A Griffonia simplicifolia is a medicinal plant indicated to help in the treatment of depression, anxiety, sleeping problems or weight loss, as it is rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is a precursor substance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, well-being and sleep.
The normally used parts of this medicinal plant, also known as Griffonia, are mainly the seeds, but its leaves can be used to prepare capsules or tea.
A Griffonia simplicifolia It can be found in natural product stores or herbalists, and should be used with the guidance of a doctor or a professional specialized in medicinal plants.
What is it for
The main indications of Griffonia simplicifolia they are:
1. Fight depression
A Griffonia simplicifolia It can help fight depression as it is rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is an essential amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin in the body.
However, the use of this plant does not replace treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy recommended by a psychiatrist. Find out how depression is treated.
A Griffonia simplicifolia contains 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is important for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are hormones that the body produces naturally and are related to mood, well-being and sleep.
In this way, this plant can help regulate sleep, combat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
3. Control anxiety
As it contains 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is a precursor substance of serotonin, which participates in several functions of the central nervous system, such as mood, sleep and relaxation, Griffonia simplicifolia can help reduce anxiety and combat stress. See other benefits of 5-HTP.
4. Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms
A Griffonia simplicifolia can help alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as muscle pain or excessive tiredness, for example.
This is because fibromyalgia can be associated with low levels of serotonin in the body and this medicinal plant, as it contains 5-hydroxytryptophan, can help increase serotonin levels in the body, relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Check out the main symptoms of fibromyalgia.
However, more studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
5. Relieve headache
Due to the 5-hydroxytryptophan in its composition, the Griffonia simplicifolia can help relieve headaches and prevent migraine attacks.
This is because some studies (1,2) suggest that people with low levels of serotonin may experience migraine attacks more frequently.
However, the relationship between low serotonin levels and migraine attacks is still controversial, and more studies are needed to prove this relationship and the benefits of Griffonia simplicifolia.
6. Help with weight loss
A Griffonia simplicifolia It can also be used to combat obesity, since tryptophan is a substance that can help reduce anxiety and reduce the appetite for sweet and fatty foods.
How to use
The used parts of the Griffonia simplicifolia are its leaves and seeds to make teas and capsules.
1. Tea Griffonia simplicifolia
The tea Griffonia simplicifolia it must be prepared with the leaves of this medicinal plant.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets of Griffonia simplicifolia;
- 1 L of water.
Preparation mode
Place 8 leaves of the plant in 1 liter of boiling water and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, it must be strained and drunk up to 3 cups per day.
2. Capsules Griffonia simplicifolia
Capsules usually contain 50 mg or 100 mg of dry extract of Griffonia simplicifolia.
The doses must be indicated by the doctor or herbalist, and the recommended dosage for adults is normally 1 capsule of 50 mg, up to 2 times a day, preferably before the main meals, or 1 capsule of 100 mg per day.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 120 mg per day.
Possible side effects
A Griffonia simplicifolia It is generally well tolerated when used at recommended doses, for up to 6 weeks of treatment.
However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, excessive tiredness, anxiety, drowsiness or headache may occur.
Therefore the use of Griffonia simplicifolia It should only be done with the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
Who shouldn’t use
A Griffonia simplicifolia It should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are being treated with antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine or sertraline, for example.
In addition, people who use regular medicines, such as painkillers, antibiotics or medicinal plants, such as St. John’s wort or valerian, should talk to their doctor before using the medicine. Griffonia simplicifolia. This is because this plant can alter the action of several medications.
In cases where surgery is necessary, the use of Griffonia simplicifolia should be stopped two weeks before surgery.
