Plant Comparison
Passionflower vs Skullcap
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Passionflower and Skullcap: they share 4 indicated uses (anxiety, insomnia / sleeplessness, nervous tension, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Passionflower | Skullcap | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | 8/10 | 6/10 | Stronger for Passionflower |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 9/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Passionflower |
| Nervous tension | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Passionflower |
| Stress | 7/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Passionflower |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, underlying the calming effect; baicalin is used as the HPLC quality marker, and its content varies widely between commercial tinctures.
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and contributes to the anxiolytic activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (the flavonoids baicalin and baicalein bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor); a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in healthy volunteers found significantly improved overall mood without loss of energy or cognition; Calming nervine for stress and nervous disorders (traditional)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (reduces anxiety in clinical trials); Reduces preoperative / situational anxiety without sedation or psychomotor impairment (RCT in ambulatory surgery patients)
Sleep support for insomnia - improves subjective sleep quality and, on polysomnography, increases total sleep time
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (reduces anxiety in clinical trials)
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (the flavonoids baicalin and baicalein bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor); a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in healthy volunteers found significantly improved overall mood without loss of energy or cognition
Sedative / sleep support (insomnia)
Anxiolytic for anxiety and nervous tension (the flavonoids baicalin and baicalein bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor); a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in healthy volunteers found significantly improved overall mood without loss of energy or cognition
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported in trials. Its sedative effect can add to that of alcohol, sedatives and sleep medicines, so avoid combining and do not use before driving.
Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Generally well tolerated; its sedative effect can add to that of alcohol, sedatives and sleep medicines, and it may inhibit some drug-metabolising (CYP) enzymes.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Fast-growing, climbing or trailing perennial vine (Passifloraceae) that climbs by axillary tendrils, reaching several metres. Leaves are alternate and deeply 3-lobed. The large, intricate flowers have a fringed corona of lavender-white filaments around a central structure whose parts were likened by early missionaries to instruments of the Passion of Christ, giving the plant its name. The fruit is an edible, egg-shaped, yellow-orange berry known as a 'maypop'.[12]
Perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 30-80 cm tall, with square stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate to lance-shaped and toothed. Small blue, two-lipped flowers are borne in one-sided leafy racemes arising from the leaf axils; the helmet-shaped calyx gives the genus its 'skullcap' name.[11]
Habitat
Native to the south-eastern United States, growing in thickets, fencerows, roadsides and disturbed sunny ground; widely cultivated and naturalised as an ornamental and medicinal crop elsewhere in warm-temperate and subtropical regions.[12]
Native to North America, growing in damp meadows, marshes, streambanks and wet woodland margins.[11]
Harvesting
The flowering and fruiting aerial parts (herb) are cut during the growing season, typically as flowering begins, and dried for use.[12]
The whole flowering aerial parts are cut at flowering (summer) and dried. Given the well-documented history of adulteration with toxic germander, sourcing from an authenticated, tested supplier is essential rather than home foraging of an uncertain look-alike.[11]
Traditional Uses
Passionflower has a traditional use, recognised by European regulatory herbal monographs, as a mild sedative and anxiolytic for nervous tension, mild anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Modern clinical trials support anxiolytic and sleep-supporting effects, including reduced preoperative anxiety without sedation or psychomotor impairment.[1, 12]
American skullcap has a Native American and 19th-century Eclectic-medicine tradition as a calming nervine for anxiety and nervous tension - the old name 'mad-dog skullcap' reflects a folk remedy explored for rabies. Modern research on its flavonoids baicalin and baicalein, which bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, supports its calming, anxiolytic and sleep-supporting reputation.[11]
Preparations
Dosage
EMA herbal-monograph guidance suggests around 0.5-2 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to several times daily, or an equivalent liquid/dry extract. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 1-2 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or a tincture per product-specific dosing given known variability in flavonoid content between commercial products. Educational reference only, not a prescription; buy only from a source that has authenticated the species and tested for germander adulteration.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Janda, K., Wojtkowska, K., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J. and Skonieczna-Zydecka, K (2020) 'Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders - A Systematic Review', Nutrients. doi:10.3390/nu12123894 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123894 - Harit, M.K., Mundhe, N., Tamoli, S., Pawar, V., Bhapkar, V., Kolhe, G., Mahadik, S., Kulkarni, A. and Agarwal, A (2024) 'Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study of Passiflora incarnata in Participants With Stress and Sleep Problems', Cureus, 16(3), pp. e56530. doi:10.7759/cureus.56530 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.56530 - Lee, J., Jung, H.Y., Lee, S.I., Choi, J.H. and Kim, S.G (2020) 'Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study', International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 35(1), pp. 29--35. doi:10.1097/YIC.0000000000000291 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000291 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153--1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Miroddi, M., Calapai, G., Navarra, M., Minciullo, P.L. and Gangemi, S (2013) 'Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 150(3), pp. 791-804. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.047 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.047 - Krenn, L (2002) 'Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata L.) - a reliable herbal sedative', Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 152(15-16), pp. 404-406. doi:10.1046/j.1563-258x.2002.02062.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1563-258x.2002.02062.x - Dhawan, K., Kumar, S. and Sharma, A (2001) 'Anti-anxiety studies on extracts of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 78(2-3), pp. 165-170. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00339-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00339-7 - Aslanargun, P., Cuvas, O., Dikmen, B., Aslan, E. and Yuksel, M.U (2011) 'Passiflora incarnata Linneaus as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia', Journal of Anesthesia, 26(1), pp. 39-44. doi:10.1007/s00540-011-1265-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00540-011-1265-6 - Dhawan, K., Kumar, S. and Sharma, A (2001) 'Anxiolytic activity of aerial and underground parts of Passiflora incarnata', Fitoterapia, 72(8), pp. 922-926. doi:10.1016/s0367-326x(01)00322-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0367-326x(01)00322-7 - Movafegh, A., Alizadeh, R., Hajimohamadi, F., Esfehani, F. and Nejatfar, M (2008) 'Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study', Anesthesia and Analgesia, 106(6), pp. 1728--1732. doi:10.1213/ane.0b013e318172c3f9 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1213/ane.0b013e318172c3f9 - Grundmann, O., Wang, J., McGregor, G.P. and Butterweck, V (2008) 'Anxiolytic activity of a phytochemically characterized Passiflora incarnata extract is mediated via the GABAergic system', Planta Medica, 74(15), pp. 1769-1773. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088322 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1088322 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'European Union herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herba (Passiflorae herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/passiflorae-herba Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/passiflorae-herba - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Janda, K., Wojtkowska, K., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J. and Skonieczna-Zydecka, K (2020) 'Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review', Nutrients, 12(12), pp. 3894. doi:10.3390/nu12123894 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123894
- Di Minno, A., Morone, M.V., Buccato, D.G., De Lellis, L.F. and others (2025) 'Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management: A Single-Center, Controlled, Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind Clinical Trial', Nutrients, 17(9), pp. 1491. doi:10.3390/nu17091491 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091491 - Wolfson, P. and Hoffmann, D.L (2003) 'An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers', Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9(2), pp. 74-78. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=An%20investigation%20into%20the%20efficacy%20of%20Scutellaria%20lateriflora%20in%20healthy%20volunteers - Di Minno, A., Ullah, H., De Lellis, L.F., Buccato, D.G. and others (2024) 'Efficacy and Tolerability of a Cistus x incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial', Nutrients, 16(6), pp. 862. doi:10.3390/nu16060862 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060862 - Wilczanska, A., Sparzak-Stefanowska, B., Kokotkiewicz, A., Jesionek, A. and others (2023) 'Biotechnological strategies for controlled accumulation of flavones in hairy root culture of Scutellaria lateriflora L', Scientific Reports, 13(1), pp. 20422. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-47757-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47757-7 - Cole, I.B., Cao, J., Alan, A.R., Saxena, P.K. and Murch, S.J (2008) 'Comparisons of Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria racemosa: genome size, antioxidant potential and phytochemistry', Planta Medica, 74(4), pp. 474-481. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1034358 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1034358 - Li, J., Ding, Y., Li, X.C., Ferreira, D. and others (2009) 'Scuteflorins A and B, dihydropyranocoumarins from Scutellaria lateriflora', Journal of Natural Products, 72(6), pp. 983-987. doi:10.1021/np900068t Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np900068t - Tuan, P.A., Kim, Y.S., Kim, Y., Thwe, A.A. and others (2016) 'Molecular characterization of flavonoid biosynthetic genes and accumulation of baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin in plant and hairy root of Scutellaria lateriflora', Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 25(8), pp. 1639-1647. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.08.011 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.08.011 - Gafner, S., Bergeron, C., Batcha, L.L., Reich, J. and others (2003) 'Inhibition of [3H]-LSD binding to 5-HT7 receptors by flavonoids from Scutellaria lateriflora', Journal of Natural Products, 66(4), pp. 535-537. doi:10.1021/np0205102 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np0205102 - Gafner, S., Bergeron, C., Batcha, L.L., Angerhofer, C.K. and others (2003) 'Analysis of Scutellaria lateriflora and its adulterants Teucrium canadense and Teucrium chamaedrys by LC-UV/MS, TLC, and digital photomicroscopy', Journal of AOAC International, 86(3), pp. 453-460. doi:10.1093/jaoac/86.3.453 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/jaoac/86.3.453 - Sun, J. and Chen, P (2011) 'A flow-injection mass spectrometry fingerprinting method for authentication and quality assessment of Scutellaria lateriflora-based dietary supplements', Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 401(5), pp. 1577-1584. doi:10.1007/s00216-011-5246-2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5246-2 - Awad, R., Arnason, J.T., Trudeau, V., Bergeron, C., Budzinski, J.W., Foster, B.C. and Merali, Z (2003) 'Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties', Phytomedicine. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00374 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00374 - Gao, J. and Sanchez-Medina, A. and Pendry, B.A. and Hughes, M.J. and Webb, G.P. and Corcoran, O (2008) 'Validation of a HPLC method for flavonoid biomarkers in skullcap (Scutellaria) and its use to illustrate wide variability in the quality of commercial tinctures', Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(1), pp. 77--87. doi:10.18433/j39g6v Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.18433/j39g6v - Brock, C. and Whitehouse, J. and Tewfik, I. and Towell, T (2014) 'American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers', Phytotherapy Research, 28(5), pp. 692--698. doi:10.1002/ptr.5044 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5044 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Lin, L.Z. and Harnly, J.M. and Upton, R (2009) 'Comparison of the phenolic component profiles of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and germander (Teucrium canadense and T. chamaedrys), a potentially hepatotoxic adulterant', Phytochemical Analysis, 20(4), pp. 298-306. doi:10.1002/pca.1127 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.1127 - Pacifico, S. and D'Abrosca, B. and Scognamiglio, M. and D'Angelo, G. and Gallicchio, M. and Galasso, S. and Monaco, P. and Fiorentino, A (2012) 'NMR-based metabolic profiling and in vitro antioxidant and hepatotoxic assessment of partially purified fractions from Golden germander (Teucrium polium L.) methanolic extract', Food Chemistry, 135(3), pp. 1957-67. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.06.071 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.06.071
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.