Origin, properties and dosage of Griffonia
Write the 08/02/2023 by Santarome Bio
Origins (habitats/culture) and its history
Growing in tropical regions right up to the edge of savannahs, the griffonia is a leguminous climbing plant. It grows naturally in West and Central Africa. Half shrub, half liana, it often wraps itself around the trees of African forests.
Family : Fabaceae
Type of plant : Branching shrub
Type of vegetation : Perennial
Height : 3 to 10 meters
Flowering : July to November
Fruiting : August
In the past, traditional African medicine used griffonia seed to treat people possessed by a demon.
This African medicinal plant is consumed by livestock as well as by humans. Leaves, branches, sap or even seeds, all parts of the plant are used.
To facilitate healing, a paste made from bark and leaves was prepared and applied to wounds and burns.
To combat nausea, diarrhea, coughs or vomiting, the leaves were consumed in decoction or juice.
It was only from the 1980s that Westerners became interested in this plant.
Appearance / composition / format
This plant from the Fabaceae family can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has beautiful green flowers that bloom from July to November. The griffonia fruits are pods which ripen from August and which contain one to four seeds.
5 hydroxytryptophan is the active ingredient contained in the seeds. It is an amino acid present in a large number of foods, it is also a substance that the body secretes to produce serotonin.
The griffonia exists in various forms:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Excerpts
- Creams
- Ointments
They can be sold through specialized distributors or pharmacies.
Properties and benefits of griffonia
Known in Europe for its 5-HTP composition, this molecule is used for the treatment of:
Anxiety
Bulimia
The Depression
Sleep disorders
Headaches
Griffonia is used in herbal medicine to stimulate brain activity.
It also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, and helps calm eating frustrations.
It is preferable to choose griffonia from organic farming, this guarantees the absence of residues of chemical herbicides or pesticides.
Griffonia dosage
The dosage varies depending on the products and the desired objectives. We must not forget that it is important to follow and respect the dosages indicated on the instructions.
The dosage of griffonia depends on its use and its dosage of 5 hydroxytryptophan.
To combat insomnia problems, it is recommended to take it before going to bed.
- Powder: 1 teaspoon per day
- In tablets (400 mg): up to 3 per day
- As a mother tincture: 25 drops, 3 times a day
In order to feel the benefits of griffonia, it is recommended to take it as a treatment for 1 to 3 months. Every 2 weeks, it is recommended to stop taking it for a few days before resuming the treatment.
After 3 weeks of treatment, the benefits begin to be felt; it may take more or less time depending on the person.
The different uses of the griffonia
In Europe, griffonia is mainly used internally. Traditional African medicine also uses it in dermatological use to accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.
Griffonia is a precious ally of the nervous system:
- Antidepressant action: it is used in herbal medicine as an alternative to antidepressants and synthetic anxiolytics.
- Anti-migraine action: helps reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Insufficient production of serotonin by the body can be the cause of migraines, the 5-HTP contained in griffonia then helps to reduce the duration and intensity of headaches.
- Sedative and hypnotic action: helps to influence the regulation and quality of sleep thanks to its quality as a soporific plant. Griffonia is recommended to achieve deep and restorative sleep in the long term.
- Satietogenic action: helps limit appetite by increasing satiety and slows down sweet eating compulsions. It does not act as an appetite suppressant, but as an appetite regulator.
Adverse effects / precautions for use / side effects
To avoid any risk of drowsiness and loss of alertness, take it at the end of the evening.
It is advisable to start a griffonia treatment with a lighter dosage so that the body gets used to the effect of 5 hydroxytryptophan.
For internal use, griffonia extracts cannot be administered as self-medication to people with epilepsy, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
It is possible to notice slight intestinal disturbances, it is then necessary to reduce the absorption doses.
Concerning interactions with medications, medicinal plants or supplements, you should avoid taking griffonia extracts at the same time as taking:
- Synthetic anxiolytics
- St. John's wort
- Gentian
- Kawa-kawa
