Evidence supporting the use of: Passionflower
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for Anxiety Disorders: Evidence Overview

Passionflower has a long history of traditional use as a calming herb, particularly in the Americas and Europe. More recently, its potential effects on anxiety have been investigated in a number of scientific studies. The active compounds in passionflower, including flavonoids and alkaloids, are thought to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity in the brain, potentially leading to anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.

Several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated passionflower for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), procedural anxiety, and as an adjunct to other anxiolytic medications. For example, a 2001 double-blind study published in Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found passionflower extract to be as effective as oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) in managing GAD symptoms, with fewer side effects. Other studies suggest mild to moderate efficacy in reducing anxiety before surgery or dental procedures. However, these studies are generally small, short in duration, and often lack rigorous methodology.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight that while there is preliminary evidence supporting passionflower’s anxiolytic effects, the overall quality of evidence is low, and more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed. Regulatory bodies such as the European Medicines Agency recognize passionflower as a traditional herbal remedy for mild anxiety, but do not endorse its use based on robust scientific proof.

In summary, limited scientific evidence exists to support passionflower’s use for anxiety, with safety generally considered favorable in short-term use. It is best used as a complementary, rather than primary, therapy pending further research.

More about passionflower
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amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
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Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
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catnip
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chamomile
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cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
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cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
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Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
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vitamin B12
vitamin B6
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