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OPTISOLV® ingredient for sleep and relaxation
OPTISOLV® Passiflora: taste-masked passionflower extract for sleep and relaxation products
Passionflower is a well-tolerated botanical for relaxation and sleep, yet its native extract tastes unpleasant and dissolves slowly. OPTISOLV® Passiflora changes that: 3.7× higher absorption in a human intestinal cell model, compared to native passionflower extract.
3.7×
Higher absorption vs. native extract
Human intestinal cell model (Caco-2)
>10×
Higher water solubility vs. native passionflower extract
Saturation solubility in water
72 %
Of consumers preferred it to the native extract
External consumer study, n = 75
The challenge
A calming botanical that is hard to formulate
Consumers increasingly choose plant-based sleep and relaxation products, and formats like gummies, stick packs and drink powders are in demand.
Native passionflower extract holds brands back. It has a very distinctive, unpleasant smell and taste, often described as hay-like or wet tobacco. It dissolves slowly and needs high doses. That makes exactly the formats consumers want, such as gummies, melts and drink powders, hard to realise.
Native extract vs. OPTISOLV® Passiflora
Native passiflora
OPTISOLV® Passiflora
Dose
High doses needed
150-250 mg
Taste
Hay-like, wet tobacco taste and smell
Taste significantly masked
Release
Dissolves slowly
Instant release within minutes
Processing
Browning during processing
Stable at UHT, pasteurisation and heat sterilisation
OPTISOLV® dual-coating enables the next generation of innovative sleep and relaxation products. How OPTISOLV® works
Visual comparison
See the difference
Gummies with native passionflower extract (left) and with OPTISOLV® Passiflora (right).
Native passionflower extract vs. OPTISOLV® Passiflora
Gummies made with native passionflower extract turn dark brown, a sign of browning during processing. With OPTISOLV® Passiflora they keep a light colour and a neutral appearance.
EVANIUM lab, Regensburg. Measured results in Our data below.
Our data
Measured in our lab in Regensburg
Absorption in a human intestinal cell model
The OPTISOLV® Technology increases absorption 3.7× compared with native passionflower extract.
Method: Caco-2 cell model after pre-digestion in intestinal fluid, 2 h incubation, measured as isovitexin; comparator native passionflower extract.
>10×
Higher water solubility vs. native extract
Minutes
Instant release in simulated gastric fluid
Dissolution in simulated gastric fluid
OPTISOLV® Passiflora releases its flavonoids within minutes, while the native extract dissolves slowly.
Method: fasted state simulated gastric fluid (FaSSGF), 37 °C, 1 h, flavonoids (isovitexin) by HPLC; comparator native passionflower extract.
Full data package available for formulation partners on request.
Mechanism of action
How passionflower acts on the nervous system and stress response
Scientific literature describes four ways in which the flavonoids and alkaloids of passionflower support relaxation, sleep and mood.
Click to enlarge. Mechanism of action of passionflower, based on published literature. Illustration: EVANIUM.
Scientific references
- Appel, K et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2011.
- Amini, F et al., Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2023.
- Ożarowski, M and Karpiński, T, Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020.
- Dehghani, M A et al., Brain Research, 2025.
- Jawna-Zboińska, K et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2016.
- Harit, M K et al., Cureus, 2024.
- Jafarpoor, N et al., Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology, 2014.
Calms the nervous system
Passionflower compounds modulate GABA receptors, which has a calming effect and promotes relaxation. They also reduce the activity of glutamate, a messenger that can overstimulate the brain.1, 5
Protects cells
Passionflower flavonoids may protect human cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation or ageing, supporting overall brain health.2-4
Reduces stress levels
Along the stress axis of hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland, passionflower may lower the release of the hormones that trigger cortisol.6
Supports mood regulation
Passionflower alkaloids affect other systems involved in mood and relaxation, such as serotonin and adrenaline signalling.7
Specification
Ready for your formulation
Source
Standardisation
N.L.T. 1.5 % flavonoids
Other ingredients
Gamma-cyclodextrin, lecithin (sunflower)
Appearance
Green/brown free-flowing powder
Recommended dose
150-250 mg
Dosage forms
Powders, capsules, tablets, stick packs, sachets, gummies, chewing tablets
Processing
Stable at UHT, pasteurisation and heat sterilisation
Shelf life
24 months, stored cool and dry, protected from sunlight
Pack size
10 kg PE in an aluminium bag
Origin
Developed in Germany, produced in France
Quality & regulatory
Documented for every batch.
Production in an FDA-registered facility, FSSC/ISO 22000, HACCP and cGMP compliant. Every batch is tested for heavy metals, contaminants, content, identity and microbiology, with full traceability.
Detailed statements (allergens, BSE/TSE, contaminants, Novel Food, origin, flow chart) on request.
FAQ
Questions from formulators
What is OPTISOLV® Passiflora?
OPTISOLV® Passiflora is a free-flowing passionflower ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional foods, made from Passiflora incarnata aerial parts and standardised to at least 1.5 % flavonoids. It is encapsulated with EVANIUM’s OPTISOLV® dual-coating technology: a gamma-cyclodextrin inner layer and a sunflower lecithin outer layer.
How much better is it absorbed than native passionflower extract?
In a human intestinal cell model (Caco-2), OPTISOLV® Passiflora showed 3.7x higher absorption than native passionflower extract, measured as isovitexin after pre-digestion in intestinal fluid and 2 hours of incubation (45.48 ng vs. 12.27 ng).
Does it taste better than native passionflower extract?
Yes. In an external consumer study by Normec Foodcare (2026, n = 75), 72 % of consumers preferred OPTISOLV® Passiflora to the native extract. 59 % fewer consumers perceived it as bitter and 61 % fewer perceived the typical passionflower off-taste. All sensory attributes were rated significantly better at the 95 % confidence level.
What is the recommended dose?
150-250 mg OPTISOLV® Passiflora.
Formulate with OPTISOLV® Passiflora
Samples, specification and the full data package for your product development, plus formulation support from our lab.
This page is intended for professionals in the food supplement, food and pharmaceutical industry. The ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Descriptions of the mechanism of action summarise published scientific literature on passionflower and are not health claims under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 or U.S. FDA regulations. The regulatory status, labelling and suitability for use in finished products are the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor of the final product.
