Passiflora Extract
Passiflora Extract
Passiflora Extract is an extract from Passiflora Incarnata. The common name for this plant is maypop, purple passionflower, or wild apricot. It is a fast-growing vine with striking bluish purple flowers.
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Great for sleep and relaxation
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Backed by peer-reviewed research
Table of Contents
The Short Answer.
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Studies suggest that consumption of Passiflora Extract may improve sleep and provide acute reductions in anxiety.
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If you have questions about side effects, talk to your healthcare provider.
Passiflora Extract Benefits
Passiflora Extract is taken as a supplement to improve sleep. Passiflora Extract improves sleep through the acute reduction in symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA counters the activity of neurotransmitters that cause excitement, making you feel more relaxed.
Evidence for the Effectiveness of Passiflora Extract
Passiflora extract has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In North America it is commonly consumed as a tea ("Te de Pasiflora") and used as a sedative. In Europe Passiflora is used in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety (1). More recently, academic researchers have started to study its effectiveness.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study (2), 41 participants (18–35 years) drank a cup of tea made with Passiflora incarnata and filled out a sleep diary for seven days. 10 of these participants also underwent overnight polysomnography during the final night of the study.
Based on the participants' sleep diaries, sleep quality was significantly better in the tea-drinking group compared to the placebo group (t = 2.70, P < 0.01). This study shows that Passiflora incarnata L. has a potential effect on quality of sleep (2) .
Is Passiflora Extract Safe?
Passion flower is generally recognized as a safe substance (GRAS) by the FDA (3), however due to proposed mechanism of action (increased GABA concentrations in the brain) interactions with sedatives (4), anticoagulants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are possible.
A doctor or other healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any new supplements or medications. They can help you understand better any potential interactions and recommend appropriate changes.
Passiflora Caerula vs. Passiflora Incarnata, What’s the difference?
The common name for Passiflora Caerula is “Blue Passionflower'' while Passiflora Incarnata is commonly known as “Purple Passionflower”. To add to the confusion, Passiflora Incarnata is often referred to as simply “Passionflower”. Despite the similarity in their names these two plants are distinct and should not be confused with one another.
If you are looking for a beautiful ornamental plant that acts as a wall-climber or groundcover then Passiflora Caerula has you covered.
If you’re looking to enhance your sleep quality or reduce anxiety (5) then you should consider a supplement with Passiflora Incarnata extract.
Te de Pasifora
Passiflora Tea is a popular method of consumption of passionflower. You may find this tea labeled as "Te de Pasiflora" in your local grocery store. Passionflower tea is recommended for insomnia and restlessness. Te de Pasiflora has a mild taste and pairs well with other herbal teas such as chamomile and valerian root. Passionflower extract (Passiflora Extract) is a more concentrated form of the same active ingredients in found in Passionflower tea.
How much Passiflora Extract is in Sleep Boost?
Sleep Boost contains 20mg of Passiflora extract per serving combined with 2mg of melatonin. Both of these ingredients are fast-acting and promote restful sleep. Passaflora is naturally calming and melatonin helps to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm to promote a healthy sleep schedule.
1. Miroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, Minciullo PL, Gangemi S. Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Dec 12;150(3):791-804. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.047. Epub 2013 Oct 17. PMID: 24140586.
2. Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res. 2011 Aug;25(8):1153-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3400. Epub 2011 Feb 3. PMID: 21294203.
3. "Food Additive Status List". US Food and Drug Administration. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022
4. Carrasco MC, Vallejo JR, Pardo-de-Santayana M, Peral D, Martín MA, Altimiras J. Interactions of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. in a patient treated with lorazepam. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec;23(12):1795-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2847. PMID: 19441067.
5. Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001 Oct;26(5):363-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2710.2001.00367.x. PMID: 11679026.
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