Griffonia Simplicifolia Dangers and Negative Side Effect Warnings

Before beginning to take any new supplement, it is important to know the potential dangers and safety warnings associated with taking the supplement.

The main active compound found in the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant is 5-HTP – the precursor to Serotonin. Commonly used as a natural remedy for mood disorders including depression, 5-HTP is considered Possibly Safe when used as a supplement by adults.

However, there can be some negative interactions if it is combined with certain prescription medications. Serious side effects may also occur if used at excessive dosages.

It is recommended to use this supplement for a maximum of two months at a time to prevent tolerance from forming.

As with any herbal supplement, it’s a good idea to learn about possible side effects long before taking the supplement and to check with your doctor to ensure this product is not contraindicated for you.

This article will look at the risk of dangers from Griffonia simplicifolia pills, and give the information needed to avoid them.

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Serotonergic Supplement

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How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Between 50 - 250 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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Griffonia simplicifolia in Raw Form

The Griffonia simplicifolia plant grows wild in several regions of the African continent, including West and Central Africa.

There are few Griffonia simplicifolia dangers recorded historically. The leaves and crushed seeds of the plant have been used safely as a folk medicine for as many as thousands of years.

Either taken as a soothing tea or consumed orally in stronger doses, Griffonia seeds are known to produce relaxing mood effects, calm stress, help sleep, and ease digestion.

In the West, we rarely see Griffonia simplicifolia sold in seed form. However, the active compound within the seeds, 5-HTP, has recently become quite popular as a standalone supplement.

How the Body Processes Griffonia simplicifolia

Griffonia simplicifolia extract is used much in the same way our body used the 5-HTP it produces on its own.

5-HTP is naturally produced in the body from the breakdown of the amino acid Tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in many high protein food sources including poultry, eggs, red meat, milk, spinach, beans, lentils, and nuts.

Tryptophan is broken down into 5-HTP in the liver. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain. Once in the brain, the 5-HTP is converted into the neurotransmitter Serotonin.

Serotonin is the main neurochemical associated with mood elevation. Specifically, Serotonin accompanies feelings of calm and relaxation. It can generate sensations of joy or even intense euphoria.

Some illicit street drugs, such as MDMA, function by stimulating massive unnatural releases of Serotonin. These drugs are dangerous and can cause withdrawal issues as well as overdoses.

The effects from a typical 5-HTP supplement are far gentler, creating mild Serotonin level increases, causing bright and happy moods. Deficiencies from diet or genetic pre-disposition may be balanced with Griffonia supplements, beyond what is possible from Tryptophan rich food sources.

Positive Effects of Griffonia Supplements

Griffonia products may also have a positive effect upon Dopamine levels in the brain. Many prescription stimulants attempt to boost Dopamine to generate short term improvements in mental focus.

However, this approach is difficult to sustain, and can lead to withdrawals. For people who have difficulty managing chaotic mental energy, this type of therapy may be too intense.

On the other hand, 5-HTP works to limit excessive Dopamine to create more balance with Serotonin. The result is a sense of mental and emotional control that comes from calm, relaxing feelings, as opposed to high energy.

For these reasons, 5-HTP is sometimes used as a natural alternative to prescription medication by people with depression and anxiety.

Griffonia simplicifolia Dangers and Side Effects

Griffonia simplicifolia supplements have been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Safe for oral use in adults. Use in pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with Down’s syndrome is considered possibly unsafe and to be avoided.

In most people, Griffonia simplicifolia use does not cause adverse or allergic reactions. Taken in the traditional method, as a tea, the plant’s seeds produce mild mood lift and no reported side effects.

As a standalone supplement, 5-HTP powders and pills are similarly safe and mild for most people. Mild gastrointestinal side effects have been reported by some users, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea.

When 5-HTP is taken in extremely large amounts or in conjunction with other Serotonin concentration-altering medication (e.g. SSRI and MAOI antidepressants) a condition called Serotonin Syndrome may develop. Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is an over-abundance of Serotonin in the brain.

The side effects of Serotonin Syndrome can include headaches, sweating, difficulty concentrating, and irregular heartbeat. In extreme cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.

This condition is very rare when 5-HTP is taken at recommended dosages. Always follow recommended dosages for the best, safest results.

Preventing Griffonia simplicifolia Dangers

The proper dosage of supplements depends on many factors including age, weight, physiology, personal sensitivities, as well as the reason for taking the supplement. The below guidelines are only a general recommendation. Speak with your doctor before starting any new supplements to determine the best dosage for your personal needs.

An ideal dosage of 5-HTP for most people to avoid Griffonia simplicifolia dangers is 100 mg per day, max. This is a standard dosage amount that can be found in most commercial preparations of the supplement.

50 mg per day is a good starter dose for someone with no experience with the compound. At this dosage, it can produce a light yet still noticeable effect in most users.

If you want to improve the intensity of effects, without risking additional Griffonia simplicifolia side effects, the best option is to stack 5-HTP with other nootropic supplements for stress relief.

Any supplement which targets GABA activity in the brain is a good candidate to stack with 5-HTP. GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) is a natural inhibitory chemical which quiets over-firing nerves.

GABA is crucial for maintaining calm thoughts and feelings during stressful situations. Yet, like Serotonin, it cannot be directly supplemented as it is lost during digestion. Great bioavailable GABAergic supplements like L-Theanine may bridge the gap. Combined with 5-HTP, these supplements may help make daily stress more manageable.

Griffonia simplicifolia dangers do exist, but with safe usage and appropriate dosages, it is possible to safely take Griffonia 5-HTP supplements to increase Serotonin.

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