Thanks to its richness in 5 HTP the griffonia is recommended to relieve many evils. Mild to moderate depression, problems falling asleep and waking up at night, mood swings, eating disorders, migraine and fibromyalgia pain, discover the multiple virtues of Griffonia.
Botany
The griffonia (Griffonia Simplicifolia) is a plant native to West Africa . It is regularly consumed as a vegetable. It is a large creeper with a trunk that can grow to 7 cm in diameter and whose flowers are grouped in clusters and the fruits are pods in which are 3 to 7 bright green or brown seeds. These are the same seeds that are used in phytotherapy.
Chemical composition of seeds.
The seeds contain 5-HTP, alkaloids, lectins, lipids. The main pharmacological property concerns 5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HTP
Griffonia interests researchers who see in this plant, a highly interesting resource in 5-HTP.
5-HTP, the serotonin precursor
5-HTP and a serotonin precursor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter also known as the "good mood hormone". It thus plays a role in :
- mood regulation
- food intake
- sexual behavior
- aggressiveness
- the sleep-wake rhythm
- psychomotor activity
- nociception
- the ability to control oneself
The vast majority of serotonin is found in the intestines. 95% of it is even produced within the intestinal lumen thanks to the microbiota.
Serotonin deficiency can result in:
- a sensitivity to stress
- a state of nervousness
- mood swings
- a certain aggressiveness
- cravings for sweet things
- a compulsion to eat
- fatigue around 5pm
- irritability at the end of the day.
Griffonia and its anti-migraine action
5 HTP has comparable efficacy to a beta-blocker and reduces the frequency of migraine attacks*.
Sedative action of griffonia
Administration of 5-HTP in normal patients increases REM sleep duration. Low doses of 5-HTP in moderately insomniac patients significantly improved sleep duration and depth**.
Griffonia and appetite suppressant action.
A study was carried out by an Italian team on twenty overweight women. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled setting, the griffonia extract was administered for 4 weeks along with a low-calorie diet for both groups. The results show "a significant decrease in appetite, body mass index, arm and waist circumference in the treated group compared to placebo "***.
The analgesic action of griffonia in fibromyalgia
Patients with fibromyalgia have reduced levels of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid. This may show some role for serotonin in the onset and/or management of pain. A scientific study was conducted on fibromyalgia patients who were given 5 HTP for 30 days. The intensity and number of sore spots were significantly reduced, as was their level of anxiety, compared with the placebo group.****
Drug Interactions and Precautions
Griffonia should not be given in the case of treatment modulating serotonin levels, in sum antidepressants.
It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and is also contraindicated in case of small intestine tumor.
Sources:
*. MAISSEN CP, LUDIN HP. Comparison of the effect of 5- hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1991; 121 (43): 1585-90.
**SOULAIRAC A, LAMBINET H. Clinical studies of the effect of the serotonin precursor, L-5-hydroxytryptophan, on sleep disorders. Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis 1988; 77 (34a): 19-23.
*** Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration. Eat Weight Disord. 2011 Dec 5.
**** CARUSO I et al. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. 1990; 18 (3): 201-9.