Passion Flower

GABA-A receptor signaling pathway, Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymatic pathway, Serotonergic signaling pathways, Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway, Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, Estrogen receptor signaling (mild effects)

The optimal dosage of passion flower varies depending on the specific form, intended use, and individual factors. For dried herb tea, typical dosages range from 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of dried herb steeped in 8 ounces of hot water, consumed 1-3 times daily. For capsules or tablets, typical doses range from 300-900 mg daily, often divided into multiple doses. Liquid extracts (tinctures) are typically used at 2-4 mL (40-80 drops), 1-3 times daily.

For standardized extracts, dosages typically range from 250-500 mg daily, standardized to contain 3-8% flavonoids. It’s important to note that standardization varies significantly between products, making precise dosage recommendations challenging.

Time Of Day: For anxiety and stress, can be taken throughout the day as needed. For sleep support, take 30-60 minutes before bedtime. For general hormone support, morning and evening doses are common.

Relation To Meals: Can be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Cycling Recommendations: For general use, can be taken daily for extended periods. Some practitioners recommend periodic breaks (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off, or 3 weeks on, 1 week off) for long-term use, though this is based more on traditional practice than specific research.

Pregnant Women: Generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and theoretical concerns about uterine-stimulating effects.

Breastfeeding Women: Limited data; generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless directed by healthcare provider.

Individuals With Sedative Medications: Should use with caution due to potential additive effects; consult healthcare provider before combining.

Individuals With Hormone-sensitive Conditions: Should consult healthcare provider before use due to potential mild hormonal effects, though these effects are generally subtle.

Tea Preparation: Steep 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of dried herb in 8 ounces of hot water for 10-15 minutes, covered. For sleep support, a stronger brew (up to 2 teaspoons) with longer steeping time (15 minutes) may be more effective.

Tincture Usage: Typical dilution is 1:5 in 45-60% alcohol. Take 30-90 drops in a small amount of water, 1-3 times daily depending on the condition being addressed.

Capsule Administration: Follow product-specific instructions; typically 1-2 capsules (300-600 mg) taken 1-3 times daily with water.

Flavonoid Content: Products standardized for flavonoid content (typically 3-8%) may provide more consistent effects. Dosage may need to be adjusted based on standardization percentage.

Extract Ratios: Tinctures and fluid extracts with different extract ratios (e.g., 1:1 vs. 1:5) will require different dosages; higher extract ratios generally require lower volumes.

Whole Herb Vs Extracts: Whole herb preparations may contain a broader spectrum of compounds but at lower concentrations; extracts may provide more concentrated amounts of specific compounds.

The bioavailability of passion flower compounds varies significantly depending on the specific compounds and preparation methods. Flavonoids such as chrysin and apigenin, which are key active compounds, generally have moderate oral bioavailability (estimated at 10-30%) due to factors such as limited water solubility, extensive metabolism in the gut and liver, and variable absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Harman alkaloids may have somewhat better bioavailability. The complex mixture of compounds in passion flower results in a range of bioavailability profiles that are not fully characterized in scientific literature.

Liquid preparations such as tinctures may offer enhanced absorption compared to solid forms due to the presence of alcohol, which can increase the solubility of certain compounds and enhance membrane permeability.

Optimal Timing: For anxiety relief, timing is based on when relief is needed, with effects typically beginning within 30-60 minutes. For sleep support, taking 30-60 minutes before bedtime is generally recommended to allow time for absorption and onset of effects. For general hormone support, consistent daily use is typically more important than specific timing.

Empty Stomach Vs With Food: Can be taken either way. Taking on an empty stomach may lead to faster absorption and onset of effects, while taking with food may reduce potential mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. For sleep support, taking on an empty stomach at least 1 hour after eating may be preferable for optimal absorption.

Consistency Importance: For anxiety and sleep support, effects are generally acute and timing relative to symptoms is important. For hormone-balancing effects, regular, consistent use appears to be more important than timing, as these effects may develop gradually over weeks of regular use.

Primary Metabolic Pathways: The various compounds in passion flower are metabolized through different pathways. Flavonoids typically undergo phase II metabolism in the liver, including glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. Harman alkaloids are primarily metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and cytochrome P450 enzymes. Gut microbiota also play a significant role in the metabolism of many passion flower compounds, particularly flavonoids.

Half Life: Variable depending on the specific compound; most bioactive components likely have relatively short half-lives (2-6 hours) based on similar compounds in other herbs, though specific data for passion flower compounds is limited.

Elimination Routes: Primarily renal (urinary) excretion for water-soluble metabolites and biliary (fecal) excretion for larger molecules and fat-soluble components.

Tea Infusion: Good extraction and bioavailability of water-soluble compounds including certain flavonoids and amino acids. Limited extraction of fat-soluble compounds. Bioavailability affected by steeping time and water temperature.

Tincture: Potentially higher extraction and bioavailability of both water-soluble and some fat-soluble compounds due to alcohol as a solvent. The alcohol itself may enhance absorption of certain compounds by increasing membrane permeability.

Capsules Tablets: Bioavailability depends on disintegration and dissolution properties of the specific product. May have slower release compared to liquid forms. Some products may include excipients that affect absorption.

Standardized Extracts: Potentially more consistent bioavailability of specific target compounds compared to whole herb preparations, though this depends on the specific extraction and standardization methods used.

Crossing Ability: Many of the active compounds in passion flower, including certain flavonoids and harman alkaloids, can cross the blood-brain barrier to some extent, which is essential for their effects on the central nervous system. However, the degree of penetration varies significantly between compounds.

Enhancing Factors: Lipophilicity is a key factor determining blood-brain barrier penetration. More lipophilic compounds in passion flower, such as certain alkaloids, may have better central nervous system bioavailability. Some flavonoids may utilize specific transporters to enhance brain penetration.

Established Upper Limit: No officially established upper limit

Research Based Recommendation: For dried herb, doses up to 2 grams per dose, 3 times daily (6 grams total daily) appear to be well-tolerated in most individuals based on traditional use and limited research. For standardized extracts, doses up to 900 mg daily have been used in clinical studies without significant adverse effects. Higher doses may increase the risk of side effects, particularly sedation and dizziness.

Toxicity Concerns: No significant toxicity concerns have been identified at recommended doses. Passion flower has a long history of traditional use with a good safety profile when used appropriately. Theoretical concerns exist about the harman alkaloids at very high doses, but these compounds are present in relatively low concentrations in most passion flower preparations.

Known Risks: No significant long-term risks have been identified in available research or historical use

Monitoring Recommendations: No specific monitoring is typically required for general use; individuals taking medications should monitor for potential interactions

Longest Studied Duration: Clinical studies have typically been short-term (up to 8 weeks); traditional use spans much longer periods without documented long-term adverse effects

Pediatric: Limited data in children; generally not recommended for children under 12 years unless directed by healthcare provider

Geriatric: May be more sensitive to sedative effects; start with lower doses and monitor for excessive sedation or confusion

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution due to the liver’s role in metabolism of passion flower compounds; start with lower doses

Renal Impairment: Use with caution due to the kidneys’ role in elimination of metabolites; start with lower doses

Common Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, itching, respiratory symptoms in rare cases

Cross Reactivity: Potential cross-reactivity with other members of the Passifloraceae family

Testing Recommendations: Consider allergy testing for individuals with suspected Passifloraceae family allergies before using passion flower

No significant withdrawal effects have been reported with proper use at recommended doses; discontinuation does not typically cause adverse symptoms, suggesting low risk of dependence

Symptoms: Excessive sedation, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness in extreme cases

Management: Supportive care; symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours without specific treatment

Reported Cases: Very few documented cases of significant overdose; generally good safety margin

With Other Herbs: Generally safe with most herbs, though combinations with other sedative herbs (valerian, kava, etc.) may have additive effects and should be used with caution

With Supplements: Generally safe with most supplements; caution with those affecting GABA, serotonin, or having sedative properties

With Foods: No significant food interactions documented; may be taken with or without food

Classification: Passion flower is regulated as a dietary supplement in the United States under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. It is not approved as a drug for any specific medical condition. Historically, passion flower was included in the United States National Formulary from 1916 to 1936, indicating its previous recognition in mainstream medicine.

Approved Claims: No specific health claims for passion flower have been approved by the FDA. As with other dietary supplements, manufacturers are permitted to make structure/function claims (e.g., ‘supports relaxation’ or ‘promotes restful sleep’) but not disease claims (e.g., ‘treats anxiety disorders’ or ‘cures insomnia’).

Labeling Requirements: Must be labeled as a dietary supplement; must include standard Supplement Facts panel; cannot make disease treatment or prevention claims; must include the standard FDA disclaimer: ‘These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.’

Regulatory Actions: No significant FDA regulatory actions specifically targeting passion flower have been documented. The FDA has issued general guidance on botanical products regarding proper identification, good manufacturing practices, and avoidance of disease claims.

Completed Trials: Several small to moderate-sized clinical trials examining effects on anxiety, sleep quality, and specific applications such as preoperative anxiety and dental anxiety.

Ongoing Trials: Limited information available on current clinical trials, though there appears to be continued interest in passion flower’s applications for anxiety, sleep, and potentially hormone-related concerns.

Research Classification: Currently considered investigational for specific health conditions; more research needed to establish definitive clinical efficacy for most applications, though evidence is stronger for anxiety than for other potential uses.

Global Availability: Available as a non-prescription dietary supplement or herbal product in most countries where herbal products are regulated. In some European countries, products registered as traditional herbal medicinal products are available over-the-counter but with more regulatory oversight than dietary supplements.

Medical Supervision Recommendations: No specific medical supervision requirements for general use, though consultation with healthcare providers is recommended for individuals taking medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, or for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy Labeling: In some jurisdictions, products containing passion flower may carry specific labeling regarding use during pregnancy, such as recommendations to avoid use or consult healthcare providers before use.

Quality Standards: No passion flower-specific mandatory quality standards in most jurisdictions beyond general dietary supplement or herbal product Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). In Europe, products registered as traditional herbal medicinal products must meet specific quality standards outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia.

Testing Requirements: No specific mandatory testing requirements beyond general dietary supplement or herbal product requirements for identity, purity, strength, and composition. Responsible manufacturers typically test for heavy metals, microbial contamination, and pesticide residues, as well as marker compounds such as flavonoids.

Emerging Regulations: Increasing scrutiny of dietary supplement and herbal product quality and safety globally may lead to enhanced requirements for testing and documentation.

Potential Changes: As research on specific applications advances, more specific regulatory guidance may emerge regarding labeling, particularly for sleep and anxiety-related uses.

Advocacy Positions: Industry groups generally advocate for maintaining current regulatory framework for botanical supplements while promoting voluntary quality standards. Consumer advocacy groups sometimes call for more stringent regulation of claims and quality standards.

Low

Loose Leaf Tea: $0.10-$0.50 per day (based on 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per day)

Tea Bags: $0.20-$0.75 per day (based on 1-3 tea bags per day)

Capsules Tablets: $0.15-$1.00 per day (based on typical recommended dosages of 300-900 mg daily)

Tinctures: $0.50-$1.50 per day (based on typical recommended dosages of 2-4 mL, 1-3 times daily)

Standardized Extracts: $0.75-$2.00 per day (based on typical recommended dosages of 250-500 mg daily)

Cost Effectiveness Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Justification: Passion flower offers excellent value compared to many other interventions for anxiety and sleep support. The raw material (passion flower herb) is relatively inexpensive to produce and widely available, keeping costs reasonable. Basic forms like loose leaf tea and tea bags are particularly cost-effective, while more processed forms like standardized extracts command higher prices but may offer more consistent potency. Compared to pharmaceutical anxiolytics and sleep medications, passion flower is significantly less expensive and has fewer side effects, though its effects may be milder.

Comparison To Alternatives: Significantly less expensive than prescription anxiolytics and sleep medications, with fewer side effects and no risk of dependence. Comparable in price to many other herbal supplements for anxiety and sleep. Growing your own passion flower plants can further reduce costs for those with garden space and time.

Price Trends: Prices have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with gradual increases primarily due to general inflation rather than supply constraints. Seasonal variations may occur, with slight price increases during peak demand periods (e.g., winter months when sleep and anxiety support supplements see increased demand).

Supply Chain Considerations: Passion flower is cultivated in multiple regions globally, creating a relatively stable supply chain with minimal disruption risk. Wild-harvested passion flower is also available in some regions, though sustainable harvesting practices are important considerations.

Market Competition: Moderate competition exists among supplement manufacturers, helping maintain reasonable pricing. The market includes both basic forms (loose leaf, tea bags) and premium formulations (standardized extracts, specialized sleep or anxiety formulas).

Bulk Purchasing: Buying loose leaf herb in bulk quantities typically reduces the per-dose cost by 30-50% compared to packaged tea bags or small quantities.

Subscription Services: Many herb and supplement companies offer subscription discounts of 10-20% for regular deliveries.

Home Cultivation: Growing passion flower plants at home can provide a renewable source of leaves and flowers at minimal cost after initial planting. The plants are relatively easy to grow in suitable climates.

Wild Harvesting: In areas where passion flower grows wild, leaves and flowers can be harvested at no cost beyond time and effort, though proper identification and sustainable harvesting practices are essential.

Combination Products: Some formulations combine passion flower with synergistic herbs, potentially offering better value than purchasing multiple herbs separately, though this depends on specific formulation and pricing.

Prescription Coverage: Not applicable as passion flower is not available as a prescription medication in most countries.

Health Savings Accounts: May be eligible for purchase using HSA/FSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity in some jurisdictions, though policies vary by provider.

Flexible Spending Accounts: May be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity, though policies vary by provider.

Integrative Medicine Coverage: Some integrative medicine practitioners may prescribe passion flower as part of covered treatment plans, though coverage varies significantly by provider and plan.

Short Term Value: High; effects on anxiety and sleep may be noticeable within 30-60 minutes of consumption, providing relatively quick return on a modest investment.

Long Term Value: Potentially high for individuals using for ongoing anxiety or sleep support; the very low cost makes long-term use economically feasible compared to many alternatives.

Quality Of Life Impact: Potential for significant positive impact on quality of life through improved sleep and reduced anxiety, which can affect many aspects of daily functioning and wellbeing.

Affordability Assessment: Highly accessible to most consumers, with basic forms (tea) available at price points comparable to everyday beverages. Even premium formulations remain relatively affordable compared to many health interventions.

Global Price Variations: Pricing is relatively consistent across developed markets, with some variation based on import regulations, taxes, and local availability. In regions where passion flower grows natively, costs may be even lower.

Discount Programs: Limited specific discount programs for passion flower; general herb and supplement industry discounts (bulk, subscription, first-time buyer) typically apply.

Raw Material Costs: Low to moderate; passion flower is relatively easy to cultivate but requires proper harvesting and processing to preserve active compounds.

Processing Costs: Low to moderate, depending on form; simple drying and packaging for tea involves minimal processing, while extraction, standardization, and encapsulation add to production costs.

Quality Control Costs: Variable; basic identity and safety testing adds minimal cost, while more comprehensive testing for active compounds and contaminants increases production costs but ensures higher quality.

Packaging Costs: Variable; simple bulk packaging is inexpensive, while individual tea bags, blister packs for capsules, and glass bottles for tinctures add to the final cost.

Dried Herb: Properly dried and stored passion flower typically maintains its quality for 1-2 years. After this time, it may still be safe to use but may have reduced potency and aroma.

Tea Bags: Commercially packaged tea bags typically have a shelf life of 1-3 years, depending on packaging quality and storage conditions.

Capsules Tablets: 2-3 years when stored in original container with desiccant, though this varies by manufacturer and specific formulation.

Tinctures: 3-5 years due to the preservative effect of alcohol, which helps maintain the stability of active compounds.

Standardized Extracts: 2-3 years when properly stored, though this varies by specific formulation and packaging.

Temperature: Store at room temperature (15-25°C or 59-77°F) in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes, as heat can accelerate degradation of bioactive compounds and excessive cold may introduce moisture through condensation when containers are opened.

Light Exposure: Protect from direct light, especially sunlight and UV exposure, which can degrade flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. Flavonoids are particularly susceptible to photodegradation.

Humidity: Keep in a dry environment with humidity below 60%. Moisture can promote microbial growth, enzymatic degradation, and hydrolysis of certain compounds.

Container Type: Store dried herb in airtight, opaque containers, preferably glass or food-grade plastic. For bulk storage, paper bags inside sealed containers can help absorb excess moisture. Tinctures should be stored in amber glass bottles.

Special Considerations: Keep away from strong-smelling substances, as dried herbs can absorb odors. For long-term storage of bulk dried herb, consider adding a small food-grade silica gel packet to absorb moisture.

Visual inspection for color changes, mold, or other signs of degradation, Olfactory assessment for changes in aroma or development of off-odors, Moisture content testing to ensure proper drying and storage conditions, HPLC analysis of key flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin, chrysin) to assess potency retention over time, Microbial testing for potential contamination, Functional assays for GABA receptor binding activity (research setting)

Tea Infusion: Prepared tea infusions should be consumed within 24 hours if refrigerated, or within 8 hours if kept at room temperature. Longer storage may lead to microbial growth and degradation of active compounds.

Tincture Dilutions: Diluted tinctures (e.g., when added to water or juice) should be consumed promptly, as the reduced alcohol content no longer provides preservative effects.

Reconstituted Extracts: Powdered extracts reconstituted in liquid should be used immediately for maximum potency.

For travel, consider transferring only the needed amount to a small, airtight container to minimize exposure of the main supply. Tea bags are convenient for travel. For longer trips, tinctures offer better stability than dried herb. Avoid leaving in hot vehicles or direct sunlight.

Natural Sources

Harvest Methods

Processing Methods

Quality Considerations

Geographical Considerations

Identification And Authentication

Cultivation And Harvesting

Global Usage: Unlike some Passiflora species that produce edible fruits (e.g., P. edulis, the passion fruit), P. incarnata has not had significant culinary use historically. Its primary use has been medicinal rather than culinary.

Preparation Methods: Occasionally included in herbal tea blends for flavor and health benefits, but not commonly used in cooking.

Cultural Significance: More valued for medicinal properties than culinary applications.

Traditional Preparations: The most common traditional preparation method. Typically 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in 8 ounces of hot water for 10-15 minutes, often covered during steeping to preserve volatile compounds., Common in 19th and early 20th century Western herbalism. Typically prepared at a 1:5 ratio in 45-60% alcohol, though ratios varied by pharmacopoeia., Concentrated liquid preparation (typically 1:1 ratio) common in 19th and early 20th century pharmacy., Often combined with other nervine herbs in traditional formulations for specific conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, or nervous tension.

Evolution Of Extraction Methods: Traditional water-based infusions and alcohol-based tinctures have remained important preparation methods throughout history. In the 20th century, more sophisticated extraction methods were developed to standardize extracts for specific compounds, particularly flavonoids. Recent innovations include specialized extraction processes designed to optimize the extraction of specific active compounds while minimizing unwanted components.

Documented Adverse Effects: Passion flower has an excellent historical safety record with minimal documented adverse effects throughout centuries of traditional use. Occasional mild sedation or digestive discomfort has been reported, particularly with higher doses.

Contraindications In Traditional Use: Traditional sources often recommended caution during pregnancy, though this was not universal. Some traditional sources also advised caution when combining with strong sedatives or for individuals with very low blood pressure.

Modern Safety Concerns: Modern safety concerns are generally consistent with traditional cautions, focusing primarily on potential sedative effects and interactions with medications affecting the central nervous system. Contemporary herbalists typically recommend caution during pregnancy and when combining with sedative medications.

Symbolism: The passion flower plant was named by Spanish missionaries who saw in its unique flower structure symbols of the Passion of Christ (the crucifixion). The five petals and five sepals were said to represent the ten apostles present at the crucifixion, the corona filaments represented the crown of thorns, the five stamens represented Christ’s five wounds, and the three stigmas represented the three nails.

Folklore: In addition to its Christian symbolism, passion flower has featured in various folk traditions. In some Native American traditions, it was considered a calming plant that could soothe both body and spirit. Some folklore suggested that placing passion flower under the pillow could help with disturbing dreams or insomnia.

Religious Usage: Beyond the Christian symbolism in its naming, passion flower has not had significant documented religious usage, though it may have played roles in certain Native American spiritual practices that were not well documented.

Clinical trial examining the effects of passion flower extract on sleep quality in adults with insomnia, Study investigating the potential of passion flower for managing menopausal symptoms, particularly anxiety and sleep disturbances, Research on passion flower as an adjunctive treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, Investigation of passion flower’s effects on cortisol levels and stress biomarkers

Long-term safety and efficacy studies beyond 8 weeks, Optimal dosing studies for specific health conditions, Comparative studies of different extraction methods and their impact on clinical efficacy, Research on specific mechanisms related to hormone regulation, Studies on potential applications for specific women’s health concerns, Research on potential synergistic effects with other herbs or conventional treatments, Studies examining effects in specific populations (e.g., menopausal women, individuals with specific anxiety disorders)

Consensus: There is general consensus among herbalists and integrative medicine practitioners that passion flower is a mild but effective herb for anxiety and sleep support with a good safety profile. Medical opinions are more cautious but generally acknowledge the preliminary evidence for anxiety management. Most experts agree that it appears to be safe when used appropriately at recommended doses, but emphasize the need for more research to establish efficacy for specific applications.

Controversies: There is some debate about the optimal preparation methods, with some experts favoring traditional teas and tinctures while others advocate for standardized extracts. There is also disagreement about the relative importance of different compounds (flavonoids vs. alkaloids) in the herb’s therapeutic effects. Some experts question whether the mild effects demonstrated in studies translate to clinically meaningful outcomes for more severe anxiety or sleep disorders.

Historical Claims: Passion flower has been used traditionally for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, hysteria, and as a mild sedative. It was also used for pain relief, particularly nerve pain, and for various women’s health concerns.

Scientific Support: Scientific evidence provides moderate support for the traditional uses related to anxiety and sleep, with multiple clinical studies demonstrating anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. The traditional use for mild pain relief has some support from preclinical studies showing anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, though clinical evidence is limited. The traditional use for women’s health concerns has limited scientific validation to date, though the herb’s effects on neurotransmitter systems that influence hormonal regulation provide a plausible mechanism.