Passionflower (passiflora incarnata)

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Other names for passionflower

Maypop
Passiflora (unspecified)
Passion Vine
Passionflower

Synopsis of passionflower

Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as passionflower, is a climbing vine native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. It is widely known for its calming, anxiolytic, and sedative effects. The aerial parts of the plant—primarily the leaves, flowers, and stems—are used medicinally and contain key bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (including apigenin and vitexin), alkaloids, harmala-type compounds, and glycosides.

Medicinally, passionflower is used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support restful sleep. It works primarily by modulating GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for calming nervous activity. Passionflower is commonly included in formulas for insomnia, stress-related disorders, generalized anxiety, mild depression, irritability, and restlessness.

It has also shown benefits for muscle tension, hypertension related to stress, and menopausal symptoms. Some evidence supports its use for opioid withdrawal support, ADHD, and as a natural adjunct in pre-surgical anxiety management. Passionflower is typically taken as a tea, tincture, capsule, or fluid extract, and is often combined with other nervine herbs like valerian, lemon balm, or hops.

It is generally safe and well-tolerated in moderate doses, though excessive intake may cause drowsiness or mild gastrointestinal upset. It may potentiate the effects of sedative medications and should be used with caution alongside benzodiazepines or barbiturates.

Historical Use in Medicine
Passionflower has a long history of use among Native American tribes, who prepared infusions and poultices from the plant for wounds, insomnia, epilepsy, and nervous conditions. Early Spanish explorers encountered the plant in Peru and named it “passionflower” due to symbolic interpretations of its unique floral structure, which they saw as resembling the instruments of Christ’s crucifixion—hence the name Passiflora.

In North American herbal medicine, passionflower became popular in the 19th century and was listed in the U.S. National Formulary from 1916 to 1936 as a sedative and antispasmodic. It was widely prescribed by Eclectic physicians to treat hysteria, insomnia, neuralgia, and seizures, and was considered especially useful for individuals prone to nervous overstimulation.

In European phytotherapy, passionflower has been formally recognized as a gentle anxiolytic and sleep aid. Germany’s Commission E has approved its use for nervous restlessness, and it continues to be a common component in over-the-counter stress-relief and sleep support formulas throughout Europe.

Passionflower is used for these health conditions

Abuse and Trauma (Traditional)
Addictions (coffee, caffeine) (Traditional)
Addictions (drugs) (Traditional)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Epilepsy (Traditional)
Fear (excessive) (Traditional)
Grief and Sadness (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Traditional)
Hysteria (Traditional)
Insomnia (Scientific)
Irritability (Traditional)
Nervousness (Scientific)
Neurosis (Scientific)
Nightmares (Traditional)
Phobias (Traditional)
Stress (Scientific)

passionflower is used to support these body systems

Brain (Scientific)
GABA (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)

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