Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Griffonia simplicifolia

Also known as: 5-HTP (Bioactive)

Overview

Griffonia simplicifolia is an African shrub and a source of the compound 5-HTP. It has anxiety and appetite-reducing effects.

Benefits

Griffonia simplicifolia is the largest source of the compound 5-HTP. Its seeds contain up to 20% 5-HTP, by weight. Studies that have been done on Griffonia simplicifolia suggest that when supplemented as an herb, it may rival the effects of supplementing 5-HTP in isolation. However, further research is needed to confirm this effect. There may be other bioactives in the plant that are still undiscovered.

How it works

Griffonia simplicifolia may provide benefits related to anxiety reduction and appetite control. It is primarily recognized for its role in increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Side effects

Further research is needed to determine the optimal human dose of Griffonia simplicifolia. The lowest effect dose for rats is 25mg/kg of bodyweight, which is about 4mg/kg of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, assuming 20% 5-HTP content. This translates to following human doses: • 275mg Griffonia (55mg of 5-HTP) for a 150lb person • 350mg Griffonia (70mg of 5-HTP) for a 200lb person • 450mg Griffonia (90mg of 5-HTP) for a 250lb person It is unknown whether Griffonia simplicifolia has other bioactives other than 5-HTP. The human dosages listed above are derived from rodent studies, and are not optimal, which is why they are different from the optimal dose of 5-HTP.