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Passionflower Aerial Parts Extract

Q: Is passionflower safe?

Passionflower is generally safe, but should be used under medical supervision in special populations such as pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Q: When should I take passionflower?

It can be taken at any time, but it is often recommended before bedtime to aid sleep.

Q: What results can I expect from passionflower?

Users can expect reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality, though individual responses may vary.

Q: Is passionflower a substitute for medical treatment?

Passionflower is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used in conjunction with professional advice, especially for severe anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Also known as: Passiflora incarnata, Passionflower, Maypop, Apricot Vine

Overview

Passionflower (*Passiflora incarnata*) is a plant native to North America, traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The aerial parts, including leaves and flowers, are used in herbal supplements primarily for anxiety and insomnia. It contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and harman indole alkaloids. While traditionally used for anxiety, insomnia, cough, menopausal symptoms, and diabetes, clinical evidence is still evolving. Research quality is generally low due to small sample sizes and methodological issues. Passionflower is available in various forms, including dried extracts, capsules, teas, and tinctures. Its potential benefits stem from its interaction with the central nervous system, producing sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects.

Benefits

Passionflower extracts have shown anxiolytic effects in both animal and human studies, with some studies reporting statistically significant reductions in anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). However, the clinical significance is debated due to methodological limitations. It also exhibits sedative and antitussive properties, with clinical trials showing reduced coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Preclinical studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, though human validation is limited. Systematic reviews indicate potential benefits for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), but evidence is inconclusive due to small sample sizes and methodological flaws. Anxiolytic benefits may be observed within a few weeks of treatment, but long-term efficacy requires further study.

How it works

Passionflower's anxiolytic effects are thought to be mediated by its harman indole alkaloids, which resemble benzodiazepines and may interact with GABA receptors. These constituents interact with the central nervous system (CNS) to produce sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may affect various bodily systems. Key molecular targets include harmine and harmaline, which interact with CNS receptors and pathways. While bioavailability is not extensively studied, oral administration suggests some absorption through the gastrointestinal tract.

Side effects

Passionflower is generally considered safe, with a good safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Uncommon side effects reported in some cases are headache, nausea, and allergic reactions. Rare side effects are not well-documented, but potential allergic reactions or interactions with other medications are possible. It may interact with sedatives, antidepressants, and other CNS-active medications due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data, and caution is advised in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders or those taking medications that affect the CNS. Children, elderly patients, and those with chronic illnesses should use passionflower under medical supervision.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for anxiolytic effects is not well-established, but doses ranging from 250 mg to 1 gram of dried extract per day have been used in clinical studies. Optimal dosages typically range between 250 mg to 1 gram of dried extract per day, often administered in divided doses. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 1 gram per day are not commonly recommended due to the potential for increased side effects. It is often recommended to take the supplement before bedtime to enhance sleep quality. Dried aerial parts extracts are the most commonly used form, and they can be administered as capsules, teas, or tinctures. Bioavailability may be enhanced when taken with fatty meals, but this is not well-studied.

FAQs

Is passionflower safe?

Passionflower is generally safe, but should be used under medical supervision in special populations such as pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

When should I take passionflower?

It can be taken at any time, but it is often recommended before bedtime to aid sleep.

What results can I expect from passionflower?

Users can expect reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality, though individual responses may vary.

Is passionflower a substitute for medical treatment?

Passionflower is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used in conjunction with professional advice, especially for severe anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/passion-flower.html – This source provides general information about passionflower, including its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. It serves as a broad overview of the plant's properties and traditional applications.
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/5044387/mod_folder/content/0/artigos/Passiflora%20incarnata%20L.%20Ethnopharmacology,%20clinical%20application,%20safety.pdf – This paper discusses the ethnopharmacology, clinical applications, and safety of *Passiflora incarnata*. It reviews various studies and highlights the potential anxiolytic and sedative effects, while also noting the limitations in current research.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This study examines the effects of passionflower on anxiety. It provides evidence supporting its use as an anxiolytic agent, but also acknowledges the need for further research to confirm its efficacy and safety.
https://medcraveonline.com/IJFCM/generalized-anxiety-a-systematic-review-passiflora-incarnata-passion-fruit-matricaria-recutitanbspchamomile-and-melissa-officinalis-lemongrass.html – This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of passionflower, chamomile, and lemongrass for generalized anxiety. It concludes that while passionflower shows promise, the evidence is limited by methodological flaws and small sample sizes in the included studies.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19390210802414360 – This study investigates the anxiolytic effects of passionflower. The research suggests that passionflower can reduce anxiety symptoms, but the results are tempered by methodological limitations, indicating a need for more rigorous studies.