Passionflower, primarily *Passiflora incarnata*, is a perennial climbing vine native to the southeastern United States, Central, and South America. It is characterized by its distinctive, elaborate flowers. Historically, various parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, have been used in traditional medicine systems by indigenous populations for their perceived calming properties. Spanish explorers encountering the plant in Peru in the 16th century named it 'Passionflower' due to its floral parts resembling symbols of the Christian Passion story.
In contemporary use, passionflower extract is often found in herbal supplements, frequently marketed for stress relief, anxiety, and sleep support. It is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and liquid extracts. While modern research has begun to investigate its pharmacological properties, its use remains largely rooted in traditional practices. The active components thought to contribute to its effects include flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, vitexin), alkaloids (e.g., harmine, harmaline, harman), and possibly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) itself, though the precise mechanism is not fully understood (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)).
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: glp1 × supplement
Note
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.
Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
* Cochrane Library
* DrugBank
* Examine.com
* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
* National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
* NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
* PubChem
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the supplement category or studied for the same goals.
