Passionflower

Also known as: Passiflora incarnata · Maypop

●●○Moderate Evidence

A calming herb comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines for anxiety in one head-to-head trial. Chrysin provides GABA-A partial agonist activity without sedative dependency.

Effective Dose

250–500mg / day

per clinical evidence

Evidence Level

Moderate

Sleep & Recovery

Mechanism

GABA-A partial agonism via chrysin and flavonoids

primary action

Best For

Anxiety

Sleep, Restlessness

This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.

What Is Passionflower?

Passionflower has been used as a traditional sedative in both Native American and European herbalism. Chrysin — a flavone — is the primary active and acts as a partial GABA-A agonist. A notable head-to-head trial compared it favourably to oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) for generalised anxiety.

How It Works: The Science

Chrysin binds the benzodiazepine binding site on GABA-A receptors as a partial agonist — producing calming effects without the full receptor occupation and tolerance associated with benzodiazepine drugs. Other flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin) contribute to anxiolytic activity. MAO inhibitory activity also reported at higher concentrations.

Primary Mechanism

GABA-A partial agonism via chrysin and flavonoids

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces anxiety comparably to low-dose oxazepam

moderate

Akhondzadeh et al. (2001) — comparable anxiety reduction with fewer job performance impairments

Improves sleep quality

moderate

Ngan & Conduit (2011) — 250mg tea improved sleep quality scores significantly

Dosage Guide

Effective Dose

250–500mg / day

250–500mg extract (3.5% isovitexin), 30–60 minutes before bed or as needed for anxiety.

Safety Profile & Side Effects

Well tolerated. Additive sedation with alcohol and sedative medications. Avoid during pregnancy. Rare cases of altered consciousness at very high doses.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It

Best for

AnxietySleepRestlessness

Who it's for

Those with anxiety-related sleep difficulties or generalised anxiety who want an herbal alternative to pharmaceutical anxiolytics. Works well in combination with valerian and lemon balm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of Passionflower?

250–500mg extract (3.5% isovitexin), 30–60 minutes before bed or as needed for anxiety.

Is Passionflower safe?

Well tolerated. Additive sedation with alcohol and sedative medications. Avoid during pregnancy. Rare cases of altered consciousness at very high doses.

How does Passionflower work?

Who should take Passionflower?

Those with anxiety-related sleep difficulties or generalised anxiety who want an herbal alternative to pharmaceutical anxiolytics. Works well in combination with valerian and lemon balm.

Related Ingredients

Valerian Root Lemon Balm GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)L-Theanine

Medical Disclaimer

Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →