Passionflower supplements: what they may help and when to avoid them
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- Standardized passionflower extract capsules. Best for: Adults who want a labeled, standardized extract. See options on Amazon
- Organic passionflower capsules. Best for: Buyers who prefer certified organic herbs. See options on Amazon
- Alcohol-free passionflower liquid extract. Best for: People who prefer drops and want to avoid alcohol. See options on Amazon
What passionflower is
Passionflower is a climbing vine with white and purple flowers, native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it has traditionally been used as a sedative and was brought to Europe after 16th-century Spanish explorers learned of it.
Today it is promoted for anxiety (including before surgery), sleep problems, stress, ADHD, pain and other conditions. NOW Foods' extract, for example, uses the aerial (above-ground) parts.
What the research shows
| Use | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Anxiety, including before procedures | Small amount of research suggests it might help |
| Insomnia | Might improve total sleep time; mixed on falling and staying asleep |
| ADHD, menopause, stress, fibromyalgia | Not enough evidence |
NCCIH notes passionflower's effects on anxiety and other conditions have not been studied extensively.
A 2020 systematic review in Nutrients included nine clinical trials in adults, lasting from one day to 30 days. Most reported reduced anxiety after passionflower, with less effect in people with mild anxiety. No adverse effects such as memory loss were observed. The authors concluded it may help some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.
Safety: surgery, pregnancy and drowsiness
- How long it appears safe. NCCIH says passionflower may be safe as a tea for up to 7 nights, and daily extract use may be safe for up to 8 weeks. It is likely safe as a food flavoring.
- Side effects. Drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. NOW Foods' label warns it may cause drowsiness.
- Surgery. Passionflower might interact with anesthesia and other surgery medicines and slow the nervous system too much. Talk to your provider if you take it within 2 weeks of a scheduled surgery, and avoid it before surgery unless recommended.
- Pregnancy. Do not use it during pregnancy; it may cause uterine contractions. Little is known about breastfeeding.
- Medicines. Talk with your provider before use if you take any medicine, especially sedatives.
Reading a passionflower label
NOW Foods' Passion Flower capsules give 700 mg of Passiflora incarnata extract from the aerial parts per 2-capsule serving, standardized to at least 3.5% total flavonoids as vitexin and isovitexin. The label directs 1 to 2 capsules daily as needed.
- Species. Look for Passiflora incarnata, the species NCCIH describes. Passion fruit supplements are not the same thing.
- Extract vs herb. Extracts may state flavonoid content; whole herb capsules do not.
- Liquid extracts. Some contain alcohol; alcohol-free versions are also sold.
- Blends. Calm and sleep blends often combine passionflower with valerian, chamomile or lemon balm.
Tips for use
- Keep it short. The safety data cover up to 8 weeks of extract use.
- Avoid driving until you know how it affects you, since drowsiness and confusion are possible.
- Do not stack sedating products such as valerian, alcohol or sleep medicines without a provider's advice.
- Tell your surgical team if you have taken it within 2 weeks of surgery.
- Get help for ongoing anxiety or insomnia. A provider can discuss proven treatments.
What to look for when you buy
Standardized passionflower extract capsules
Best for: Adults who want a labeled, standardized extract
NOW Foods lists 700 mg of Passiflora incarnata extract per 2 capsules, standardized to at least 3.5% flavonoids, taken 1 to 2 capsules daily as needed.
Watch out: May cause drowsiness. Not for pregnancy, and stop before surgery unless your provider says otherwise.
See options on AmazonOrganic passionflower capsules
Best for: Buyers who prefer certified organic herbs
Organic vegan passionflower capsules are widely sold, an option if organic certification matters to you.
Watch out: Check that the label names Passiflora incarnata. Same drowsiness and pregnancy cautions.
See options on AmazonAlcohol-free passionflower liquid extract
Best for: People who prefer drops and want to avoid alcohol
Liquid extracts let you adjust the amount, and alcohol-free versions avoid the alcohol in many tinctures.
Watch out: Strength is not standardized across brands. Do not combine with other sedatives.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is passionflower a calming supplement?
- It is used that way. A small amount of research suggests it might reduce anxiety, and a 2020 review found most of nine trials reported lower anxiety.
- Does passionflower help sleep?
- It might improve total sleep time in adults with insomnia, but results on falling and staying asleep are mixed.
- Is passionflower safe?
- Extract use may be safe for up to 8 weeks. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and confusion. Do not use it during pregnancy.
- Can I take passionflower before surgery?
- Avoid it unless your provider recommends it. It might interact with anesthesia; tell your provider if you took it within 2 weeks of surgery.
- Is passionflower the same as passion fruit?
- No. Calming supplements use Passiflora incarnata, the species NCCIH describes. Check the label rather than assuming any passion fruit product is the same.
- Can passionflower help ADHD or menopause symptoms?
- NCCIH says there is not enough evidence to know whether passionflower helps ADHD, menopausal symptoms, fibromyalgia, heart failure or stress.
- How long can I take passionflower?
- NCCIH says passionflower tea may be safe for up to 7 nights and daily extract use for up to 8 weeks. Longer use has not been well studied.
Sources
- Passionflower: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Nutrients (PMC7766837)
- Passion Flower 350 mg Veg Capsules (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/passion-flower-350-mg-veg-capsules), NOW Foods