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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Griffonia |
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Supplement Articles |
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GRIFFONIA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
The
beneficial mood stabilizing
effects of Griffonia have
long been used for its rich
5-HTP content … |
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GRIFFONIA |
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Griffonia seeds are
the plant source for
most of the 5-HTP
found in
supplements. |
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The seeds of the African
Griffonia shrub (Griffonia
simplicifolia) have long
been used as a source of
5-HTP. 5-HTP stands for
5-hydroxytrytophan, which is
a chemical naturally
synthesized from tryptophan
by our bodies. From this
state, 5-HTP can be
converted directly into our
relaxing brain hormones
serotonin, and melatonin.
For more information, please
see our article on
5-HTP. |
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Mental Health
The main compound in
Griffonia, 5-HTP,
helps to dilate the
blood vessels in the
brain, and thus can
help to prevent
migraines. When
converted to
serotonin, it helps
to balance mood, and
alleviate
depression. In
fact, in research
studies, 5-HTP was
found to be equal or
better in the
treatment of
depression as
tricyclic
antidepressants and
Prozac!
Weight Loss
A deficiency of
serotonin in the
brain can lead to
emotional overeating
and then to
obesity.
Supplementing with
Griffonia, as a
source of the
building blocks of
serotonin can help
to reduce emotional
and stress related
food cravings and
overeating.
Age-Associated Insomnia
As we age, our
melatonin production
in our brain
declines naturally.
Supplementing with
Griffonia provides a
source of 5-HTP,
which can support
healthy melatonin
production.
How should I take Griffonia?
Generally Griffonia
supplements will be
standardized by
their content of
5-HTP. The dosage
is usually
standardized to
provide somewhere
between 50 and 300mg
of 5-HTP daily. In
order to allow your
body to adapt, it is
a good idea to
slowly increase your
dosage over a few
weeks until you
achieve the desired
dose. Taking
Griffonia
supplements with
carbohydrates like
with juice can help
to speed its
absorption. Be sure
to read the
important
information below
for safety tips. |
GRIFFONIA – QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED |
·
Seeds |
INDICATIONS
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·
Anxiety,
depression,
fibromyalgia,
headaches,
migraines,
obesity,
insomnia,
mood
support. |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
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·
Dose
required to
achieve
50-300mg
5-HTP daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL WITH |
·
Vitamin B6,
protein
supplements,
fruit juice. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· Excessive
use of 5-HTP
alters the
levels of
some immune
cells, so
regular
monitoring
with blood
tests is
recommended
for
long-term
use.
· 5-HTP has
IMPROVED
effects when
taken with
St. John’s
wort, SAMe
and
tryptophan.
· Taking
excess
Griffonia
can lead to
a build up
of serotonin
in the brain
and a
condition
known as
serotonin
sickness.
Symptoms
include:
agitation,
confusion,
headache,
sweating,
poor
coordination,
high fever,
loss of
consciousness,
seizures and
irregular
heartbeat.
If these
symptoms
occur,
please seek
emergency
medical
attention.
· Side
effects can
include:
constipation,
gas, nausea,
drowsiness,
and reduced
sex drive.
· Do not
combine
Griffonia
with
conventional
antidepressant
medications,
as serious
side effects
can occur.
· Do not
use
Griffonia
within 4
weeks of
taking a MAO
inhibitor
medication.
·
The safety
of
supplementation
is not known
for women
who are
pregnant or
nursing. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2012. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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