Griffonia

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Griffonia simplicifolia is a West African shrub whose seeds are the commercial source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a direct precursor of serotonin used as a supplement for mood, sleep, and appetite.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Mild to moderate depression

Limited Evidence

Older trials suggest 5-HTP from griffonia may be comparable to some antidepressants for mild depression. Modern rigorous evidence is limited.

Fibromyalgia

Limited Evidence

Small trials show modest improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms with 5-HTP.

Sleep onset and quality

Limited Evidence

Limited but generally positive evidence for sleep onset.

Appetite reduction in weight management

Limited Evidence

Small studies suggest reduced appetite and modest weight loss.

How it works

Griffonia seeds contain approximately 6 to 10 percent 5-HTP by weight. 5-HTP is the immediate biochemical precursor to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). After oral ingestion, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier and is decarboxylated to serotonin within the central nervous system. Increased serotonin synthesis can influence mood, sleep onset, satiety, and pain perception. Clinical research has examined 5-HTP for mild depression, fibromyalgia, migraine, insomnia, and appetite control with generally modest but consistent positive trends. Griffonia seed extract supplements provide 5-HTP standardized to specific 5-HTP content. Effects and risks are essentially identical to isolated 5-HTP.

Dosage

Standardized to 5-HTP content. Typical doses: 50 to 300 mg of 5-HTP per day, often divided. Higher doses (up to 600 mg) used in some trials. Start low to assess tolerance.

When and how to take it

For mood: divided morning and afternoon doses. For sleep: 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Take with food or carbidopa to reduce nausea. Effects on mood develop over weeks; sleep effects can be more immediate.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Griffonia seed extract (5-HTP standardized)

The natural plant source of supplement 5-HTP.

Standardized to 5-HTP content; same effects as isolated 5-HTP.

Isolated 5-HTP

Often derived from griffonia seed; identical active.

Same compound, purified.

Safety

Common side effects include nausea, GI upset, vivid dreams, and headache. Combining with carbidopa or vitamin B6 may improve tolerability and effectiveness. Concerns about serotonin syndrome exist when combined with serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs).

Who should be cautious

Contraindicated with serotonergic medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid (insufficient safety data). History of carcinoid syndrome: avoid. Bipolar disorder: may trigger mania. Children: not generally recommended without medical guidance.

Interactions

Critical: do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tramadol, triptans, or other serotonergic drugs due to serotonin syndrome risk. Discuss with clinician if taking any antidepressant, migraine, or pain medication. Carbidopa may enhance brain delivery.

Food sources

Griffonia simplicifolia seeds (not commonly eaten)

Amount
Not a food
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is griffonia extract different from 5-HTP supplements?⌄

Griffonia seed extract is the natural source of most commercial 5-HTP. Standardized extracts deliver 5-HTP equivalent to purified supplements.

Can I take griffonia with my antidepressant?⌄

No. Combining 5-HTP-containing supplements with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs can cause serotonin syndrome, a serious medical condition. Consult your prescriber before starting.

References

Griffonia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Griffonia on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Griffonia (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Griffonia with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.