Evidence supporting the use of: Passionflower
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea

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Synopsis

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

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in the Americas and Europe, as a calming agent and remedy for various nervous conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. In the context of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), passionflower is not a primary traditional remedy, but it has been used adjunctively due to its mild sedative, antispasmodic, and anxiolytic properties. Herbalists have sometimes recommended passionflower for menstrual cramps because its muscle-relaxing effects could theoretically help alleviate uterine spasms that contribute to dysmenorrhea. However, direct historical references to passionflower specifically for menstrual pain are limited compared to more commonly used herbs like cramp bark or ginger.

Scientific research on passionflower for dysmenorrhea is sparse. A few recent clinical studies have investigated its role in combination formulas for menstrual pain, and there is preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefit, often attributed to its flavonoid content and modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA, which may reduce pain perception and muscle tension. However, these studies are limited in size and quality. Overall, the use of passionflower for dysmenorrhea is grounded more in its general antispasmodic and calming traditional uses than in robust scientific validation for this specific indication. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to clearly establish its efficacy for menstrual pain.

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