adaptogenEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Passionflower

aka Passiflora incarnata · Maypop

Passiflora incarnata — herbal anxiolytic and sleep aid. Modulates GABA system without strong sedation.

Dose range250–1000mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Flavonoids (chrysin, vitexin, apigenin) and other constituents modulate GABA-A receptor signaling. The mechanism is gentler than benzodiazepines but produces measurable anxiolytic effect. Also affects MAO and serotonin transporter at higher concentrations.

History

Passionflower has been used in North American and South American traditional medicine for centuries — the Aztecs used it as a sedative and anxiolytic. Western interest emerged in the 19th century. Akhondzadeh 2001 demonstrated efficacy comparable to oxazepam for generalised anxiety disorder. Multiple subsequent trials support sleep and anxiety effects. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Anxiety (GAD)
EVIDENCEB
Akhondzadeh 2001 vs oxazepam.
Sleep quality
EVIDENCEB
Ngan 2011.

Side effects

Mild drowsinesscommonmild
Dizziness (high dose)uncommonmild

Cited research

Passionflower vs oxazepam for GAD (Akhondzadeh)2001
PMID 11679026 ↗
Passionflower tea for sleep quality (Ngan)2011
PMID 21294203 ↗
Passionflower mechanism review (Miroddi)2013
PMID 23348053 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Passionflower — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Passionflower — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Passionflower — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
iHerb 4.2	Passionflower — iHerb	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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