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Griffonia extract pills may offer a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for various mood disorders. This simple African plant has been used by depression sufferers worldwide.
Native to Central and West Africa, the Griffonia simplicifolia plant is a tall vining shrub which bears tiny black seed pods. Griffonia simplicifolia seeds are naturally high in the compound 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), containing up to 20% 5-HTP by weight.
5-HTP in the body is a precursor to Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep cycles, digestion, some memory, and learning functions. Serotonin is also known as the “happiness neurotransmitter” because it is present in elevated levels in the body during times of positive emotions including peacefulness and calm.
Griffonia extract is frequently taken as a supplement for depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and weight loss.
Mood
Sleep
Weight Loss- Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
- Enhances mood and alleviates stress
- Improves sleep and regulates appetite
Top 5-HTP Products* ❯Griffonia Extract and Serotonin
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When 5-HTP from Griffonia seeds is ingested, some of it crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain, where it can be used to regulate mood. When it reaches brain tissue, it is converted into Serotonin and is not rate-limited by any factors.
This is important to note because Serotonin itself is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier if it is ingested orally. 5-HTP acts a precursor to Serotonin, effectively increasing levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain.
Griffonia extract may also have the ability to boost the mobility and efficacy of Serotonin that is already in the system. The result for the user may be dramatically enhanced mood.
Under periods of great stress, Serotonin may make challenges seem more manageable. If Serotonin is increased under normal conditions, the effects may be feelings of joy and euphoria.
Uses For Griffonia Extract 5-HTP
People take Griffonia seed extract 5-HTP for a variety of reasons. Overall, users report that 5-HTP can generate feelings of peacefulness, relaxation, and confidence.
This makes it a prime candidate to be taken for various mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, even if symptoms are light and not chronic.
For example, some users periodically take 5-HTP to unwind at the end of the day. For those who are suffering from clinical depression, 5-HTP is sometimes taken daily.
5-HTP has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of depression. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP may be as effective as prescription antidepressants in improving the symptoms of depression. In one study conducted over eight weeks, 150-400 mg of 5-HTP daily was as effective in improving symptoms of depression as 20-40 mg of fluoxetine (Prozac) daily.
Other studies have seen similar results when 5-HTP was tested against fluvoxamine (Luvox) or imipramine (Tofranil).
Griffonia extract supplements are also used for ADD and ADHD. 5-HTP may decrease the anxious thoughts that can fuel those disorders, and replace them with a feeling of calm.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and insomnia (often due to pain). In research studies, use of 5-HTP was found to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, including decreasing pain and morning stiffness, and improving sleep quality and quantity.
It has been noted that Griffonia extract has a lesser-known use as an aid for weight loss. Studies have shown that patients who took 5-HTP supplements ate fewer calories and lost more weight than patients who took a placebo, without actively changing their diet or activity.
Finally, anecdotal reports show that 5-HTP has been used as a cure for hangover. Keeping late hours dancing and drinking can take its toll on Serotonin levels. 5-HTP taken at bedtime may restore Serotonin balance by the morning and decrease the feelings of lethargy or listlessness that can accompany a hangover.
Research on the full effects of Griffonia extract and 5-HTP for depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and weight loss is limited, and more clinical studies are still needed. At this time the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Side Effects and Contraindications
5-HTP has been rated as Possibly Safe by the Natural Medicines database for oral use in adults. Use in pregnant or nursing women, individuals with Down’s syndrome, people with liver or autoimmune conditions, and children is considered Possibly Unsafe, and is to be avoided.
Most people who take Griffonia extract 5-HTP can expect to experience no to mild side effects. Mild side effects that have been reported include nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea.
A more serious side effect that can occur when there is an excess of Serotonin in the body is Serotonin Syndrome. Excessive Serotonin can cause hyperactivity in nerve cells. This can cause problems with the nervous system and may lead to serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, severe fever, and headaches. In extreme cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome may be fatal.
Under normal usage this condition is rare. The risk of Serotonin Syndrome increases when 5-HTP is taken at very high dosages, or when combined with prescription antidepressants like Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Other medications that may have negative interactions with Griffonia extract or 5-HTP supplements includes, but is not limited to: carbidopa (Lodosyn), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and meperidine (Demerol).
Always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, especially if you are taking any prescription medication.
Dosage Recommendations
Proper dosage of Griffonia extract depends on a number of factors including age, physiology, personal sensitivities, and the reason for taking this supplement. The guidelines below are only general recommendations; speak with your doctor to determine the most appropriate safe dosage for your needs.
For most people, a Griffonia dose ranging between 40 mg and 100 mg per day may be adequate to generate the mood lifting benefits of the supplement.
You may have difficulty finding Griffonia as a stand-alone supplement. It is very common to see it bundled in smaller amounts in proprietary blends marketed to fight symptoms of depression and lift mood. 5-HTP supplements are more common, and follow similar dosage guidelines.
Whatever form you take it in, Griffonia extract doses should not exceed more than 300 mg per day to avoid over-stimulating Serotonin production.
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Article last updated on: March 20th, 2018 by Nootriment