Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#administration-oral #adult #ambulatory-surgical-procedures #anesthesia-recovery-period #anti-anxiety-agents

Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Movafegh et al., 2008 | Anesth Analg | Rct

Citation

Movafegh Ali, Alizadeh Reza, ... Nejatfar Mohmad. Preoperative oral Passiflora incarnata reduces anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Anesth Analg. 2008-Jun;106(6):1728-32. doi:10.1213/ane.0b013e318172c3f9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many patients have preoperative anxiety; therefore, the development of a strong anxiolytic with minimal psychomotor impairment for premedication may be desirable. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral Passiflora incarnata (500 mg, Passipy IranDarouk) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) as premedication, 90 min before surgery. A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used for each patient to assess anxiety and sedation before, and 10, 30, 60, and 90 min after premedication. Psychomotor function was assessed with the Trieger Dot Test and the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test at arrival in the operating room, 30 and 90 min after tracheal extubation. The time interval between arrival in the postanesthesia care unit and discharge to home (discharge time) was recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of patients, ASA physical status, duration of surgery, basal NRS score, sedation at the preset time intervals, and discharge time were similar in the two groups. The NRS anxiety scores were significantly lower in the passiflora group than in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in psychological variables in the postanesthesia care unit and recovery of psychomotor function was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In outpatient surgery, administration of oral Passiflora incarnata as a premedication reduces anxiety without inducing sedation.

Key Findings

The demographic characteristics of patients, ASA physical status, duration of surgery, basal NRS score, sedation at the preset time intervals, and discharge time were similar in the two groups. The NRS anxiety scores were significantly lower in the passiflora group than in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in psychological variables in the postanesthesia care unit and recovery of psychomotor function was comparable in both groups.

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 30
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures
  • Anesthesia Recovery Period
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Anxiety
  • Consciousness
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Passiflora
  • Patient Discharge
  • Plant Extracts
  • Preanesthetic Medication
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: passionflower

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09