Passion flower is a vine known for its beautiful white flowers with purple, blue, or pink calyx crown blooms. The plant is native to North, Central, and South America.

The passion flower is most commonly used for its ability to calm the central nervous system. Like benzodiazepines and other herbs, the passion flower increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. It decreases the activity of nerve cells in the brain, causing relaxation. It is helpful for anxiety and insomnia because of its calming effect. Chemicals known as harmala alkaloids, used to block an enzyme involved in depression, are also apparent in the passion flower. It is effective in increasing the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in increasing mood stability by blocking monoamine oxidase.

Passion flower is added as an ingredient in some over-the-counter diet pills, likely for its sedative effects. Passion flower does not itself aid weight loss.

These statements about Passion flower have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Passion flower is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Effective Dosage: There is currently no clinical evidence that Passion flower is effective as a weight loss supplement at any dosage.

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