Several plants in the Passiflora family have traditionally been used to combat anxiety. Passiflora coerulea (blue passionflower) and Passiflora edulis originated in South America. A related plant found as far north as Virginia is Passiflora incarnata. All of these are sold as herbal remedies under the name "passionflower" or "passion flower." Passionflower often is combined with other ingredients such as valerian in herbal products sold to improve sleep.

Most relevant studies have tested the effects on animals of certain components of passionflower, especially a flavonoid called chrysin, found in Passiflora coerulea. Chrysin has shown sedative and anti-anxiety effects and in one study of mice it acted similar to a benzodiazepine in preventing induced seizures. These effects have not been well tested in humans, but passionflower is generally accepted as being of some help in dealing with withdrawal from benzodiazepines or opioids.

A passionflower product aimed mainly at bodybuilders is available under the name "chrysin," though it appears to include compounds other than that particular flavonoid.

The Passiflora incarnata type of passionflower appears to include somewhat different active compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids. It is probably somewhat helpful for people with anxiety and insomnia, but its widespread use in combination with other herbs makes it difficult to be sure of its effect. Reduction of stress and sleeplessness may be expected to decrease seizures in some people with epilepsy.

Passionflower does not appear to interact in any dangerous way with other herbs or medications, but caution is advised in pregnancy and when taking other substances that have a sedative effect. If you are thinking of trying it, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Read more about passionflower in the "About Herbs" section of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website. (If you have not visited the site before, the information on passionflower will be preceded by a Disclaimer.)

Much of the information in this article is based on Spinella M: Herbal medicines and epilepsy: The potential for benefit and adverse effects. Epilepsy Behav 2001; 2(6):524-532. (PMID 12609386)

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06