The Griffonia seed is the origin of 5-HTP, a compound?
Griffonia simplicifolia, a plant native to tropical regions such as Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Togo, has gained significant attention due to its rich content of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). This compound is a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for maintaining mental health and wellbeing[2][4].
In traditional African medicine, Griffonia simplicifolia has been used for various purposes, particularly for treating mood disorders and conditions related to serotonin deficiency, such as depression or anxiety[2][4]. While the specific traditional medicinal uses beyond the biochemical aspect are not extensively detailed, the association with serotonin precursors aligns with traditional practices aimed at mood regulation and neurological health.
The leaves of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant contain serotonin in concentrations of 0.1-0.2%, and after industrial extraction methods, a 95-98% 5-HTP extract can be obtained from the seeds[2]. This high concentration makes Griffonia simplicifolia an attractive source for the production of 5-HTP supplements.
One of the key benefits of 5-HTP is its ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier and be converted to serotonin without the need for a special transport molecule[3]. This property makes it an effective supplement for improving serotonin levels in the brain.
Several studies support the clinical effectiveness of 5-HTP. For instance, a study from 2004 found that oral administration of 5-HTP reduced the incidence of induced panic and associated symptoms when compared with a placebo[3]. Another study from 2009 suggested that therapeutic administration of 5-HTP may be efficient in treating depression, fibromyalgia, chronic head pains, and insomnia[4].
In terms of dosage, most 5-HTP dietary supplements contain 25-100 mg of 5-HTP. Brain Feed's Griffonia seed extract is standardized to 98%, providing 100mg of 5-HTP, making it one of the highest extract quality available[6].
It's important to note that while 5-HTP supplements show promising results, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Additionally, the absorption of 5-HTP is not influenced by amino acids, allowing it to be administered with or without meals, without losing its efficacy[1].
In conclusion, Griffonia simplicifolia, with its rich content of 5-HTP, holds great potential as a natural source for this vital compound. Further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and potential applications in treating various health conditions.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, Griffonia simplicifolia's 5-HTP extract is utilized in therapies-and-treatments, as indicated by studies supporting its efficiency in reducing panic symptoms and treating depression, fibromyalgia, chronic head pains, and insomnia. This compound, a direct precursor to serotonin, can be obtained from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia and is used in the production of nutritional supplements for improving serotonin levels in the brain.