ORGANIC PASSIONFLOWER
Also known as: Passiflora incarnata, Passionflower, Maypop, Apricot Vine
Overview
Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as passionflower, is a perennial vine native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. It has a long history of traditional use for its calming and sedative properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin, kaempferol) and alkaloids (harman, harmine, harmaline), which contribute to its pharmacological effects. Passionflower is primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia, and has also been explored for potential anticonvulsant, antitussive, and antidiabetic activities. Research on passionflower includes clinical trials, systematic reviews, and preclinical studies, but many clinical studies have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and lack of blinding. Despite these limitations, passionflower is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, making it a popular herbal remedy for mild anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Benefits
Passionflower has shown potential benefits in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Several studies have reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations. A systematic review of nine clinical trials indicated statistically significant anxiolytic effects, although the effect was less pronounced in individuals with mild anxiety symptoms. Passionflower has also been used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders, with some studies suggesting improved sleep quality. Preclinical studies have demonstrated anticonvulsant and antitussive activities, but these effects require further clinical validation. In a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial, passionflower was found to be as effective as oxazepam in treating generalized anxiety disorder. While the effect sizes vary across studies, the anxiolytic effects have been statistically significant in several trials, although the clinical significance and long-term effects are less clear due to methodological limitations.
How it works
The anxiolytic activity of Passiflora incarnata is primarily mediated through the GABAergic system. Studies have shown that passionflower extracts can elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro and exhibit anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo. The plant's bioactive compounds interact with the central nervous system, particularly affecting GABA receptors, which are crucial in regulating anxiety and sleep. Flavonoids and alkaloids present in passionflower are known to interact with GABA receptors and other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its calming and sedative effects.
Side effects
Passionflower is generally considered safe with few reported adverse events. Common side effects are rare, with some trials noting mild gastrointestinal symptoms in a small number of participants. Uncommon side effects are not well-documented, but no significant adverse effects such as memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions have been observed in the included studies. Rare side effects are also not well-documented due to the limited number of high-quality studies. There is a potential for interaction with sedatives and other central nervous system depressants, but this interaction is not well-studied. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of specific studies in these populations. Special care should be taken in children and elderly patients due to the limited data on safety and efficacy in these groups.
Dosage
Typical doses of passionflower range from 250 mg to 1000 mg per day of a standardized extract. A common dosage range is 250-500 mg of a standardized extract, taken 2-3 times a day. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 1000 mg per day are not commonly studied. For sleep disorders, it is often taken before bedtime, while for anxiety, it can be taken as needed. The extract can be taken in various forms, including capsules, teas, or tinctures. Standardized extracts are recommended to ensure consistent bioactive compound content. The bioavailability of the bioactive compounds in passionflower is not well-studied, but it is generally believed to be absorbed when taken orally.
FAQs
Is passionflower safe to use?
Passionflower is generally considered safe, but it should be used with caution in combination with other sedatives or central nervous system depressants. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
When and how should I take passionflower?
It can be taken as needed for anxiety or before bedtime for sleep disorders. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as directed by a healthcare provider.
What results can I expect from taking passionflower?
Users can expect reduced anxiety levels and improved sleep quality, although individual responses may vary. It is generally mild and may not be as effective for severe anxiety or insomnia.
Is passionflower a strong sedative?
No, passionflower is generally mild and may not be as effective for severe anxiety or insomnia. It is often used for mild to moderate anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33352740/ – This systematic review analyzed nine clinical trials involving participants aged 18 and older. The review found that passionflower administration led to reduced anxiety levels, although the effects were less evident in individuals with mild anxiety symptoms. The review noted methodological weaknesses in the included studies, leading to a moderate quality assessment.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This systematic review assessed various studies, focusing on clinical trials and preclinical experiments. The review concluded that passionflower has a good safety profile and exhibits anxiolytic, sedative, and other pharmacological activities. However, the review also highlighted the poor methodological quality of many clinical trials, resulting in a moderate quality assessment.
- https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/5044387/mod_folder/content/0/artigos/Passiflora%20incarnata%20L.%20Ethnopharmacology,%20clinical%20application,%20safety.pdf – This resource provides an overview of Passiflora incarnata, covering its ethnopharmacology, clinical applications, and safety. It highlights the traditional uses of passionflower and its potential benefits, while also noting the importance of considering safety aspects and potential interactions. The resource emphasizes the need for further high-quality studies to validate its efficacy and safety.
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/passionflower – This health library entry from Mount Sinai provides a general overview of passionflower, including its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. It highlights passionflower's traditional use for anxiety and sleep problems, while also cautioning about potential interactions with other medications. The entry serves as a basic informational resource for individuals interested in learning more about passionflower.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This is a duplicate entry of a systematic review that assesses various studies, focusing on clinical trials and preclinical experiments. The review concluded that passionflower has a good safety profile and exhibits anxiolytic, sedative, and other pharmacological activities. However, the review also highlighted the poor methodological quality of many clinical trials, resulting in a moderate quality assessment.
