Introduction
Hailing from the Americas, Passionflower has been a time-honoured remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and various health concerns. Laden with flavonoids (e.g. isovitexin, vitexin, luteolin and quercetin), alkaloids, and a distinctive benzoflavone moiety, it intricately influences the central nervous system.
Passionflower for Anxiety and Stress
Passionflower modulates the GABA system, in part by acting as a GABA re-uptake inhibitor (1). This means more relaxing neurotransmitters are available in your nerve terminals to induce their effects. Clinical trials spanning diverse contexts, including pre-surgery scenarios, highlight its efficacy (2). A direct comparison with oxazepam reveals similar efficacy with fewer adverse effects, emphasising its subtle yet potent impact (3).
Insomnia and Sleep Enhancement
In a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study, passionflower extract significantly increased total sleep time (4). A less rigorously dosed tea also demonstrated subjective sleep benefits (5). Passionflower showcased comparable efficacy (in combination with valerian and hops), emphasising its role in sleep support compared to zolpidem (6).
Side effects of Passionflower
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. Users should also only consume Passionflower and drive once they have assessed their response, as it may cause drowsiness (the intended effect for many!).
How should you take Passionflower?
Passionflower is available in powder, capsule or tincture forms. Consuming it in a concentrated extract form is generally best, not standardised to any ingredient. This is because Passionflower contains many active ingredients, and it is not fully known which contributes the most to its relaxing effects.
Sourced meticulously, the highly potent 20:1 Passionflower extract in Unwind+, derived from 2400mg of Passionflower Incarnata per two-capsule dose, reflects our commitment to optimal effectiveness. If consumed in its raw form, you must consume a much higher dosage to achieve similar effects. Unlike Lemon Balm, Passionflower does not have stimulating effects at higher dosages, hence our confidence in using a higher dose.
Conclusion
Passionflower is a well-tolerated herb that offers evidence-backed effects on anxiety and may assist in promoting restful sleep. Uncover the tranquillity within Passionflower, a gentle yet powerful ally in your pursuit of calm days and nights.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
References
