NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2026

Passionflower

BOTANICALS · Evidence Monograph

Passionflower is an evidence-graded botanicals monograph evaluated across 40 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (1 meta-analyses, 7 systematic reviews, and 2 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 3,078 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE Moderate (3.0 / 4.0) for phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) Moderate (3.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 40 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 1 Meta · 7 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 2 RCTs (2 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 3,078
Reported Trial Dosages 500 mg · 5 mg · 75 mg/day
Trial Duration Range 14 days · 30 days · 15 days
Reading Time ~20 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways (supported by 40 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE Moderate).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (500 mg · 5 mg · 75 mg/day) over a structured 14 days evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Standardized Marker-Compound Botanical Extract
Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Gradual physiological adaptation over 4–12 weeks without gastric burning or daytime sedation.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Stop immediately if unexplained fatigue, dark urine, skin rash, or right-upper-quadrant discomfort occurs.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch
Post-meal administration buffers concentrated botanical tannins and organic acids against gastric mucosal irritation.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary botanicals clinical efficacy (40 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (9 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (2 RCTs · 2 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (1 meta-analyses · 7 reviews)
01

What Is Passionflower & Why Does Form Matter?

Passionflower is classified under BOTANICALS and has been investigated across 40 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (500 mg, 5 mg, 75 mg/day).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Passionflower frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (2 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Passionflower acts on pathways governing phytochemical receptor modulation, adaptogenic stress response, and vascular/inflammatory pathways. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Passionflower an overall evidence rating of GRADE Moderate (3.0 / 4.0) based on 40 PubMed studies: 1 meta-analyses, 7 systematic reviews, and 2 randomized controlled trials (2 double-blind, n = 3,078 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:35875924 (2022) — "The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose(®)) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans." (CONCLUSIONS: The combination of herbal extracts contained within the MHEP reduced subjective anxiety in a healthy population and lowered electrodermal skin conductance and concentration of salivary α-amylase in response to a psychosocial stressor, compared to placebo.) • PMID:33141635 (2021) — "Cost-Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Albedo versus Turmeric in the Glycemic and Lipaemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial." (CONCLUSION: It was concluded that turmeric is the most cost-effective in comparison with yellow passion fruit albedo, because of its decrease in the levels of triglycerides and HOMA-IR, even when adjusted for confounding variables.) • PMID:19441067 (2009) — "Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam." (Due to the increase in herbal product self-medication, the use of herbal remedies should be registered while taking the personal clinical history.)

05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Standardized Marker-Compound Botanical Extract. Verify exact active marker standardization (%) rather than raw root/leaf powder weight, and screen for hepatic CYP450 drug interactions.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 500 mg · 5 mg · 75 mg/day · 150 mg/day over 14 days · 30 days · 15 days · 21 days. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch (Post-meal administration buffers concentrated botanical tannins and organic acids against gastric mucosal irritation.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Gradual physiological adaptation over 4–12 weeks without gastric burning or daytime sedation.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Stop immediately if unexplained fatigue, dark urine, skin rash, or right-upper-quadrant discomfort occurs.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Passionflower, but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · Immediately After Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (500 mg · 5 mg · 75 mg/day) and re-evaluate efficacy after 14 days.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (40 Studies) · 9 Quantitative Analyses

01
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) (2022) PMID: 35875924 ↗
The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose(®)) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England); statistical significance reported at p = 0.038. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: The combination of herbal extracts contained within the MHEP reduced subjective anxiety in a healthy population and lowered electrodermal skin conductance and concentration of salivary α-amylase in response to a psychosocial stressor, compared to placebo.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Global lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders has been estimated at approximately 16.6%, with subclinical prevalence likely much higher. Herbal approaches to reduce anxiety may be as effective as pharmacological treatments and are less likely to be associated with adverse side effects. The herbal species, namely, valerian, passionflower, hawthorn and ballota, have a long history of use as anxiolytics in traditional medicine, further supported by recent pre-clinical and clinical trials. AIMS: To assess the effects of chronic (14 days) supplementation with a multi-herb extract preparation (MHEP, Euphytose®) on psychological state and psychological and physiological stress responses during a laboratory stressor. METHODS: In this crossover study, 31 healthy participants (aged 19-58 years) received a MHEP and placebo for 14 days with a 28-day washout. Anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), mood and physiological measures of stress (heart rate, galvanic skin response, salivary α-amylase and cortisol levels) were measured before and after an Observed Multitasking Stressor. Cognitive performance was also assessed. RESULTS: MHEP was associated with reduced tension-anxiety (p = 0.038), with participants showing an attenuated response to the observed multitasking psychosocial stressor following MHEP, evidenced by lower salivary α-amylase (p = 0.041) and galvanic skin response (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of herbal extracts contained within the MHEP reduced subjective anxiety in a healthy population and lowered electrodermal skin conductance and concentration of salivary α-amylase in response to a psychosocial stressor, compared to placebo. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT03909906).

02
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2021) PMID: 33141635 ↗
Cost-Effectiveness of Passion Fruit Albedo versus Turmeric in the Glycemic and Lipaemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Clinical Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition; statistical significance reported at p = 0.05. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: It was concluded that turmeric is the most cost-effective in comparison with yellow passion fruit albedo, because of its decrease in the levels of triglycerides and HOMA-IR, even when adjusted for confounding variables.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Robust evidence has related yellow passion fruit albedo and long turmeric to the metabolic and glycemic control of diabetes. AIM: To analyze the incremental cost-effectiveness of the flour made from yellow passion fruit albedo versus long turmeric merged with piperine in the glycemic and lipid control of individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for 120 days. The first group was prescribed 500 mg capsules, three times a day, of yellow passion fruit albedo flour (FAMA). The second group was prescribed long turmeric capsules (500 mg), merged with piperine (5 mg) (CURPI), at fasting. The third group followed the standard advice recommendations, and ingested a placebo of carboxymethyl cellulose (500 mg) at fasting. RESULTS: The group using FAMA showed a higher reduction (-5.9%) of glycemia after fasting, compared to placebo (+9%), and CURPI (-3.2%) (p < 0.05). Regarding HbA1c, the study observed a significant and similar statistical reduction (-0.8%) in the intervention groups, in contrast with the placebo group (p < 0.05). The reduction in HOMA-IR in the CURPI group (-9.4%) was higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The CURPI group also showed a higher reduction of serum triglyceride levels (-20.8%) compared to the placebo (-0.09%) and FAMA (+1.8%) (p < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that turmeric is the most cost-effective in comparison with yellow passion fruit albedo, because of its decrease in the levels of triglycerides and HOMA-IR, even when adjusted for confounding variables. On the other hand, HbA1c cost-effectiveness relation was similar.

03
CLINICAL STUDY Phytotherapy research (2009) PMID: 19441067 ↗
Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2009 Clinical Study published in Phytotherapy research. Key conclusion: Due to the increase in herbal product self-medication, the use of herbal remedies should be registered while taking the personal clinical history.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

There is an increasing interest in the health risks related to the use of herbal remedies. Although most consumers think that phytomedicines are safe and without side effects, interactions between complementary alternative and conventional medicines are being described. The aim of this clinical case report is to highlight the importance of the safe use of herbal remedies by providing a clinical interaction study between pharmaceutical medicines and herbal medicinal products. The case of a patient self-medicated with Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. while he was on lorazepam treatment is described. Handshaking, dizziness, throbbing and muscular fatigue were reported within the 32 h before clinical diagnosis. The analysis of family medical history ruled out essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease and other symptom-related pathologies. His medical history revealed a generalized anxiety disorder and medicinal plant consumption but no neurological disorder. Appropriate physical examination was carried out. An additive or synergistic effect is suspected to have produced these symptoms. The active principles of Valerian and passionflower might increase the inhibitory activity of benzodiazepines binding to the GABA receptors, causing severe secondary effects. Due to the increase in herbal product self-medication, the use of herbal remedies should be registered while taking the personal clinical history. Multidisciplinary teams should be created to raise studies on medicinal plants with impact on medical praxis. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

04
CLINICAL STUDY European journal of clinical pharmacology (2006) PMID: 16328317 ↗
Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2006 Clinical Study published in European journal of clinical pharmacology involving n = 1,063 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that herbal products are largely taken on a self-treatment basis, and users have the conviction that these therapies are natural and therefore safe.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: Since the approach of the general population to phytomedicine is that the therapy therapy is natural and therefore safe, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the use of herbal compounds, alone or in combination with traditional drugs, and the appearance of side-effects among a sample of Italian women. METHODS: Our research was conducted over a 5-month period in the outpatient ambulatories of an urban university general hospital. The sample population consisted of women who were interviewed about phytotherapy use on the basis of a pre-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 1,063 women contacted, 1,044 completed the interview and 491 (47%) reported taking at least one herbal compound in the last year; 272 women (55.4%) consumed only phytomedicines, while 219 (44.6%) also took traditional drugs. Seventy-three different herbal products were used, 32 were consumed in association with traditional drugs. Forty-seven of 491 (9.6%) women reported side-effects, 22 after taking only phytomedicines (8.1%), 25 in combination with traditional drugs (11.4%). The observed adverse manifestations included the following: gastrointestinal after dandelion, propolis or fennel; cardiovascular after liquorice, ginseng, and green tea; dermatological after propolis, thyme, arnica, and passionflower; and neurological after guarana and liquorice. Drugs taken in association and potentially involved in adverse reactions were NSAIDs, antibiotics, benzodiazepines, antihypertensives and oral contraceptives. In some cases (n=5), side-effects were so serious to justify an admission to the hospital. In 29/47 of cases (61.7%), the adverse reaction was not communicated to the doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that herbal products are largely taken on a self-treatment basis, and users have the conviction that these therapies are natural and therefore safe.

05
CLINICAL STUDY American journal of health-system pharmacy (2000) PMID: 10902065 ↗
Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2000 Clinical Study published in American journal of health-system pharmacy. Key conclusion: Products that have been associated with documented reports of potential interactions with warfarin include coenzyme Q10, danshen, devil's claw, dong quai, ginseng, green tea, papain, and vitamin E.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Potential and documented interactions between alternative therapy agents and warfarin are discussed. An estimated one third of adults in the United States use alternative therapies, including herbs. A major safety concern is potential interactions of alternative medicine products with prescription medications. This issue is especially important with respect to drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes, such as warfarin. Herbal products that may potentially increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy include angelica root, arnica flower, anise, asafoetida, bogbean, borage seed oil, bromelain, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger ginkgo, horse chestnut, licorice root, lovage root, meadowsweet, onion, parsley, passionflower herb, poplar, quassia, red clover, rue, sweet clover, turmeric, and willow bark. Products that have been associated with documented reports of potential interactions with warfarin include coenzyme Q10, danshen, devil's claw, dong quai, ginseng, green tea, papain, and vitamin E. Interpretation of the available information on herb-warfarin interactions is difficult because nearly all of it is based on in vitro data, animal studies, or individual case reports. More study is needed to confirm and assess the clinical significance of these potential interactions. There is evidence that a wide range of alternative therapy products have the potential to interact with warfarin. Pharmacists and other health care professionals should question all patients about use of alternative therapies and report documented interactions to FDA's MedWatch program.

06
CLINICAL STUDY Lippincott's primary care practice (1999) PMID: 10711131 ↗
Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 1999 Clinical Study published in Lippincott's primary care practice. Key conclusion: Clinical studies comparing dietary supplements with low-dose antidepressants (maprotiline, amitriptyline, or imipramine at 75 mg/day) or high-dose antidepressants (imipramine at 150 mg/day) find no significant difference between treatments.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Dietary supplement use has increased during the past decade. Epidemiologic studies suggest that patients turn to dietary supplements because of a reluctance to take prescription medications or a lack of satisfaction with the results. They often perceive dietary supplements to be a safer or more natural alternative. Patients with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, are among those who use dietary supplements. St. John's Wort is used to treat depression. Clinical studies comparing dietary supplements with low-dose antidepressants (maprotiline, amitriptyline, or imipramine at 75 mg/day) or high-dose antidepressants (imipramine at 150 mg/day) find no significant difference between treatments. Kava kava is used to treat anxiety. Clinical trials demonstrate it to be superior to placebo, and roughly equivalent to oxazepam 15 mg/day or bromazepam 9 mg/day. Agents discussed for use in sleep disorders include melatonin, valerian, 5-hydroxytryptamine, catnip, chamomile, gotu kola, hops, L-tryptophan, lavender, passionflower, skullcap, and valerian. Familiarity with the evidence for use and the possible resulting risks can help health professionals to guide patient decisions regarding use of dietary supplements.

07
META-ANALYSIS Pharmacological research (2022) PMID: 35378276 ↗
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Meta-Analysis published in Pharmacological research (SMD -0.48). Key conclusion: Conversely, although Passionflower (MD: -4.20, 95% CrI: -8.82 to 0.16) and Saffron (MD: -2.71, 95% CrI: -6.06 to 0.57) did not reduce HAMA scores significantly in the summary network, both were worthy of further study because of support from separate networks.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric illness. Medicinal herbs have become a field of interest in the treatment of anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and acceptability of all possible medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety. METHODS: A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted for adults with diagnosed or subthreshold anxiety in randomized controlled trials identified in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, searched between Jan 1, 1987, and Dec 31, 2021. The outcomes included efficacy (measured by endpoint Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA] Scores) and acceptability (discontinuation by ineffectiveness, worsening of the symptoms, or adverse events). RESULTS: A total of 29 trials were reviewed, comparing 12 medicinal herbs. Silexan (mean difference [MD]: -3.84, 95% credible interval [CrI]: -6.31 to -1.34) displayed a significant effect on anxiety, and possibly benefitted the treatment of depression (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.53 to -0.20) and insomnia (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.21). Kava was found to be an effective anxiolytic (MD: -2.46, 95% CrI: -4.47 to -0.32) but possibly ineffective in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (MD: -0.17, 95% CrI: -2.55 to -1.97). Ginkgo biloba (MD: -4.63, 95% CrI: -9.01 to -0.23) and Withania somnifera (MD: -4.90, 95% CrI: -9.70 to -0.17) were efficacious, as measured by HAMA scores but the trials were limited by their small sample sizes. Galphimia glauca (MD: -1.23, 95% CrI: -4.68 to 2.23) and Manasamitravn Vataka (MD: -1.35, 95% CrI: -7.39 to 4.68) exhibited the same anxiolytic effect as standard treatments, but both were absent from trials that were rated low risk, highlighting that confidence in their ability to provide an anxiolytic effect requires additional study. Conversely, although Passionflower (MD: -4.20, 95% CrI: -8.82 to 0.16) and Saffron (MD: -2.71, 95% CrI: -6.06 to 0.57) did not reduce HAMA scores significantly in the summary network, both were worthy of further study because of support from separate networks. There was insufficient evidence to confirm the effectiveness of Valerian (MD: 0.95

08
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Journal of substance abuse treatment (2021) PMID: 34016305 ↗
A systematic review of integrative medicine for opioid withdrawal.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Systematic Review published in Journal of substance abuse treatment. Key conclusion: Well-designed randomized controlled trials should assess the efficacy of integrative medicine for improvement in OWS.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

INTRODUCTION: The United States has been battling an opioid epidemic for decades. As substance use disorders have grown, so too has investigation into treatment options, including integrative medicine approaches, for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms (OWS). OBJECTIVES: This systematic review sought to assess the use of integrative medicine approaches for the alleviation of OWS in patients dependent on opioids and to summarize the available data. METHODS: The authors searched using synonyms for opioids, substance use disorder, and integrative medicine and standardized searches in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We also hand searched references for systematic reviews. This review did not include articles that could not be obtained as full-text publications via interlibrary loan. The review also excluded studies with interventions involving acupuncture because multiple systematic reviews on this approach already exist. In addition, we also excluded studies of therapy for opioid maintenance. We evaluated studies for inclusion based on the Jadad criteria. We compared opioid withdrawal outcomes of the studies to determine the efficacy of integrative medicine approaches. RESULTS: The authors identified a total of 382 unique publications initially for possible inclusion through systematic searches. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, five studies met Jadad criteria. The authors identified an additional two studies for inclusion via hand searching. A total of seven studies included interventions consisting of passionflower, weinicom, fu-yuan pellet, jinniu capsules, tai-kang-ning, dynorphin, and l-tetrahydropalmatine. Analyzing the articles was difficult given the varied scoring methods they used to quantify opioid withdrawal symptoms and the small sample sizes in the trials. Most showed evidence that supported integrative medicine approaches for OWS, although the strength of evidence was limited because of sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: This review found evidence of multiple integrative medicine approaches for opioid withdrawal symptoms. Well-designed randomized controlled trials should assess the efficacy of integrative medicine for improvement in OWS.

09
CLINICAL STUDY Nutrients (2021) PMID: 33561990 ↗
Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2021 Clinical Study published in Nutrients. Key conclusion: These herbal medicines have been shown to reduce sleep latency and increase subjective and objective measures of sleep quality.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Sleep is an essential component of physical and emotional well-being, and lack, or disruption, of sleep due to insomnia is a highly prevalent problem. The interest in complementary and alternative medicines for treating or preventing insomnia has increased recently. Centuries-old herbal treatments, popular for their safety and effectiveness, include valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, lavender, and Californian poppy. These herbal medicines have been shown to reduce sleep latency and increase subjective and objective measures of sleep quality. Research into their molecular components revealed that their sedative and sleep-promoting properties rely on interactions with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a major role in controlling different vigilance states. GABA receptors are the targets of many pharmacological treatments for insomnia, such as benzodiazepines. Here, we perform a systematic analysis of studies assessing the mechanisms of action of various herbal medicines on different subtypes of GABA receptors in the context of sleep control. Currently available evidence suggests that herbal extracts may exert some of their hypnotic and anxiolytic activity through interacting with GABA receptors and modulating GABAergic signaling in the brain, but their mechanism of action in the treatment of insomnia is not completely understood.

10
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Nutrients (2020) PMID: 33352740 ↗
Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2020 Systematic Review published in Nutrients. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Passiflora incarnata in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects. METHODS: The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders. RESULTS: The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed. CONCLUSION: Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.

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