What Is Griffonia Seed Extract Used For

What is Griffonia Seed Extract?

Griffonia seed extract 5 HTP is a precursor of a hormone called serotonin in the human body. The main source of extraction is the dried fruit of Griffonia simplicifolia, which is a natural plant amino acid. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is related to some basic functions of the nervous system, such as emotion, sleep, etc., and can also control the transmission of body language, movement and sensation. Therefore, Griffonia seed extract powder is often used in the treatment of anti-depression, weight loss, sleep improvement, PMS relief, migraine relief, tension headaches and chronic headaches, BH4 deficiency phenylketonuria, etc.

 

The antidepressant principle of 5-HTP:

S-HTP is an essential amino acid for the human body, which can be increased in the body through consumption. However, its ability to convert to serotonin and eventually serotonin is limited by an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase.
The amount of tryptophan hydroxylase in our body is suppressed by many different factors such as stress, insulin resistance, vitamin B6 deficiency and magnesium deficiency. Supplementing Griffonia seed extract powder 5-HTP can overcome this problem by helping more 5-HTP to be converted into serotonin, the main precursor of melatonin and the inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) It helps us effectively eliminate bad emotions and improve depression symptoms.

How does 5-htp help sleep?

5-HTP is officially proven to have a significantly better sleep-promoting effect than tryptophan. Serotonin can promote sleep at night, whether it is for people with good sleep quality or poor sleep quality, 5-HTP can optimize and maintain sleep effect.
Griffonia seed extract has been shown to have a possible REM (rapid eye movement) sleep effect. Dreaming is associated with REM sleep and is an important part of a healthy sleep cycle. 5-HTP can increase REM sleep by about 25%, while improving deep sleep levels. Griffonia seed bean extract can increase total sleep time without reducing "deep" sleep on the premise of increasing high-quality sleep. In one study, participants who consumed 200 mg of 5-HTP experienced an increase in REM sleep of 15 minutes over the five nights studied. In other words, dreaming time increased by about 3 minutes each night.
Even when taken during the day, 5-HTP can help with sleep, but it is important to note that people who took 5-HTP supplements during the day did not report more drowsiness or fatigue than those who took a placebo.

How Can Griffonia Seed Extract Help With Weight Loss?

Griffonia seed extract powder has great benefits in reducing carbohydrate intake and weight loss. Studies have shown that 5-HTP supplementation can reduce food intake and effectively prevent effective weight gain. Many people may have a similar tendency to obesity. This tendency is caused by genetic factors, including a decrease in the amount of tryptophan converted into 5-HTP, which reduces the content of serotonin in the brain, leads to increased appetite, and increases 5-HTP can directly increase the level of serotonin in the brain, effectively reduce carbohydrate intake, control appetite, and achieve the purpose of reducing body weight.
For women who are overweight, 5-HTP is a booster for weight loss. Garrison seed powder can effectively reduce calorie intake and increase satiety. Studies have shown that taking a certain amount of 5-HTP can reduce the average weight of 1 to 1.5 pounds per week, which is very effective for weight loss.

How to take 5-HTP?

Griffonia seed extract 5 HTP may cause stomach irritation and nausea, so it should not be taken directly, it is better to use enteric-coated capsules or tablets. These pills are made in such a way that they do not dissolve in the stomach. Chewable tablets containing 5-HTP can effectively prevent nausea. When 5-HTP is used for other purposes than nighttime sleep aids, the initial dose is 50 mg three times a day. If the response is not obvious after two weeks, the dose can be increased to 100 mg three times a day.
When griffonia extract is used to promote sleep, the usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg taken half an hour before bedtime. It is more appropriate to start with a dose of 50 mg, and then increase the dose after taking it for three consecutive days. 5-HTP can also be taken with food; if it is for weight loss, it needs to be taken 20 minutes before a meal.

 

Is 5-HTP the same as tryptophan?

Better results were produced with 5-HTP supplementation compared to tryptophan. Tryptophan must first be converted to 5-HTP in the brain before it can be converted to serotonin. The conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP is defined as the rate-limiting step in serotonin production. Therefore, the effect of using 5-HTP is faster and more obvious.
Many people have impaired conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP due to high levels of stress-related hormones, insulin resistance, poor blood sugar control, or insufficient intake of important nutrients. Also, there must be a transporter for tryptophan to enter the brain. This carrier also transports other amino acids to the brain, so its effect is less pronounced. And 5-HTP can quickly enter the brain without any carrier, and more than 75% of 5-HTP can be converted into serotonin.
Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is more effective than tryptophan in optimizing mood and calming the nerves. In one study, 74 study subjects matching clinical characteristics (eg, age, sex) and mood scores ingested 5-HTP (200 mg per day), L-tryptophan (5 g per day), or a placebo. Participants underwent a detailed mood assessment using a standardized mood scale questionnaire at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 30-day trial. The results of the study showed that 17 of the 26 subjects who took 5-HTP experienced a significant increase in mood, compared with 10 of the 25 subjects who took tryptophan and 23 of the placebo. Mood improved in only 4 of the 100 study subjects.
Several studies have shown that 5-HTP plays an important role in improving mood, and the effect is higher than that of tryptophan.

 

What are the contraindications for 5-HTP?

5-HTP was well tolerated. 5-HTP should not be used in the following situations:
1. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
2. Suffering from Parkinson's disease, the patient cannot take Sinemet® at the same time;
3. People with scleroderma or diseases related to tryptophan metabolism disorders should not take it;
4. The patient is taking methysergide and cyproheptadine.

 

Is 5-HTP safe?

5-HTP is safe for long-term use, as certain individuals with a genetic defect in the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP will need to take this supplement for life. If 5-HTP is used for a long time, regular eosinophil testing is recommended to help screen for any abnormal response to 5-HTP.