Common Names: passionflower, maypop, apricot vine, maracuja, water lemon Latin Names: Passiflora incarnata Background Passionflower is a climbing vine that is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America.
Native peoples of the Americas used passionflower as a sedative. Sixteenth-century Spanish explorers in South America learned of passionflowers. The plant was then brought to Europe, where it became widely cultivated and was introduced to European folk medicine.
Today, passionflower is promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety and sleep problems, as well as for pain, heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is applied to the skin for burns and to treat hemorrhoids. How Much Do We Know? Passionflower’s effect on anxiety and other conditions hasn’t been studied extensively. What Have We Learned? A small amount of research suggests that passionflower might help to reduce nonspecific anxiety and anxiety before a surgical or dental procedure, but conclusions are not definite.
There is not enough evidence to say whether passionflower is helpful for any other health conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, congestive heart failure, insomnia, and stress. What Do We Know About Safety? Up to 800 mg daily of a dried alcoholic extract of passionflower has been used with apparent safety in studies lasting up to 8 weeks, but it may cause drowsiness, confusion, and uncoordinated movement (ataxia) in some people. Passionflower used in excessive amounts (e.g., 3.5 grams of a specific extract over a 2-day period) may be unsafe.
Whether it’s safe to use passionflower topically (on the skin) is not known.
Passionflower should not be used during pregnancy as it may induce uterine contractions. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use passionflower while breastfeeding. Keep in Mind Take charge of your health—talk with your healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.  …