Griffonia ( Griffonia simplicifolia ) is a plant native to central-western Africa belonging to the Leguminosae family.
Widely used in ancient African tradition to heal wounds and kidney disorders, today it is recognized as a remedy for depression, anxiety and insomnia. Let's discover the characteristics and side effects of griffonia .
Griffonia: characteristics and properties
Griffonia is a large woody shrub with greenish flowers, gathered in inflorescences and black beans-like seeds (in fact, it is also called African bean).
The seeds of griffonia contain 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter useful for regulating mood, sleep and appetite.
Griffonia is therefore a natural antidepressant, also useful for controlling nervous hunger and regularizing the sleep-wake cycle
The side effects of Griffonia
Griffonia can be taken regularly without causing any particular side effects. In fact, there are few cases of people who, following the assumption of griffonia, present:
- nausea,
- bloating,
- stomach ache,
- redness of the skin.
These side effects are mostly due to the body's need to get used to this new substance, therefore they generally disappear in a few weeks.
In any case, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor before using griffonia and to avoid it completely in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
