Evidence supporting the use of: Passionflower
For the health condition: Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially for its calming and sedative effects. Historically, passionflower has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervous restlessness. In the context of heart health, it has sometimes been used in traditional European and American herbalism to support individuals experiencing palpitations or irregular heartbeats, particularly when these symptoms are linked to anxiety or nervous tension. The rationale is based on its reputed ability to calm the nervous system, which may help reduce stress-induced palpitations.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting passionflower for atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias is minimal. Few, if any, clinical trials have directly evaluated its efficacy for these conditions. Most modern research focuses on its anxiolytic and mild sedative properties, potentially mediated by modulation of GABAergic activity in the brain. This may indirectly benefit some people whose palpitations are triggered by anxiety, but there is no strong evidence for direct anti-arrhythmic effects.

Therefore, while passionflower’s use for heart palpitations has roots in tradition, it is not backed by robust scientific validation for treating heart rhythm disorders, and it should not replace established medical therapies for arrhythmia or heart disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies for serious conditions.

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