Passionflower contains multiple GABA-active compounds: chrysin is a partial agonist at the benzodiazepine binding site on GABA-A receptors (the same site where Xanax and Valium bind, but as a partial agonist, weaker, safer). Other flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin) and the GABA amino acid found in the plant also contribute to anxiolytic effects. Unlike benzodiazepines, passionflower does not produce significant tolerance, dependence, amnesia, or psychomotor impairment at standard doses, making it one of the safer natural anxiolytics available.
Independently graded against 178,763 indexed supplements and 757 reviewed supplement and medication pairs, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.