{"id":55686,"date":"2019-12-04T00:45:56","date_gmt":"2019-12-04T08:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/?p=55686"},"modified":"2021-09-20T09:20:14","modified_gmt":"2021-09-20T16:20:14","slug":"griffonia-simplicifolia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/blog\/griffonia-simplicifolia\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Health Benefits of Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract"},"content":{"rendered":"

Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> contains 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, so researchers are looking into its effect on depression, anxiety, appetite, sleep, and motion sickness. Learn more here.<\/p>\n

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What is Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> is a small, green shrub found in West Africa. In traditional African medicine, it is used to treat a wide range of illnesses [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Active Components<\/span><\/h3>\n

The main active component of interest in Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> is 5-HTP<\/a>, the immediate biological precursor to serotonin<\/a> and melatonin<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

5-HTP is considered the most likely component behind the reported mood, weight loss<\/a>, and sleep benefits of this plant [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Potential Health Benefits of Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/p>\n

Possibly Effective For<\/span><\/h3>\n

1) Headaches and Migraines<\/h4>\n

In a study of 374 children with migraine<\/a> symptoms, Griffonia simplicifolia <\/em>(50 mg twice a day along with other supplements, including tryptophan, vitamin PP, and B6) reduced the number, length, and intensity of headache<\/a> symptoms [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

However, while Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> was effective, children who received an extract of Ginkgo biloba<\/a> (ginkgolide B) instead experienced greater improvement after six months [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Another study of 49 people found that a Tanacetum parthenium<\/em>, Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em>, and magnesium formulation reduced migraine symptoms, including aura, by 50% [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Insufficient Evidence For<\/span><\/h3>\n

The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> for any of the below-listed uses. Furthermore, the best evidence of potential benefits comes from studies on 5-HTP rather than seed or plant extracts.<\/p>\n

Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> supplements, and never use them in place of something your doctor recommends or prescribes.<\/p>\n

2) Depression<\/h4>\n

5-HTP, a core component of Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em>, is known for its antidepressive effects, improving mood disorders (such as depression<\/a>) by increasing serotonin levels in the brain [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

5-HTP improved symptoms in a study of 15 women with drug-resistant depression [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, no clinical studies have directly investigated Griffonia simplicifolia<\/em> or its extracts; all the available evidence in humans is limited to studies of 5-HTP.<\/p>\n