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

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Synopsis

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

Passionfruit (specifically, the plant Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower) has a long history of traditional use as a herbal remedy for anxiety and related conditions. Native to the Americas, passionflower has been used by indigenous peoples for its calming effects, and later adopted into European herbal medicine after its introduction in the 16th century. Traditional herbalists have recommended passionflower for symptoms of nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia—conditions closely linked with anxiety disorders.

Scientific validation for the use of passionflower in treating anxiety is limited but not entirely absent. A handful of small clinical trials have investigated passionflower extracts for anxiety, especially in cases of generalized anxiety or situational anxiety (such as preoperative anxiety). Some studies suggest mild benefits, with results comparable to low doses of prescription anxiolytics, but the evidence is not robust or consistent due to small sample sizes and methodological limitations. Systematic reviews often conclude that while there is some promise, the quality of existing research is low, and more rigorous studies are needed.

In summary, the use of passionflower (and by extension, passionfruit) for anxiety is primarily justified by its traditional reputation, with only modest and inconclusive scientific support at this time. It should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based medical treatments for anxiety disorders.

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