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Passion Flower Extract

Also known as: Passiflora incarnata L., Passion flower, Passion vine, Passiflora incarnata

Overview

Passion flower extract is derived from the aerial parts of the Passiflora incarnata plant, a vine native to the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America. It is primarily used for its anxiolytic, sedative, and mild hypnotic properties, making it a common choice for managing anxiety, nervous restlessness, and sleep disorders. The extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals believed to contribute to its calming effects. Research on passion flower extract is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its benefits. Studies suggest it can significantly reduce anxiety and improve resilience and quality of life. While generally well-tolerated, further large-scale studies are needed to fully understand its long-term effects and efficacy for severe anxiety disorders. It is available in various forms, with ethanolic extracts standardized for flavonoid content being preferred.

Benefits

Passion flower extract primarily offers anxiolytic and stress reduction benefits. Systematic reviews indicate it significantly reduces anxiety and nervous restlessness, leading to improvements in resilience and quality of life. For example, a 12-week study showed resilience scores improved from 52.1 to 67.7 points (p < 0.001), and quality of life scores increased from 47.9 to 75.0 points (p < 0.001). Some evidence suggests mild improvements in sleep quality, though this is less robust than the anxiety data. Secondary benefits include a reduction in symptoms such as inner restlessness, sleep disturbance, exhaustion, fear, lack of concentration, trembling, and palpitations. These benefits are most pronounced in adults experiencing nervous restlessness or mild neuropsychiatric symptoms. Improvements are typically observed over 4 to 12 weeks of continuous supplementation.

How it works

Passion flower extract's mechanism of action likely involves modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. It is believed to enhance GABAergic activity, which promotes calming and anxiolytic effects. The extract interacts with the central nervous system, particularly neurotransmitter systems related to anxiety and stress regulation. GABA-A receptors are implicated as molecular targets, with flavonoids like vitexin possibly contributing to receptor modulation. Oral administration of ethanolic extracts allows for absorption, though specific bioavailability details are not well-characterized. Overall, its calming effects are attributed to its influence on GABA-related pathways in the brain.

Side effects

Passion flower extract is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of adverse effects. Common side effects, reported in more than 5% of users, include mild tiredness or sedation. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, have not included any serious adverse events in controlled trials. There is a potential for additive sedative effects when combined with other CNS depressants, so caution is advised when used with benzodiazepines or alcohol. Due to limited data, caution is also recommended during pregnancy and lactation. While generally safe in adults, there is insufficient evidence to support its safety in pediatric populations. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications or if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of passion flower extract varies by preparation, but clinical studies often use standardized extracts equivalent to 250-500 mg of dried extract daily. The commonly recommended dosage range is 250-600 mg per day of a standardized extract, often divided into multiple doses. Doses up to 900 mg per day have been used in some studies without serious adverse effects, but the maximum safe dose is not definitively established. It is typically taken orally, one to two times daily, with evening dosing potentially aiding sleep. Ethanolic extracts standardized for flavonoid content are preferred. Absorption is generally best when taken with food, and no specific cofactors are required.

FAQs

Is passion flower extract safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports safety for up to 12 weeks. Longer-term data are limited, so it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for extended use.

How quickly does it work?

Effects on anxiety and stress may be noticeable within 1-2 weeks, with continued improvement over several weeks of consistent use.

Can it cause dependency?

No evidence suggests passion flower extract has addiction potential. One study even indicated reduced addiction potential scores after treatment.

Is it effective for severe anxiety?

Evidence supports its use for mild to moderate anxiety. Severe anxiety disorders typically require more robust treatments and should be managed by a healthcare professional.

Can it be combined with other supplements?

It is generally safe to combine with other supplements, but caution is advised when using it with other sedatives due to the potential for additive effects.

Research Sources

  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/ – This systematic review examines the therapeutic applications of Passiflora species, including Passiflora incarnata. It highlights the plant's traditional use for anxiety, insomnia, and pain, and summarizes the available evidence supporting these uses, noting its potential as a complementary treatment option.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33352740/ – This study investigates the effects of passion flower on anxiety symptoms. The findings suggest that passion flower extract can significantly reduce anxiety levels, making it a viable option for individuals seeking natural anxiety relief.
  • https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This evidence-based systematic review confirms the anxiolytic effects of passion flower. While it acknowledges limited evidence for sleep improvement, the review provides a foundational understanding of passion flower's benefits based on available RCTs.
  • https://karger.com/cmr/article/24/2/83/67984/Improvement-of-Stress-Resistance-and-Quality-of – This non-interventional study assessed the impact of passion flower extract on stress resistance and quality of life in adults with nervous restlessness. The results showed significant improvements in resilience and quality of life scores, supporting the clinical effectiveness and safety of passion flower extract.
  • https://examine.com/supplements/passionflower/ – Examine.com provides a comprehensive overview of passion flower, summarizing its benefits, mechanisms, and evidence. It highlights passion flower's role in reducing anxiety and improving sleep, while also noting its safety profile and potential interactions.