Passionflower Interactions

Passionflower contains constituents that bind GABA-A receptors and may enhance the binding activity of benzodiazepines at those receptors. Combined with clonazepam, the effect is additive central nervous system depression and increased sedation.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) contains flavonoids that act as positive modulators at the GABA-A receptor benzodiazepine site, while lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) inhibits GABA transaminase, the enzyme that breaks down GABA. The two herbs raise GABAergic tone through complementary mechanisms - one boosts receptor activity, the other extends GABA's half-life - which is the basis for several traditional anxiolytic and sleep formulas.