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Griffonia simplicifolia

Griffonia simplicifolia is an African shrub and a source of the compound 5-HTP. It has anxiety and appetite-reducing effects.

Our evidence-based analysis on griffonia simplicifolia features 21 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Summary of Griffonia simplicifolia

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

Griffonia simplicifolia is a West African shrub. Griffonia simplicifolia is the largest source of the compound 5-HTP. Its seeds contain up to 20% 5-HTP, by weight.

Studies that have been done on Griffonia simplicifolia suggest that when supplemented as an herb, it may rival the effects of supplementing 5-HTP in isolation.

However, further research is needed to confirm this effect. There may be other bioactives in the plant that are still undiscovered.

Additional studies are needed to determine whether supplementing Griffonia simplicifolia is truly comparable to supplementing 5-HTP.

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How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Further research is needed to determine the optimal human dose of Griffonia simplicifolia. The lowest effect dose for rats is 25mg/kg of bodyweight, which is about 4mg/kg of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, assuming 20% 5-HTP content. This translates to following human doses:

• 275mg Griffonia(55mg of 5-HTP) for a 150lb person

• 350mg Griffonia (70mg of 5-HTP) for a 200lb person

• 450mg Griffonia (90mg of 5-HTP) for a 250lb person

It is unknown whether Griffonia simplicifolia has other bioactives other than 5-HTP. The human dosages listed above are derived from rodent studies, and are not optimal, which is why they are different from the optimal dose of 5-HTP.

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Other Functions:

Do Not Confuse With

5-HTP (Bioactive)

Caution Notice

Due to being a vessel for 5-HTP in sufficient amounts, the cautions on the 5-HTP page will extend to supplementation with Griffonia Simplicifolia and this herb should not be used alongside cognitive drugs and particularly SSRIs.

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This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 21 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Griffonia simplicifolia.

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