Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam

Objective: Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a folk remedy for anxiet y. A double-blind randomized trial compared the efficacy of Passiflora inca rnata extract with oxazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorde r. Methods: The study was performed on 36 outpatients diagnosed with GAD using DSM IV criteria. Patients were allocated in a random fashion: 18 to the Pa ssiflora extract 45 drops/day plus placebo tablet group, and IS to oxazepam 30 mg/day plus placebo drops for a 4-week trial. Results: Passiflora extract and oxazepam were effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. No significant difference was observed betwe en the two protocols at the end of trial. Oxazepam showed a rapid onset of action. On the other hand, significantly more problems relating to impairme nt of job performance were encountered with subjects on oxazepam. Conclusion: The results suggest that Passiflora extract is an effective dru g for the management of generalized anxiety disorder, and the low incidence of impairment of job performance with Passiflora extract compared to oxaze pam is an advantage. A large-scale trial is justified.