Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract – A Natural Mood Lifting Herb

Griffonia simplicifolia is a little-known plant with tiny seeds that contain an essential compound related to mood – 5-Hydroxytryptophan. This herbal remedy may address emotional imbalance by supporting the biochemistry of the brain and raising Serotonin levels.

The Griffonia simplicifolia plant itself has been used as a folk medicine for centuries in its native Africa. Today, interest in natural remedies for mental health has spurred research into how Griffonia simplicifolia seed extracts work.

The following is a summary of what we know about this plant and its effects. This article explores benefits and safety issues, as well as offering some complimentary mood supplements which may enhance positive emotional effects.

5-HTP

Serotonergic Supplement

Mood

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Weight Loss

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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Where Griffonia simplicifolia Grows

Griffonia simplicifolia is a plant that is native to many countries of both Central and West Africa.

The plant typically grows to about ten feet tall, and produces small black seeds which can be harvested for their 5-HTP content. The seeds contain up to 20% 5-HTP by weight.

The Griffonia seeds have traditionally been crushed and consumed as a powder, or brewed into a medicinal tea. The enhanced mood benefits it creates have been applied as a folk medicine for a broad range of light ailments over the years.

Only recently was the biochemical connection between Griffonia simplicifolia seeds and 5-HTP discovered. Today, the seeds are exported as the primary source for 5-HTP supplements.

How Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract Works in the Brain

The 5-HTP which Griffonia simplicifolia plants provide becomes a crucial component in the regulation of human mood.

5-HTP is produced naturally in the body from the breakdown of the amino acid Tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in many high protein foods including poultry, eggs, milk, seafood, nuts, and beans.

Tryptophan either from the diet or supplements is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other metabolites. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain. Here the 5-HTP crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain, enters the brain, and is converted into Serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which, when present in elevated levels in the brain, generates pleasant mood states and a sense of mental calm.

It is often ineffective to directly supplement with Serotonin, as it is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. If you were to consume Serotonin as a dietary supplement, it would not end up reaching the receptors in the brain where it is needed to produce mood changes.

However, Griffonia simplicifolia 5-HTP can reach brain tissue and be converted into Serotonin for immediate use.

Controlling Dopamine Levels

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that acts as a stimulant, and is involved in the “fight or flight” response. Often times, Dopamine stimulation is used for many mental enhancement therapies. This is the case with prescription stimulants like Adderall.

But elevated levels of Dopamine are often not harmonious with a calm mood. It can serve to heighten vigilance to the point of agitation in some people. This is especially true in cases of ADD and ADHD, when chaotic thoughts can become overwhelming.

In addition to increasing Serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract also works to control over-abundant Dopamine in the brain. This combination helps lead to a calm, relaxed emotional state.

5-HTP Safety and Side Effects

Griffonia simplicifolia plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Its modern use has been rated as Possibly Safe for oral use in adults, by the Natural Medicines database.

Use in pregnant or nursing women, children, and individuals with Down’s syndrome is considered Possibly Unsafe, and to be avoided.

Most users can expect to experience no side effects when Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is used according to recommended dosages. Some mild gastrointestinal side effects have been reported by some users though, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Caution is advised when this compound is taken in very high dosages, or is combined with prescription anti-depression and anti-anxiety medications. These include MAOIs, SSRIs, and TCAs. By creating a dramatic surplus in Serotonin, the user may develop Serotonin Syndrome, a serious disorder affecting the central nervous system.

Symptoms of Serotonin toxicity caused by Serotonin Syndrome include arrhythmia, profuse sweating, and trouble focusing thoughts. In extreme cases, if left untreated, this condition can be fatal, so it is vital to never mix these medications.

Other medications that may have negative interactions with 5-HTP include, but are not limited to: carbidopa (Lodosyn), tramadol (Ultram), meperidine (Demerol), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and dextromethorphan (Robitussin and other cough medicines).

Always check with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. A doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your needs and sensitivities, and determine if there may be any negative interactions with any medications you are currently taking.

Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract Alternatives

Some people possess natural sensitivities to certain herbal supplements. If the risks attached to Griffonia simplicifolia consumption sound too high, there are many other options to explore.

Nootropic supplements are any compounds which build upon natural brain chemistry to enhance mood and cognitive power. With hundreds of supplements to choose from, users can fine tune the exact benefits they are looking for.

A good place to start for high functioning overall neural health may be with a choline supplement. Choline supplements help give the body the materials it needs to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

These supplements may improve the brain’s ability to send and receive messages, grow neural structures, and build memories. Even if Griffonia simplicifolia supplements do not seem to suit your needs, there are many other mood enhancing supplements to try.

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