Griffonia: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
griffonia simplicifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
5-HTP
Alkaloids
Griffonine
Lectins
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that oral intake of 5-HTP for 2 to 3 weeks improves depression symptoms in some patients. Due to its ability to increase serotonin levels, L-tryptophan helps combat depressive symptoms. Indeed, studies show that a low level of tryptophan in healthy subjects leads to deficits similar to those observed clinically in cases of depression. As early as 1976, J.Walinder, et al demonstrated the potentiation of the action of a psychotropic drug used as an antidepressant, clomipramine, by tryptophan. In a similar vein, a double-blind clinical trial conducted over 28 days in 1983 confirmed that 5-HTP, a precursor of serotonin, in combination with clomipramine (tricyclic antidepressant), has significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression. In this study, it was observed that depressed patients, the association of this tricyclic antidepressant and 5-HTP significantly improves the Hamilton test score compared to a combination of chlorimipramine and placebo. Overall, it has been found that in subjects with mild to moderate depression, tryptophan supplementation was effective and without side effects. Thus, by promoting the synthesis of serotonin, tryptophan significantly improves symptoms of anxiety and depression. Tryptophan also seems to be an effective treatment for seasonal depression. On another side, the comparison of the efficacy of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluvoxamine (Luvox)) with that of 5-HTP highlighted the equivalence of the two treatments after two weeks of treatment in patients with depression. However, despite the beneficial effects demonstrated by clinical research, the trials remain small in size and present methodological problems. More qualitative studies on larger patient populations are needed to confirm these results. It is interesting to note that unlike Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressants, which conserve serotonin, the active ingredient in griffonia allows the body to produce more. Especially, it has been shown that griffonia has fewer side effects (dry mouth, loss of libido), and allows for better treatment tolerance. In the trials, the administered dose ranges from 150 to 800 mg of 5-HTP per day for 2 to 6 weeks.
Posologie
Oral: seed
150 - 800 mg
6 - weeks
Adults
extract standardized in 5-HTP
Synergies
Clinical evaluation of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan as an antidepressant drug.
Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study
A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine.
Management of depression with serotonin precursors
The effects of dietary tryptophan on affective disorders.
The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. Results of two open and one double-blind study.
Effect of l-5-hydroxytryptophan on brain monoamine metabolism and evaluation of its clinical effect in depressed patients.
Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression
Nutritional supplements in depressive disorders
Efficacy of light versus tryptophan therapy in seasonal affective disorder
Tryptophan depletion and emotional processing in healthy volunteers at high risk for depression
Potentiation of the antidepressant action of clomipramine by tryptophan
Chronic low-grade inflammation in elderly persons is associated with altered tryptophan and tyrosine metabolism: role in neuropsychiatric symptoms
Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study.
A pilot study of the predictive value of the probenecid test in application of 5-hydroxytryptophan as antidepressant.
Kynurenine pathway in psychosis: evidence of increased tryptophan degradation
Natural products of relevance in the prevention and supportive treatment of depression
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
5-HTP helps to reduce appetite and cravings: it is interesting for people who need to lose weight or who suffer from bulimia, this is directly related to its satiogenic properties. In these conditions, a diet supplemented with tryptophan would not only prevent neuropsychiatric symptoms but could also be of great use in treating uncontrolled weight gain. An Italian team studied the effect of a griffonia extract on satiety in 20 overweight women. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the extract was administered for 4 weeks along with a low-calorie diet for both groups. The results show a significant decrease in the feeling of hunger (assessed by the Haber score), body mass index (BMI), and arm and waist circumference in the treated group compared to the placebo.
Posologie
Oral route: seed
250 - 300 mg
4 - weeks
Women, Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration
Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.
Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects.
Sleep Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
L-tryptophan, as a precursor of melatonin, naturally induces sleep. Indeed, there is now substantial experimental evidence that L-tryptophan promotes quick and serene sleep onset, duration, and quality. As such, by favorably acting on melatonin secretion, L-tryptophan would then prevent mild insomnia. A 2013 scientific study reports that a high-tryptophan cereal intake would favorably impact sleep efficiency. Furthermore, L-tryptophan would be effective against sleep apnea syndromes. By reducing these periodic breathing stoppages during the night, L-tryptophan would improve sleep quality. In normal patients, the administration of 5-HTP significantly increases the duration of REM sleep. Similarly, in moderately insomniac patients, low doses of 5-HTP significantly improve sleep duration and depth.
Posologie
Oral route: seed
240 - 900 mg
Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Synergies
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
In migraine patients, taking 5-HTP over 6 months shows an effectiveness equivalent to a reference anti-migraine medication (methysergide). 5-HTP also demonstrates similar efficacy to a β-blocker and significantly reduces the frequency of migraine attacks and analgesic intake. A daily intake of 600 mg of 5-HTP in divided doses was used.
Posologie
Oral route: seed
600 - 600 mg
6 - months
Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Synergies
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
In fibromyalgia patients, reduced levels of serotonin metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid have been reported, suggesting the involvement of a serotonin deficiency in the pathogenesis of the disease. In a study on fibromyalgia patients, 30-day administration of 5-HTP led to a decrease in the number of painful points and their intensity, as well as muscular stiffness upon waking and anxiety compared to placebo. Another study reports that a combination of 5-HTP with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is the most effective treatment against fibromyalgia-related pain compared to a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (amitriptyline) or an MAOI alone. The dose used is 100 mg of 5-HTP three times a day for 30 to 90 days.
Posologie
Oral route: seed
300 - 100 mg
90 - days
Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day open study.
Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome.
Properties
Antidepressant
Griffonia seeds have a high concentration (5-10%) of 5-HTP, an amino acid precursor of serotonin. This neurotransmitter, which influences mood, is used to treat mental disorders (depression, anxiety) and stress. Most studies have focused on the activity of 5-HTP, the main constituent of Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into serotonin. Consequently, it increases serotonin levels in the CNS (central nervous system) in the same way as classic antidepressants acting on the serotonergic system. Although the exact etiology of depression is not known, it is widely accepted that a defect in serotonergic activity plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Indeed, recent data has more directly shown the involvement of serotonin in depression. On one hand, serotonergic dysfunction has been recurrently demonstrated by biochemical tests in depressed subjects. On the other hand, data suggests that such dysfunction may be linked to genetic predispositions. Finally, the most recent studies using sophisticated imaging techniques have revealed a decrease in the binding capacities of a type of serotonergic receptors.
Usages associés
Sedative
L-tryptophan, as a precursor to melatonin, naturally induces sleep. In this regard, several studies have highlighted the sedative and hypnotic action of 5-HTP, a hydroxylated metabolite of tryptophan.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Increases in beta-endorphin levels in the CNS (central nervous system) have been reported after the administration of 5-HTP, suggesting it may have analgesic effects.
Usages associés
Satiogenic
It is believed that serotonin, whose level is increased by 5-HTP, plays a role in the regulation of food intake at the hypothalamic level. Indeed, it helps to reduce the feeling of appetite and calorie intake.
Usages associés
Anxiolytic
Griffonia seed extracts, rich in 5-HTP, will naturally boost mood by producing serotonin. This, in turn, promotes a sense of well-being, relaxation, confidence, and tranquility to counter anxiety disorders. Overall, it has been found that in subjects with mild to moderate depression, tryptophan supplementation was effective and without side effects. Thus, by promoting the synthesis of serotonin, tryptophan significantly improves anxiety symptoms. Tryptophan, metabolized into 5-HTP, has been used by elite athletes for many years since it is known to help improve training results and also significantly reduce performance-related anxiety.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 275 mg - 500 mg (standardized extract)
5-HTP is safe when used orally in an appropriate manner. No reports of toxicity have been made for doses equal to or less than 50 mg / kg of body weight. However, doses of 100 to 200 mg / kg of body weight have been linked with serotonin syndrome in animals, when administered alone.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidepressant: strong interaction
The combination of serotonergic antidepressants and 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, particularly serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. These drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic and atypical antidepressants.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): strong interaction
The combination of serotonergic drugs such as a non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonin-related side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.
Carbidopa: moderate interaction
Carbidopa is sometimes used with 5-HTP to minimize peripheral metabolism of 5-HTP and increase the amount reaching the brain. However, this combination can also increase the risk of side effects, including hypomania, agitation, fast speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggression. The combination of carbidopa and 5-HTP could also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to high serotonin levels.
Opioids: moderate interaction
The combination of serotonergic drugs such as opioids and 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonin-related adverse effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. These drugs include: Meperidine, Pentazocine, Tramadol.
Sedatives: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with sedating drugs could have additive effects.
Methysergide: moderate interaction
Due to the presence of 5-HTP, interactions are possible with any medication modulating serotonin levels.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Sedative: weak interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with herbs and supplements having sedative properties could increase the risk of additive sedation. Some of these supplements include calamus, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, St. John's wort, skullcap, valerian, yerba mansa, and others.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Avoid the use of 5-HTP in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to lack of long-term toxicological data.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Avoid the use of 5-HTP in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to lack of long-term toxicological data.
Down syndrome: avoid
In children with Down syndrome: cases of seizures during prolonged treatments with 5-HTP.
Contraindications
Carcinoid tumor: forbidden
Griffonia is contraindicated in cases of carcinoid tumors of the small intestine (tumors that develop from endocrine cells of the small intestine mucosa). women with personal or family history of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, uterus, ovary).
