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Griffonia simplicifolia

Griffonia simplicifolia is a West African shrub whose seeds contain 6-20% 5-HTP by weight - the primary natural source of 5-HTP supplements. 5-HTP is a direct serotonin precursor used for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and appetite control. Animal studies show anxiolytic effects. Limited human evidence specifically for the whole plant vs isolated 5-HTP. CRITICAL: Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs.

Quick Answer

What it is

Griffonia simplicifolia is a West African shrub whose seeds contain 6-20% 5-HTP by weight - the primary natural source of 5-HTP supplements. 5-HTP is a direct serotonin precursor used for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and appetite control.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Depression Symptoms
  • Grade C: Appetite and Food Intake
  • Grade C: Migraine Frequency

Safety

  • CRITICAL: Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Griffonia simplicifolia

Quick Facts: Griffonia simplicifolia

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C7
D0
2 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Depression Symptoms
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 5-HTP (the active compound in Griffonia seeds) encompassing 13 studies found large effect sizes for depression remission (Hedges' g = 1.11). An RCT (n=60) found 5-HTP comparable to fluoxetine for first-episode depression (73% vs 80% response). A Cochrane-style review concluded 5-HTP is superior to placebo for unipolar depression. A small crossover RCT in Parkinson's patients (n=25) showed significant improvement in depression scores. Most evidence uses isolated 5-HTP rather than whole Griffonia extract.
moderate↓Improves
C
Migraine Frequency
An RCT (n=124) comparing 5-HTP to methysergide for migraine prophylaxis found significant improvement in 71% of the 5-HTP group (vs 75% for methysergide), with 5-HTP primarily reducing intensity and duration. A double-blind crossover in children (n=27) and a crossover in chronic primary headache (n=31) showed trends favoring 5-HTP over placebo. A placebo-controlled trial in chronic tension-type headache (n=78) and a prospective study both supported preventive effects. A long-term study found 5-HTP significantly decreased migraine appearance.
moderate↓Improves
C
Sleep Quality
A 12-week single-blinded RCT (n=30) in older adults found 100 mg/day 5-HTP improved sleep quality components measured by PSQI and actigraphy, especially in poor sleepers. A crossover RCT in Parkinson's patients with REM sleep behavior disorder (n=18) showed 50 mg/day 5-HTP increased total REM sleep percentage without worsening RBD episodes. Earlier foundational studies in normal subjects documented 5-HTP effects on sleep architecture via serotonin-to-melatonin conversion.
small↑Improves
C
Body Weight
A Griffonia extract oral spray RCT (n=20) in overweight women found significant reductions in BMI, skinfold thickness, and hip circumference vs placebo over 4 weeks. Double-blind crossover 5-HTP trials (8 mg/kg/day) in obese women demonstrated weight loss without dietary restriction. A placebo-controlled trial in overweight diabetic patients (750 mg/day, n=25) showed reduced body weight. Effects are likely mediated via serotonin-induced satiety signaling.
small↓Improves
C
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
A double-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=50) found 5-HTP 300 mg/day for 30 days significantly improved tender point count, subjective pain intensity, morning stiffness, sleep patterns, anxiety, and fatigue in primary fibromyalgia patients. A 90-day open-label study (n=50) confirmed significant improvements across all clinical parameters (p<0.001). Side effects were mild and transient in both studies.
moderate↓Improves
C
Appetite and Food Intake
Two small RCTs using Griffonia extract specifically (oral/sublingual spray, n=20 and n=27) showed significantly increased satiety and reduced BMI in overweight women. Three placebo-controlled 5-HTP trials by Cangiano et al. (n=19-25 each) demonstrated reduced food intake, decreased carbohydrate consumption, and weight loss in obese subjects, including those with type 2 diabetes (750 mg/day). An 8-week RCT in trained adults found 5-HTP may reduce body fat mass.
moderate↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
In rodent models, Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract (10-25 mg/kg) significantly increased time in the light compartment in the dark-light test and reduced thigmotaxis in the open field, indicating anxiolytic-like effects. A double-blind trial compared 5-HTP to clomipramine and placebo in anxiety disorders. A controlled infusion study (n=40) found 5-HTP did not provoke panic in panic disorder patients and some reported subjective relief.
small↓Improves

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