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Passionflower Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Generally well tolerated
  • Drowsiness (dose-dependent, can be beneficial for sleep use)
  • Dizziness (uncommon)
  • Confusion at very high doses (rare)
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Allergic reactions in people sensitive to Passiflora species (rare)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Sedative medications (benzodiazepines, barbiturates) — additive CNS depression
  • Anticoagulants — passionflower may have mild antiplatelet activity
  • MAO inhibitors — some Passiflora species contain harmala alkaloids (P. incarnata has negligible amounts, but caution is warranted)
  • Anesthesia — discontinue 2 weeks before surgery
  • Alcohol — additive sedation

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 1,000mg extract/day (limited data above this level)

Full Passionflower Guide

References

  1. RCTAkhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M (2001). Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTNgan A, Conduit R (2011). A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytotherapy Research. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTDodd F, Kennedy D, Wightman E, Khan J, et al. (2022). The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose®) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans.. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). DOI PubMed
  4. ReviewLakhan SE, Vieira KF (2010). Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review.. Nutrition journal. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewMeolie AL, Rosen C, Kristo D, Kohrman M, et al. (2005). Oral nonprescription treatment for insomnia: an evaluation of products with limited evidence.. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. PubMed