Passionflower for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
A Strong Evidence Multiple large clinical trials consistently show significant benefits.Based on 9 studies (4 meta-analyses) with 2,619 total participants. 8/9 studies show positive effects.
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A
The Bottom Line
Passionflower is well-supported by research as a natural option that may help improve sleep when anxiety is keeping you awake.
- 8 out of 9 studies (including 4 meta-analyses) show positive effects
- Works through the GABA system — the same brain pathway targeted by anti-anxiety medications
- 2,619 participants across the available research
- Especially relevant for sleep problems driven by anxiety or nervous tension
Key Study Findings
Review
The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Meta-Analysis
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Dose: Various medicinal herbs: Silexan, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Galphimia glauca, Passion
vs: Placebo
Effect: Silexan MD -3.84 (95% CrI -6.31 to -1.34); Kava MD -2.46 (95% CrI -4.47 to -0.32); Ginkgo biloba MD
None
Review
Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Review
Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Key Statistics
9
Studies
2619
Participants
↑
Positive
A
Grade
Referenced Papers
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2025
2 citations
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Meta-Analysis
Pharmacological research
2022
51 citations
Nutrients
2021
85 citations
Planta medica
2021
41 citations
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
Systematic Review
Phytotherapy research : …
2018
95 citations
Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review.
Systematic Review
Nutrition journal
2010
187 citations
Medical science monitor …
2009
85 citations
Journal of psychopharmacology …
2005
176 citations
Integrative cancer therapies
2004
59 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- sleep:
- 250-500 mg extract or 1-2 cups tea, before bed
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| Various medicinal herbs: Silexan, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Galphimia glauca, Passion | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Drowsiness
- ⚠ Dizziness
- ⚠ Confusion at high doses
- ⚠ Nausea
Known Interactions
- ● Sedatives and benzodiazepines — additive CNS depression
- ● Blood thinners — passionflower may increase bleeding risk
- ● MAOIs — passionflower contains harmala alkaloids
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Passionflower help with Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Based on 9 studies with 2,619 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Passionflower may support Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).
How much Passionflower should I take for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 250-500 mg extract or 1-2 cups tea, before bed. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Passionflower?
Reported side effects may include Drowsiness, Dizziness, Confusion at high doses, Nausea. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Passionflower and Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems?
We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 9 peer-reviewed studies with 2,619 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems
Passionflower for other conditions
References
- [1] Kacper Żełabowski et al.. Molecules. 2025. The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, Ramelteon, Agomelatine, and Selected Herbs. doi:10.3390/molecules30183814 PubMed
- [2] Wenting Zhang et al.. Pharmacol Res. 2022. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106204 PubMed
- [3] Oliviero Bruni et al.. Nutrients. 2021. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. doi:10.3390/nu13020530 PubMed
- [4] Silvia Borrás et al.. Planta Med. 2021. Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 PubMed
- [5] Karen Savage et al.. Phytother Res. 2018. GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. doi:10.1002/ptr.5940 PubMed
- [6] Shaheen E Lakhan et al.. Nutr J. 2010. Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-42 PubMed
- [7] Benjamin S Weeks. Med Sci Monit. 2009. Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. PubMed
- [8] David Wheatley. J Psychopharmacol. 2005. Medicinal plants for insomnia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. doi:10.1177/0269881105053309 PubMed
- [9] Keith I Block et al.. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004. Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.