Evidence supporting the use of: Passionflower
For the body system: Sympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Native American and European herbal medicine, as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous restlessness. Its effects are generally described as calming and sedative, and traditional herbalists often recommend it for symptoms associated with overactivity of the nervous system, such as nervous tension or mild anxiety. However, the modern scientific evidence specifically supporting passionflower’s use for directly modulating or supporting the Sympathetic Nervous System is limited. Most studies focus on its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative properties in the context of general nervous system relaxation, not specific sympathetic nervous system modulation. Some small clinical studies have shown that passionflower extracts may reduce subjective anxiety and improve sleep quality, likely by influencing GABAergic neurotransmission rather than directly affecting sympathetic nervous activity. Therefore, while passionflower is traditionally used to support the body when symptoms of sympathetic overactivity are present (such as anxiety or agitation), there is insufficient direct scientific evidence to confirm targeted support for the Sympathetic Nervous System. Its primary justification remains traditional use supported by modest clinical data for related symptoms.

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