Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata

Native to: Southeastern United States, Central & South America.

Cultural & Historical Uses:

Utilized in native American culture as a sedative, pain reliever, calming agent & to support sleep & restlessness.
19th century western herbalism utilized as a remedy for anxiety, seizures, neuralgia & sleeplessness.
Can provide a relaxing, anti-anxiety effect via nervous system down-regulation.
May support focus & mood-balance.

Scientific Properties

Modulates GABA receptors, resulting in reduced anxiety.
Calms overactive neurons through increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain.

Contraindications!!!

May intensify effects of other sedatives including alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, SSRIs & antipsychotics; use with caution.
MAO-inhibition may interact dangerously with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs (antidepressant), stimulants (ADHD medication, caffeine, etc.), or Tyramine-rich foods; use with caution.
Considered unsafe during pregnancy or lactation due to potential uterine stimulation & hormonal effects.
May interact with anesthesia and sedative medications, avoid at least 2 weeks before surgery.
May interact with medications like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin; use with caution & moderation.

Resources & Citations

Akhondzadeh, S. et al. (2001).

Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: A randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 26(5), 363–367.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00367.x

Elsas, S. M. et al. (2010).

Passiflora incarnata L. (passionflower) extracts reduce seizure activity in mice and affect GABA levels.
Phytotherapy Research, 24(1), 115–120.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2870

Hoffmann, D. (2003).

Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.

Healing Arts Press.

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