- Griffonia simplicifolia is a highly adaptable shrub native to central and west Africa. In addition to griffonia seeds, the shrub also produces palatable herbage.
- In traditional African medicine, griffonia seed has been used as an aphrodisiac, as an antibiotic and as a remedy for diarrhea.
- 5-HTP is an amino acid found in griffonia seeds that affects the brain's neurochemistry. It is an intermediate in the process by which the body makes serotonin from tryptophan. According to 5-HTP.org.uk, the amino acid could be a natural replacement for prozac and other synthetic antidepressants.
- Griffonia seeds, because of their 5-HTP content, are used to raise serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is an important chemical for brain function, helping to regulate mood, appetite and sleeping habits.
- MDidea reports that griffonia seeds can be used to alleviate pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Like migraine headaches, fibromyalgia is a low-serotonin syndrome and can be treated with 5-HTP.
- Because of the way griffonia seed affects serotonin levels, the extract can be used to regulate eating habits. MDidea reports that griffonia seed can curb cravings in the obese and also increase the appetite of anorexic persons.
