Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and Its Anxiolytic Effects

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has been studied for its potential to reduce preoperative and general anxiety without causing sedation or impairing psychomotor function. It has shown significant anxiolytic effects in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery and spinal anesthesia, with no notable impact on hemodynamics or psychomotor functions.

When used as a tea, low-dose passionflower improved sleep quality in healthy adults with mild sleep disturbances. Additionally, as an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms, passionflower was found to be as effective as St. John's Wort in reducing symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances.

In comparison with synthetic drugs, passionflower extract matched the efficacy of oxazepam in treating generalized anxiety disorder, with less impairment of job performance. Furthermore, when combined with clonidine, it showed benefits in managing mental symptoms during opiate withdrawal.

Research on different extracts of the plant highlighted the methanol extracts' anxiolytic activity, with a recommendation for further study on the pharmacological properties of specific plant parts. Clinical evidence for passionflower's efficacy as a sedative and anxiolytic is still deemed insufficient due to methodological flaws in trials, necessitating more rigorous studies.

Passionflower has also demonstrated anticonvulsant potential in mice and was found to be an effective alternative to midazolam for conscious sedation in dental procedures. Moreover, it could aid in reducing reaction times when used alongside Sertraline in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

While passionflower has a range of potential therapeutic applications, caution is advised due to reported severe side effects in a case involving therapeutic doses. Its effects on the GABA system have been substantiated, indicating its role in modulating neuropsychiatric conditions.

Overall, the studies suggest that Passiflora incarnata may offer valuable benefits for anxiety and sleep disorders, with a good safety profile and potential for use in combination with other treatments. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its mechanisms and confirm its clinical efficacy.

References:

1. Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
2. Passiflora incarnata Linneaus as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia
3. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality
4. A comparative study on the effects of Hypericum Perforatum and passion flower on the menopausal symptoms of women referring to Isfahan city health care centers
5. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam
6. Passionflower in the treatment of opiates withdrawal: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
7. Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts of Passiflora incarnata
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10. Anticonvulsant effects of aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata extract in mice: involvement of benzodiazepine and opioid receptors
11. Effects of passiflora incarnata and midazolam for control of anxiety in patients undergoing dental extraction
12. Effects of Passion Flower Extract, as an Add-On Treatment to Sertraline, on Reaction Time in Patients ‎with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
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15. Potential value of plants as sources of new antifertility agents I
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18. Indole Alkaloids from Plants as Potential Leads for Antidepressant Drugs: A Mini Review