OHSU

Passionflower for epileptic seizures

Passionflower

A flower of the passionflower herb

Dr. Siegward Elsas, at the OHSU Epilepsy Center, is conducting a study to test the safety and effectiveness of using passionflower extract as a possible treatment for epileptic seizures. Volunteers are invited to participate in this research study which will involve 10 study visits over 8 months at OHSU Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI).

Interested participants should meet the following criteria

  • Diagnosis of partial epilepsy
  • Between 18 and 70 years old
  • Not pregnant or breast feeding
  • No significant medical problems

Passionflower for anxiety and seizures

A thin liquid chromatogram of different passion flower extracts

Study visits and medical examinations will include

  • Questionnaires of sleeping habits, mood and feelings, quality of life, and tests of attention and concentration
  • Monitoring of breathing, and heart and brain functioning via respiration rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), and electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • Blood draws, vital signs and physical exams
  • All participants will receive both passion flower extract and placebo at different times during the study

If you are interested in the study, please contact our study coordinator at 503 494-9633.