Fruit · Herb
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) (Passiflora incarnata)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Passiflora incarnata contains flavonoids like chrysin and vitexin (~0.25% in extracts) plus harman alkaloids that modulate GABA_A and GABA_B receptors in the brain. These compounds inhibit GABA uptake and elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons, producing anxiolytic and sedative effects comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines.
Passionflower, *Passiflora incarnata*, is indigenous to the southeastern United States, Central, and South America, thriving in subtropical and temperate climates. This botanical is highly valued for its anxiolytic and sedative properties, primarily due to its unique flavonoid and alkaloid profile.
Clinical studies confirm Passionflower’s efficacy in reducing generalized anxiety, improving sleep quality, and enhancing GABAergic activity, with some trials demonstrating comparable effectiveness to low-dose benzodiazepines with fewer side effects. Its cognitive benefits are attributed to the modulation of GABAergic pathways and flavonoid neuroprotective action.
- Flavonoids: Vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin provide anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. - Alkaloids: Harman and harmine contribute to mild sedative and calming actions. - GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces excitability and promotes relaxation. - Minerals: Trace amounts of magnesium and potassium support nervous system function.
Flavonoids including chrysin, vitexin, and orientin activate GABA_A and GABA_B receptors while inhibiting GABA uptake in hippocampal neurons. Harman and harmaline alkaloids inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), while gamma-pyrones enhance GABAergic activity. Chrysin provides additional CNS suppression, and the overall complex demonstrates mild anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB pathway inhibition.
Clinical studies demonstrate passionflower's efficacy in reducing generalized anxiety and improving sleep quality through GABAergic modulation, with some trials showing comparable effectiveness to low-dose benzodiazepines. However, detailed human clinical trials with specific sample sizes and quantified outcomes remain limited in the literature. Preclinical studies in mice show ethanolic extracts reduce carrageenan-induced inflammation and demonstrate anticonvulsant effects that are blocked by flumazenil, a GABA_A antagonist. The evidence base supports traditional anxiolytic and sedative uses, though long-term safety and efficacy data in humans require further investigation.
Long-term safety effects remain unknown, though preclinical studies suggest mild anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties. Passionflower is contraindicated during pregnancy due to uterine contractions and reproductive disruption observed in laboratory studies. Drug interactions may occur through MAO inhibition by harman and harmaline alkaloids when combined with MAOIs or serotonergic medications. GABA modulation may potentiate the effects of benzodiazepines and other sedatives, requiring careful monitoring of combined use.
7 documented interactions for Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Click any row to read the full explanation. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Passionflower adds to the sedating effects of Xanax — you may become excessively drowsy.
What to do: Use caution if combining. Reduce doses. Do not drive. Inform your doctor about herbal supplement use.
Timing: Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Alprazolam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Full interaction details →Passionflower adds to Ativan sedation.
What to do: Use caution. Avoid driving.
Timing: Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Lorazepam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Full interaction details →Passionflower adds to Klonopin sedation.
What to do: Use caution. Avoid driving.
Timing: Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Clonazepam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Full interaction details →Passionflower adds to Valium sedation.
What to do: Use caution.
Timing: Caution with sedating botanicals. Valerian, kava, passionflower, and hops all enhance GABA activity — the same pathway Diazepam acts on. This can cause excessive sedation. If using calming herbs, take them at a different time and start with very low doses. Stimulating adaptogens are safer with benzodiazepines.
Full interaction details →Passionflower may increase drowsiness and breathing problems with opioids.
What to do: Use caution. Inform prescriber about herbal use.
Timing: Take Hydrocodone exactly as prescribed. Passionflower can be taken with a meal at a different time. Sedating botanicals (valerian, kava, passionflower) can amplify opioid sedation and respiratory depression. Stimulating adaptogens (rhodiola, ginseng) may be safer choices during opioid therapy.
Full interaction details →Taking passionflower with Ambien causes excessive sedation.
What to do: Choose one or the other for sleep support. Do not combine.
Timing: Take Zolpidem as prescribed. Passionflower can typically be taken with a meal at a different time. As a general rule, space botanicals 1-2 hours from prescription medications. St. John's Wort is the most interaction-prone botanical — it affects dozens of drugs via CYP enzyme induction. Always inform your prescriber about herbal supplements.
Full interaction details →Passionflower intensifies alcohol sedation effects.
What to do: Reduce alcohol intake or avoid passionflower on drinking occasions.
Timing: Food generally improves botanical absorption and reduces GI irritation. Alcohol pairs naturally with Passionflower. Some foods enhance botanical bioavailability — black pepper with turmeric, healthy fats with fat-soluble herbs. Others (high-tannin teas) may reduce absorption of certain plant compounds.
Full interaction details →Educational information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement or medication regimen.
Botanical sleep complex with Reishi, L-Theanine & Chamomile.
