Griffonia Simplicifolia

1.       History and use

The populations of West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Ivory Coast, are well acquainted with this plant, which is rich in healing properties, and their traditional doctors have always been able to use it to treat a kyrielle pathologies, but also as a fortifier.

It was not until the 1980s that scientists were interested in griffonia. lt was the finding of its effectiveness to treat mood disorders that allowed research to orientate towards the highlighting of its active ingredient, animated acid called 5-HTP, in high concentration and which is a natural precursor of serotonin, an secreted by the brain and involved, inter alia, in the regulation of mood From then on, griffonia was able to take its marks in Western herbal an essential neurotransmitter medicine as a medicinal plant, the best substitute for synthetic neuroleptics.

2.       Description of the plant

a leguminous and climbing plant, present in the savannah, scrub and forest of West Africa. lt takes quickly, during its growth, the physiognomy of a tree or shrub of which the size can reach 3 m, its flowering gives green flowers with black pods, its leaves are alternate Griffonia and glabrous, all elements and parts (root, stem, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds) can be used in traditional herbal medicine and local, but the best concentration of 5-HTP is in the seeds that are harvested and exported after drying.

3.       Curative action

• Internal use

Behavioral disorders: Depression, anxiety, anxiety, aggression, loss of self-esteem.

Sleep disorders: Insomnia, restless sleep, difficulty falling asleep.

Appetite disorders: Bulimia, Obesity.

Disorders of coordination: Cerebral Ataxia.

Painful syndromes: Headaches, fribomyalgia, painful periods.

General condition: Prevention of aging, tonicity (antioxidant action).

• Other therapeutic indications demonstrated

Any pathologies and / or symptoms for which regulation or a better concentration of a deficient blood serotonin are required.

Preventing mood disorders Substitution treatment in cases of addictions to certain antidepressants IRS Treatment of sickle cell anemia (presence of an active ingredient, lithospermoside). Fight against cellular oxidation and aging Constipation, intestinal laziness, male impotence (in traditional African medicine).

4.       Uses

Griffin for internal use is generally marketed in pharmacies or at distributors specialized in food supplements in the form of capsules or tablets of a dosage between 50 and 100 mg of active principle (5-HTP) 1 to 4 doses, depending on the concentration of the product for the pathologies usually targeted, preferably in the evening to avoid daytime sleepiness. For these industrial preparations, a leaflet indicates the conditions of use, dosages and should be Respect: The cure of griffonia can last from one three months, in case of permanent taking, it is advisable to speak about it to his / her doctor.

The availability of this herbal plant in Europe is very rare and it is difficult to prepare oneself for external use, but it is marketed in cosmetology or dermatology products (creams, lotions, ointments, dyes , etc) containing griffonia extracts, the conditions of use and dosage indicated on the package insert must be observed.