Passionflower for fertility

On this page

1. What is passionflower?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is passionflower?

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a flowering vine native to the Americas, used in traditional herbal medicine for anxiety, insomnia and male sexual function. The plant contains apigenin and other flavonoids that have effects on hormone production, sexual function and the central nervous system.

Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — always interpret guidance against the recommendations of your own healthcare authority.

2. Function and how it works

Passionflower supports fertility through:

1. Apigenin content. Apigenin in passionflower can support testosterone production by acting on Leydig cells in the testes.
2. Anxiolytic effects. Passionflower reduces anxiety, which indirectly supports fertility through reduced cortisol.
3. Protection from alcohol and nicotine damage. Research has shown passionflower can reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and nicotine on male fertility.
4. Sleep support. Passionflower's mild sedative effects support better sleep, indirectly supporting fertility hormone rhythms.

3. Fertility benefits

Research has shown passionflower can:

1. Improve male libido
2. Increase sperm count
3. Improve fertilisation rates
4. Protect against alcohol- and nicotine-related sperm damage

It is most relevant for men with low libido, mild stress-related sperm problems, or who are recovering from a period of heavy alcohol use.

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend a daily dose of 100 mg of passionflower extract for fertility support. It is also available as a tincture and as a calming bedtime tea.

5. Sources

Passionflower is taken as:

1. Standardised extract capsules
2. Tincture (drops)
3. Tea (less concentrated, but pleasant in the evening)
4. Tablets, often combined with other calming herbs (valerian, chamomile, lemon balm)

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Discontinue passionflower once pregnancy is confirmed unless advised otherwise by your doctor — pregnancy safety data are limited.
2. Passionflower has mild sedative effects; do not combine with sedative medications, sleeping tablets or alcohol.
3. Discuss with your doctor if you take blood pressure or psychiatric medications.
4. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Tribulus terrestris
• Maca
• Zinc
• Testosterone
• Cortisol
• Male infertility
• Low sperm count