Back

Passionflower

calming properties and potential for anxiety and insomnia relief

Evidence · Grade CSafety · Generally safe
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction risk

Traditional calming herb studied for anxiety and sleep.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine traditionally used for its calming properties. It has been explored for its potential role in addressing conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. The plant's aerial parts, including leaves, stems, and flowers, are typically used in herbal preparations. While widely recognized in traditional medicine systems, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for specific health conditions is still developing. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and clinical benefits.

Quick answer

What it is: Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine traditionally used for its calming properties.

May support:Insomnia, Anxiety, Chronic Stress, Sleep Apnea, Anxiety Disorder, Restless Leg Syndrome, PTSD, Panic Disorder

Evidence:Evidence · Grade C

Safety:Safety · Generally safe

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade C

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the current understanding of passionflower's efficacy for the listed ailments (Insomnia, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Panic Disorder) is based on general knowledge and traditional use. Without specific clinical trials, it is not possible to assign an evidence grade. Any claims regarding its effectiveness are speculative and require robust scientific validation.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

Have you tried Passionflower?

Vote in 5 seconds. Add details if you want.

Your experience for Insomnia:

Commonly Combined With

Other remedies frequently used alongside this one — from curated relationships, community reports, and shared protocols.

Community signal breakdown

Where this remedy is being discussed across the web and community.

People Like Me insights

As more members share outcomes, RemedyAtlas will show which remedies helped people with similar conditions, symptoms, goals, and lab patterns.

Community Discussions

What people say about Passionflower

Search on Reddit →

Latest News

Latest news on Passionflower

More on Google News →

Health Videos

Health videos on Passionflower

More on YouTube

Why It Works

The exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated, but it is thought to interact with neurotransmitter systems in the brain, potentially influencing GABAergic pathways.

How it works in more detail

While not fully understood, passionflower is believed to exert its effects through interactions with the central nervous system. Research suggests that certain compounds within passionflower, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, may modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability, and enhancing its activity can lead to calming and anxiolytic effects. Some studies propose that passionflower may inhibit GABA reuptake or promote its release, thereby increasing GABAergic tone in the brain. Other potential mechanisms include effects on serotonin and dopamine pathways, though these are less well-established.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
Common consumer dosages for anxiety or sleep range from 200-400 mg of standardized extract, taken 1-3 times daily, or 1-4 ml of liquid extract. For sleep, it is often taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Dosage can vary significantly based on the preparation and concentration.
Research dosage range
Dosages in studies have varied widely, often ranging from 200-900 mg of extract per day, or specific amounts of dried herb in tea preparations. Some studies have used single doses, while others have explored daily administration over several weeks.
Typical onset
Effects for anxiety relief or sleep support may be noticed within 30-60 minutes after taking a dose, though consistent use over several days or weeks may be required for more sustained benefits.
Typical forms
tea, tincture, capsule
Quality markers
Look for products standardized to specific active compounds, such as flavonoids. Reputable brands often provide third-party testing for purity and potency. Ensure the product specifies the plant part used (e.g., aerial parts) and the extraction method.
Medication interactions
  • Sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
  • Antidepressants
  • Anticoagulants (potential theoretical interaction)
  • MAO inhibitors
Avoid if
  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Undergoing surgery (discontinue at least two weeks prior)
  • Operating heavy machinery or driving (due to potential sedation)

Community tips

No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.

Suggested dosage

Common consumer dosages for anxiety or sleep range from 200-400 mg of standardized extract, taken 1-3 times daily, or 1-4 ml of liquid extract. For sleep, it is often taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Dosage can vary significantly based on the preparation and concentration.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Flavonoids (e.g., vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin), alkaloids (e.g., harman, harmaline, harmol), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Traditional use

Passionflower has a long history of traditional use among indigenous cultures in the Americas, where it was employed for its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It was traditionally used to calm nerves, alleviate anxiety, and promote sleep. In European folk medicine, it gained popularity in the 19th century for treating nervous restlessness and insomnia. Various preparations, including teas and tinctures, were common.

Safety

Safety warnings

Passionflower is generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults. However, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, particularly at higher doses or when combined with other sedatives. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid its use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with liver or kidney conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Avoid if

  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Undergoing surgery (discontinue at least two weeks prior)
  • Operating heavy machinery or driving (due to potential sedation)

Medication interactions

  • Sedatives (benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
  • Antidepressants
  • Anticoagulants (potential theoretical interaction)
  • MAO inhibitors

Reported side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Ataxia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (C)

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the current understanding of passionflower's efficacy for the listed ailments (Insomnia, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Panic Disorder) is based on general knowledge and traditional use. Without specific clinical trials, it is not possible to assign an evidence grade. Any claims regarding its effectiveness are speculative and require robust scientific validation.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(2)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality
  • Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

    Zhang W, Yan Y, Wu Y, Yang H, Zhu P, Yan F · Pharmacological research · 2022

    Anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric illness. Medicinal herbs have become a field of interest in the treatment of anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and acceptability of all possible medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted for adults with diagnosed or subthreshold anxiety in randomized controlled trials identified in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, searched between Jan 1, 1987, and Dec 31, 2021. The outcomes included efficacy (measured by endpoint Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA] Scores) and acceptability (discontinuation by ineffectiveness, worsening of the symptoms, or adverse events). A total of 29 trials were reviewed, comparing 12 medicinal herbs. Silexan (mean difference [MD]: -3.84, 95% credible interval [CrI]: -6.31 to -1.34) displayed a significant effect on anxiety, and possibly benefitted the treatment of depression (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.37, 95% confide

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Passiflora for anxiety disorder.

    Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2007 · n=198

    Anxiety is a very common mental health problem in the general population and in the primary care setting. Herbal medicines are popularly used worldwide and could be an option for treating anxiety if shown to be effective and safe. Passiflora (passionflower extract) is one of these compounds. To investigate the effectiveness and safety of passiflora for treating any anxiety disorder. The following sources were used: electronic databases: Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCDANCTR-Studies), Medline and Lilacs; Cross-checking references; contact with authors of included studies and manufacturers of passiflora. Relevant randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of passiflora using any dose, regime, or method of administration for people with any primary diagnosis of general anxiety disorder, anxiety neurosis, chronic anxiety status or any other mental health disorder in which anxiety is a core symptom (panic disorder, ob

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Systematic Reviews(2)

Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).

Very High Quality
  • Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review.

    Sarris J · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2018

    This paper provides a 10-year update of the 2007 systematic review of herbal medicines studied in a broad range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, seasonal affective, bipolar, psychotic, phobic, somatoform, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Ovid Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were searched for herbal medicines with both pharmacological and clinical evidence of psychotropic activity. This updated review now covers clinical trial evidence for 24 herbal medicines in 11 psychiatric disorders. High-quality evidence was found to exist for the use of Piper methysticum (Kava), Passiflora spp. (passionflower) and Galphimia glauca (galphimia) for anxiety disorders; and Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) and Crocus sativus (saffron) for major depressive disorder. Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders,

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
  • Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.

    Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, Haviland I, Gubili J · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2018

    Anxiety and depression are prevalent among cancer patients, with significant negative impact. Many patients prefer herbs for symptom relief to conventional medications which have limited efficacy/side effects. We identified single-herb medicines that may warrant further study in cancer patients. Our search included PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Embase, and Cochrane databases, selecting only single-herb randomized controlled trials between 1996 and 2016 in any population for data extraction, excluding herbs with known potential for interactions with cancer treatments. One hundred articles involving 38 botanicals met our criteria. Among herbs most studied (≥6 randomized controlled trials each), lavender, passionflower, and saffron produced benefits comparable to standard anxiolytics and antidepressants. Black cohosh, chamomile, and chasteberry are also promising. Anxiety or depressive symptoms were measured in all studies, but not always as primary endpoints. Overall,

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality

Randomized Human Trials(1)

Controlled human studies with random assignment.

High Quality
  • Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.

    Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M · Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics · 2001

    Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a folk remedy for anxiety. A double-blind randomized trial compared the efficacy of Passiflora incarnata extract with oxazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The study was performed on 36 out-patients diagnosed with GAD using DSM IV criteria. Patients were allocated in a random fashion: 18 to the Passiflora extract 45 drops/day plus placebo tablet group, and 18 to oxazepam 30 mg/day plus placebo drops for a 4-week trial. Passiflora extract and oxazepam were effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. No significant difference was observed between the two protocols at the end of trial. Oxazepam showed a rapid onset of action. On the other hand, significantly more problems relating to impairment of job performance were encountered with subjects on oxazepam. The results suggest that Passiflora extract is an effective drug for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality

Observational Studies(2)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality
  • Sexual Performance Anxiety.

    Pyke RE · Sexual medicine reviews · 2020

    Sexual performance anxiety (SPA) is one of the most prevalent sexual complaints; yet, no diagnosis is recognized for either gender. Thus, research into treatment has been minimal. Review the prevalence of SPA and its relation to sexual dysfunctions and anxiety disorders. Compare SPA to (non-sexual) performance anxiety and social anxiety (PA/SA). Apply pharmacologic principles to the known properties of drugs and phytotherapies to hypothesize treatments for SPA. Review SPA and PA/SA through PubMed searches for relevant literature from 2000 to 2018. Prevalence was estimated using population-representative surveys. For treatment results, controlled clinical trial results were prioritized over open-label trial results. SPA affects 9-25% of men and contributes to premature ejaculation and psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). SPA affects 6-16% of women and severely inhibits sexual desire. Cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation training have been proven effective for

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders.

    Saeed SA, Bloch RM, Antonacci DJ · American family physician · 2007

    Use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased over the past decade. A variety of studies have suggested that this use is greater in persons with symptoms or diagnoses of anxiety and depression. Data support the effectiveness of some popular herbal remedies and dietary supplements; in some of these products, particularly kava, the potential for benefit seems greater than that for harm with short-term use in patients with mild to moderate anxiety. Inositol has been found to have modest effects in patients with panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Physicians should not encourage the use of St. John's wort, valerian, Sympathyl, or passionflower for the treatment of anxiety based on small or inconsistent effects in small studies. Although the evidence varies depending on the supplement and the anxiety disorder, physicians can collaborate with patients in developing dietary supplement strategies that minimize risks and maximize benefits.

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Limitations: The primary limitation is the lack of specific, high-quality clinical trials provided for review. Without such evidence, it is impossible to assess the efficacy, safety, optimal dosages, or potential interactions of passionflower for the listed conditions. General knowledge and traditional use, while valuable, do not substitute for rigorous scientific investigation.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

Tried Passionflower?

Help others see what actually works.