take capsules or tincture during daytime for anxiety or 30โ60โฏminutes 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, nonโhabitโforming 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 timeโhonored 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 doubleโblind randomized clinical trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2011;25(1):43โ47. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3716342/
Akhondzadeh S, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot doubleโblind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001;26(5):363โ367. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00338.x
Bourin M, et al. Animal models for screening anxiolyticโlike agents: a perspective. Therapie. 1997;52(6):472โ482. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9482786/