Griffonia: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Griffonia simplicifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
5-HTP
Alkaloids
Griffonine
Lectins
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that oral intake of 5-HTP for 2 to 3 weeks improves depressive symptoms in some patients. Because of its ability to increase serotonin levels, L-tryptophan helps combat depressive symptoms. Indeed, studies show that low tryptophan levels in healthy subjects lead 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. Consistently, a 28-day double-blind clinical trial in 1983 confirmed that 5-HTP, a precursor of serotonin, in combination with clomipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant), has definite therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression. In this study, it was observed that in depressed patients, the combination of this tricyclic antidepressant and 5-HTP significantly improved the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score compared with a clomipramine-and-placebo combination. Overall, it was found that in subjects suffering from mild to moderate depression, tryptophan supplementation proved effective and without side effects. Thus, by promoting serotonin synthesis, tryptophan significantly improves symptoms of anxiety and depression. Tryptophan also appears to be an effective treatment for seasonal depression. On the other hand, the comparison of the effectiveness of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluvoxamine (Luvox)) with that of 5-HTP revealed equivalence between the two treatments after two weeks of treatment in depressed patients. However, despite the beneficial effects demonstrated by clinical research, the trials remain small and present methodological problems. Larger, higher-quality studies on larger patient populations are necessary to confirm these results. It is interesting to note that, unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which conserve serotonin, the active ingredient in Griffonia allows the body to produce it. Above all, Griffonia has been shown to have fewer side effects (dry mouth, loss of libido) and to allow better tolerance of the treatment. In the trials, the administered dose ranged from 150 to 800 mg of 5-HTP per day for 2 to 6 weeks.
Posologie
Oral administration: seed
150 - 800 mg
6 weeks
Adults
Standardized 5-HTP extract
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 reduces appetite and cravings: it is of interest for people who need to lose weight or who suffer from bulimia; this is directly related to its satiating properties. Under these conditions, a diet supplemented with tryptophan would not only help 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 together with a hypocaloric diet for both groups. The results show a significant decrease in the sensation of appetite (assessed by the Haber score), body mass index (BMI), and arm and waist circumferences in the treated group compared with placebo.
Posologie
By mouth: seed
250 - 300 mg
4 weeks
Women, Adults
extract standardized to 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. In fact, there is now substantial experimental evidence that L-tryptophan promotes rapid, calm sleep onset, as well as sleep duration and quality. As such, by having a favorable effect on melatonin secretion, L-tryptophan may help prevent mild insomnia. A 2013 scientific study reports that a cereal-based intake high in tryptophan may improve sleep efficiency. Also, L-tryptophan may be effective against sleep apnea syndromes. By reducing these periodic episodes of breathing cessation during the night, L-tryptophan could lead to improved sleep quality. In normal subjects, administration of 5-HTP significantly increases the duration of REM sleep. Similarly, in moderately insomniac patients, low doses of 5-HTP significantly improve the duration and depth of sleep.
Posologie
By mouth: seed
240 - 900 mg
Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Synergies
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
In migraine patients, taking 5-HTP for 6 months shows efficacy equivalent to a reference antimigraine drug (methysergide). nn5-HTP also has efficacy comparable to a beta-blocker and significantly reduces the frequency of migraine attacks and the use of analgesics.nnA dose of 600 mg of 5-HTP per day in divided doses was used. nn
Posologie
Oral: seed
600 - 600 mg
6 - months
Adults
standardized extract in 5-HTP
Synergies
Fibromyalgia ✪✪✪✪✪
In patients with fibromyalgia, reduced levels of serotonin metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid have been reported, suggesting the involvement of a serotonin deficit in the pathogenesis of the disease.nnIn a study of fibromyalgia patients, administration of 5-HTP for 30 days reduced the number of painful tender points and their intensity, as well as morning muscle stiffness and anxiety compared with placebo.nnAnother study reports that combining 5-HTP with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is the most effective treatment for fibromyalgia-related pain compared to a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (amitriptyline) or to an MAOI alone.nnThe dose used was 100 mg of 5-HTP three times a day for 30 to 90 days.nn
Posologie
Oral: 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
The seeds of Griffonia contain 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 been conducted 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 classical antidepressants acting on the serotonergic system. Although the exact etiology of depression is not known, it is widely accepted that impaired serotonergic activity plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Indeed, recent data have more directly shown the involvement of serotonin in depression. On one hand, serotonergic dysfunction has been repeatedly demonstrated by biochemical assays in depressed subjects; on the other hand, the data seem to emphasize that such dysfunction may be linked to genetic predispositions. Finally, the most recent studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown a decrease in the binding capacity of a type of serotonergic receptor.
Usages associés
Sedative
L-tryptophan, as a precursor of melatonin, naturally induces sleep. In this regard, several studies have highlighted the sedative and hypnotic effects of 5-HTP, the hydroxylated metabolite of tryptophan.
Usages associés
Analgesic
Increases in beta-endorphin levels in the CNS (central nervous system) have been reported after administration of 5-HTP, suggesting that it may have analgesic effects.
Usages associés
Satiating
It is believed that serotonin, whose levels are increased by 5-HTP, plays a role in regulating food intake in the hypothalamus. Indeed, it helps reduce feelings of hunger and calorie intake.
Usages associés
Anxiolytic
Griffonia seed extracts, rich in 5-HTP, naturally stimulate mood through the production of serotonin. Serotonin then promotes feelings of well-being, relaxation, confidence, and calm to counter anxiety disorders. Overall, it has been observed that in subjects suffering from mild to moderate depression, tryptophan supplementation proved effective and without side effects. Thus, by promoting serotonin synthesis, tryptophan significantly improves anxiety symptoms. Tryptophan, metabolized into 5-HTP, has been used by elite athletes for many years because it is known to help improve training outcomes and also significantly reduce performance-related anxiety.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 275 mg - 500 mg (standardized extract)
5-HTP is safe when taken orally at appropriate doses. No toxicity has been reported with doses equal to or less than 50 mg/kg body weight. However, doses of 100 to 200 mg/kg body weight have been associated with serotonin syndrome in animals when administered alone.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidepressant: strong interaction
The concomitant use of serotonergic antidepressants and 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including 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 serotonergic 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, pressured speech, anxiety, insomnia, and aggression. The combination of carbidopa and 5-HTP may also increase the risk of scleroderma-like skin changes due to elevated serotonin levels.
Opioids: moderate interaction
The combination of serotonergic medications such as opioids and 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonergic adverse effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders. Examples of such medications include: meperidine, pentazocine, tramadol.
Sedatives: moderate interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with medications that cause sedation could have additive effects.
Methysergide: moderate interaction
Because of the presence of 5-HTP, interactions are possible with any medication that modulates serotonin levels.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Sedative: minor interaction
Theoretically, the concomitant use of 5-HTP with herbs and supplements that have 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 women: avoid
Avoid the use of 5-HTP in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of long-term toxicological data.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid the use of 5-HTP in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of long-term toxicological data.
Trisomy: avoid
In children with trisomy: cases of convulsions have been reported during prolonged treatment with 5-HTP.
Contraindications
Carcinoid tumor: contraindicated
Griffonia is contraindicated in cases of carcinoid tumors of the small intestine (tumors that develop from the endocrine cells of the small intestinal mucosa). It is also contraindicated in women with a personal or family history of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, uterus, ovary).
