Passionflower for Situational Anxiety: What the Research Says

If you’ve ever felt your heart racing before a dentist appointment, a big presentation, or surgery, you’re not alone. These moments of situational anxiety are common—and while short-lived, they can be uncomfortable.

One herbal ally that’s been traditionally used for calming the mind is passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). With its intricate purple blooms, passionflower has been part of Western herbal medicine for centuries to support sleep and soothe nervous tension. But what does the science say about using it in high-stress moments? Let’s take a look.

What the Science Says

🌿 Passionflower vs Anxiety Medication

A small but interesting 2001 randomized controlled trial compared passionflower extract (45 drops/day) with the prescription anxiety drug oxazepam (30 mg/day) for people with generalised anxiety disorder.

After four weeks, both groups improved equally—but those taking oxazepam reported more trouble with daily performance, such as work tasks. Passionflower appeared gentler in that respect.

🌿 Before the Dentist’s Chair

In a study on people undhttp://2.Howergoing dental surgery, a 260 mg capsule of passionflower taken 30 minutes beforehand significantly reduced anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure—without the drowsiness seen with some sedatives.

Another trial looked at wisdom tooth removal and found a 500 mg passionflower capsule taken an hour before the procedure was as effective as midazolam (a standard sedative) for calming pre-surgery nerves.

🌿 Surgery Prep Without Heavy Sedation

In a hospital setting, patients were given a liquid passionflower extract before spinal anaesthesia. They experienced less pre-surgery anxiety—but didn’t become overly sedated, which is important for safety and recovery.

How It Works

Researchers think passionflower’s calming action comes from modulating GABA—a brain chemical that helps us feel relaxed. GABA works a bit like the brake pedal in your nervous system, slowing overactive thought loops.

Recent studies suggest passionflower may also influence other brain pathways, adding to its soothing effect.

I love prescribing passionflower in my clinic to clients who are nervous about an upcoming event such as a flight, or need something to take the edge off before they head out to a social gathering. Clients who need to deliver presentations at school or to coworkers also often get passionflower from my dispensary.

References:

Akhondzadeh S. et al. (2001). Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

Aslanargun P. et al. (2012). Passiflora incarnata as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia. Anesthesia & Analgesia.

Movafegh A. et al. (2008). Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in patients undergoing surgery. Anesthesia & Analgesia.