Phytotherapy

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata · Passion flower

Mechanism

Passiflora incarnata contains flavonoids (incl. vitexin, isovitexin) and traces of harman alkaloids. In human and animal-experimental models, an anxiolytic effect via modulation of the GABA-A system is discussed (ESCOP monograph). Robust controlled efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies in the horse are scarce, so transfer of the human evidence remains speculative. Passionflower is traditionally used outside competition to support restlessness and nervousness. Because of the centrally depressant direction of effect, the FEI status must be checked before any competition; sedative phytotherapeutics may be captured as Controlled Medication.

Cautions

· Horse-specific efficacy and PK data largely lacking
· Sedative direction of effect: check FEI status before competition
· Do not combine with other centrally depressant substances/sedatives

Sources

ESCOPESCOP-Monografie Passiflorae herba

EMA/HMPC PassifloraEMA/HMPC Assessment Report Passiflora incarnata

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo established equine dose; in practice dried herb/extract approx. 10–25 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

Evidenceemerging

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Nervousness & Stress →discussed as GABAergic — FEI: check status before competition

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Passionflower a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Passionflower as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Passionflower allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Passionflower is listed with the FEI status “Controlled (withdrawal)”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Passionflower?

Stated in the profile: No established equine dose; in practice dried herb/extract approx. 10–25 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Passionflower?

The profile cites: ESCOP, EMA/HMPC Passiflora, and FEI EPSL 2024.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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