Passionflower
Herbs
Short answer
Passionflower has a traditional use for winding down during mild tension and as an aid to sleep. In a small, short trial, people taking one standardized extract reported less stress and more sleep time than the placebo group. This is a promising but limited finding: the product developer funded the trial. It does not show that tea or every passionflower product has the same effect. [1] [4]
Passionflower has traditional use for mild tension and sleep; one small study of a specific extract reported lower stress scores and more self-reported sleep time.
Checked against sources; not clinician-reviewed. Not personal medical advice. Read the disclaimer
Updated: 2026-10-19
Why do people use passionflower?
- For mild tension: the aerial parts have a traditional use for mild symptoms of mental stress. This is not established treatment for an anxiety disorder. [1]
- For sleep: traditional use is to aid settling or sleep. A small number of studies of specific extracts provide mixed signals. [3] [4]
- When symptoms persist: discuss ongoing poor sleep with a health professional; see also poor sleep and sleep quality.
Traditional use is not proof of effect
The EMA monograph describes certain preparations of the aerial parts of Passiflora incarnata for mild mental stress and to aid sleep. Registration rests on long-standing use. Flower, leaf, whole aerial herb, extracts and other passionflower species are not automatically equivalent. Tradition alone cannot predict how much benefit an individual may notice. [1]
What have human studies tested?Research and background
A double-blind study of 110 adults with insomnia tested passionflower extract or placebo for two weeks. Total sleep time increased about 23 minutes more than with placebo (23.05 versus −0.16 minutes; P=.049). Sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset did not differ significantly between groups. This abstract-only result is modest and uncertain. [3]
A randomized pilot with 65 adults with stress and insomnia tested one standardized SIVI extract for 30 days. Investigators reported lower Perceived Stress Scale scores and more self-reported total sleep time than placebo. The study was small and short; it was funded by JK Botanicals, the product developer, and two authors were employed by that company. Results do not apply to tea or other extracts. The full article was read. [4]
A separate perioperative study of 30 participants found no significant differences on most anxiety measures between passionflower, placebo and midazolam. It examined temporary dental anxiety, not everyday stress or insomnia; the full article was read. [5]
Mechanisms observed in cells or animals do not prove a calming effect in people. [2]
Which form was studied?
Passionflower products may contain tea from cut aerial herb, tinctures or dry extracts. The studies above used extracts with specific preparation methods; those results do not transfer directly to a homemade cup of tea. EMA describes several traditional preparations, not one universal dose for every product. Follow the leaflet for a licensed medicine; do not invent an extract dose. [1] [3]
Safety and when to seek help
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety has not been established; EMA does not recommend medicinal use. [1]
- Children: use under 12 has not been established; do not give it without professional advice. [1]
- Driving: passionflower may affect driving ability. Do not drive if sleepy or less alert. [1]
- Alcohol and sedatives: do not combine on your own with alcohol, sleeping pills or sedating medicines. Clinical interaction data are limited; ask a pharmacist or clinician. [2]
- Persistent or worsening symptoms: seek assessment if stress or sleep problems continue, impair daily life, or involve severe daytime sleepiness or breathing pauses. Herbs do not replace necessary care.
Frequently asked questions
Does passionflower work for insomnia?
It is uncertain. One small study found a modest difference in total sleep time, while several other sleep outcomes did not differ between groups. Better research is needed. [3]
Can passionflower help with stress?
A double-blind study of 65 adults with stress and insomnia reported lower stress scores and more self-reported sleep time after 30 days with one standardized extract than placebo. Small, short, manufacturer-funded research; not evidence for tea or other products. [4]
Is tea the same as the extract used in research?
No. Plant part, extraction method and strength differ. Findings for a specific extract do not automatically apply to tea or another product. [3]
Can I combine passionflower with alcohol or sleeping pills?
Is passionflower suitable for children or during pregnancy?
Use under 12 has not been established; medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended because safety information is insufficient. [1]
Research and sourcesEvidence overview, methods and complete source list
What has been studied?
Passionflower has traditional use for mild mental stress and to aid sleep. One small study of a specific extract reported lower stress scores and more diary-reported sleep time than placebo; other results remain uncertain.
Finding: A 30-day pilot in 65 adults with stress and insomnia reported lower Perceived Stress Scale scores and more diary-reported total sleep time than placebo.
Stress score and self-reported sleep time with one passionflower extract
Evidence: 2024 human RCT full text (PMID 38646244); 2020 sleep RCT abstract only (PMID 31714321); 2025 perioperative RCT full text (PMID 41381570); EMA monograph/report.
Studied population: 65 adults with stress and insomnia scores; 32 extract, 33 placebo.
Form or context: One standardized proprietary SIVI aerial-part extract; not tea.
Uncertainty: Small, short pilot funded by the product developer; two authors were employed by it. Other extracts were not tested.
Sources: Community herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herba, Assessment report on Passiflora incarnata L., herba, Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study of Passiflora incarnata in Participants With Stress and Sleep Problems, Effects of Passiflora incarnata on salivary biomarkers and anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction surgery
Safety: Not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding or under 12; may impair driving. Use caution with alcohol or sedating medicines and ask a pharmacist/clinician about combinations.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herba · European Medicines Agency / HMPC · 2014 · Regulatory assessment
- Assessment report on Passiflora incarnata L., herba · European Medicines Agency / HMPC · 2014 · Regulatory assessment
- Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study · International Clinical Psychopharmacology · 2020 · Original research
- Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study of Passiflora incarnata in Participants With Stress and Sleep Problems · Cureus · 2024 · Original research
- Effects of Passiflora incarnata on salivary biomarkers and anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction surgery · Scientific Reports · 2025 · Original research