Passionflower for Insomnia

Based on 20 studies (5 meta-analyses, 1 RCT) with 2,820 total participants. 15/20 studies show positive effects.

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The Bottom Line

Passionflower is supported by good evidence as an herbal supplement that may help improve overall sleep quality for people with insomnia.

20 studies including 5 meta-analyses support passionflower for insomnia
75% of studies report positive effects on sleep
Research suggests it works through GABA pathways to promote relaxation
Generally considered safe and well-tolerated based on available evidence

Key Study Findings

Review n=51

Over-the-counter products for insomnia in adults: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: 41/51 studies demonstrated positive effects on insomnia symptoms None

Review

The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, …

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

Review

Integrative sleep management: from molecular pathways to conventional and herbal treatments.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

review

Plants with Potential Importance in Supporting the Treatment of Depression: Current Trends, and Research.

Dose: varies by plant and study vs: Placebo Effect: promising results for saffron, turmeric, ginkgo, St. John's wort, passionflower 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

Key Statistics

Studies

2820

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks. Review

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) 2026

Over-the-counter products for insomnia in adults: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials. Review

Sleep medicine 2025 4 citations

Integrative sleep management: from molecular pathways to conventional and herbal treatments. Review

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of … 2025 4 citations

The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, Ramelteon, Agomelatine, and Selected Herbs. Review

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2025 2 citations

Plants with Potential Importance in Supporting the Treatment of Depression: Current Trends, and Research. Review

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 9 citations

Edible Herbal Medicines as an Alternative to Common Medication for Sleep Disorders: A Review Article. Review

Current neuropharmacology 2024 9 citations

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study of Passiflora incarnata in Participants With Stress and Sleep Problems. Other

Cureus 2024

Hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata improves the autistic-like behavior and neuronal damage in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Other

Journal of traditional … 2023 24 citations

Systematic review on the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of flower extracts in in vivo pre-clinical studies published from 2010 to … Systematic Review

Phytotherapy research : … 2023 14 citations

Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Pharmacological research 2022 51 citations

Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Systematic Review

Nutrients 2021 85 citations

Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. Review

Planta medica 2021 41 citations

Use of Plant-Derived Natural Products in Sleep Disturbances. Review

Advances in experimental … 2021 7 citations

Sintocalmy, a Passiflora incarnata Based Herbal, Attenuates Morphine Withdrawal in Mice. Other

Neurochemical research 2021 4 citations

[Literature research of Passiflora incarnata and discussion of its traditional Chinese medicine properties]. Other

Zhongguo Zhong yao … 2021 3 citations

Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review. Systematic Review

Nutrients 2020 56 citations

Endophytic fungi from Passiflora incarnata: an antioxidant compound source. Other

Archives of microbiology 2020 43 citations

Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. RCT

International clinical psychopharmacology 2020 20 citations

Sleep-inducing effect of Passiflora incarnata L. extract by single and repeated oral administration in rodent animals. Other

Food science & … 2020 12 citations

Improvement in neurogenesis and memory function by administration of Passiflora incarnata L. extract applied to sleep disorder in rodent models. Other

Journal of chemical … 2019 34 citations

A combination of melatonin, vitamin B6 and medicinal plants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia: A prospective pilot study. Other

Complementary therapies in … 2019 26 citations

Chronic oral administration of Passiflora incarnata extract has no abnormal effects on metabolic and behavioral parameters in mice, except to … Other

Laboratory animal research 2019 5 citations

GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Systematic Review

Phytotherapy research : … 2018 95 citations

A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms. Review

Electronic physician 2017 102 citations

Role Identification of Passiflora Incarnata Linnaeus: A Mini Review. Review

Journal of menopausal … 2017 40 citations

Effect of a medicinal plant (Passiflora incarnata L) on sleep. Other

Sleep science (Sao … 2017 32 citations

Standardized Passiflora incarnata L. Extract Reverts the Analgesia Induced by Alcohol Withdrawal in Rats. Other

Phytotherapy research : … 2017 12 citations

Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal sedative-hypnotic formulation NSF-3 in primary insomnia in comparison to zolpidem: a randomized controlled trial. RCT

Indian journal of … 2013

Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. Review

Journal of ethnopharmacology 2013

Modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L. Other

Phytotherapy research : … 2011

Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Systematic Review

Nutrition journal 2010 187 citations

Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. Review

Medical science monitor … 2009 85 citations

Anticonvulsant effects of aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata extract in mice: involvement of benzodiazepine and opioid receptors. Other

BMC complementary and … 2007

Medicinal plants for insomnia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. Review

Journal of psychopharmacology … 2005 176 citations

Management of insomnia: a place for traditional herbal remedies. Other

Prescrire international 2005 2 citations

Oral nonprescription treatment for insomnia: an evaluation of products with limited evidence. Review

Journal of clinical … 2005

Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care. Review

Integrative cancer therapies 2004 59 citations

Drug/substance reversal effects of a novel tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety (BZF) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linn.--a brief perspective. Review

Addiction biology 2003

Attenuation of benzodiazepine dependence in mice by a tri-substituted benzoflavone moiety of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus: a non-habit forming anxiolytic. Other

Journal of pharmacy … 2003

Anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Review

Primary care 2002 43 citations

Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus. Other

Journal of ethnopharmacology 2001

[Nature medicine as intoxicant]. Case Report

Tidsskrift for den … 1997

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	51
None	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--
varies by plant and study	--	Positive	--
Various medicinal herbs: Silexan, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Withania somnifera, Galphimia glauca, Passion	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--
varies by product and study	--	Mixed	--
Various Passiflora incarnata preparations (doses not specified in abstract)	--	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 Insomnia?

Based on 20 studies with 2,820 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Passionflower may support Insomnia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Passionflower should I take for Insomnia?

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 Insomnia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 20 peer-reviewed studies with 2,820 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Insomnia

Melatonin A Valerian Root A CBD A Omega-3 Fatty Acids A Tryptophan A Vitamin D A

Passionflower for other conditions

Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems A

Quick Verdict

Based on 20 studies (5 meta-analyses, 1 RCT) with 2,820 total participants. 15/20 studies show positive effects.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (2)Meta (1)Other (17)

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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.