Nat & Form Griffonia is a dietary supplement made from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract, standardized to contain 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the direct precursor to serotonin in the body. Griffonia supports brain function.
Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) is a climbing shrub native to West Africa whose black seeds naturally contain high levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan, better known by its abbreviation 5-HTP. This molecule is the direct precursor to serotonin in the body. The seed extract in this product is standardized: four capsules provide 300 mg of extract, including 45 mg of 5-HTP, for a 15% concentration. This is what sets it apart from simply ground seed powder, where the content varies from batch to batch.
Griffonia supports brain function. This is the area in which the plant is valued, and 5-HTP plays a role that is easy to understand: the body converts it into serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters of the central nervous system. This conversion requires a cofactor, vitamin B6, which we’ll discuss further below. Griffonia is also available in other dosage forms—liquid extracts, lozenges, and lower-dose capsules—which you’ll find in our selection of griffonia-based supplements.
The plant has also beenused traditionally for a long time in West Africa, where its seeds have been used for generations. Taking four capsules spread out throughout the day rather than all at once in the morning helps minimize the digestive discomfort some people experience with 5-HTP and spreads the intake over the course of the day.
The weeks when life picks up pace are precisely when people are most likely to consider this type of regimen: returning to work after vacation, exam season, or a back-to-back schedule of deadlines. Sixty capsules last exactly two weeks, making this a short-term, supplemental regimen without a commitment spanning several months. A persistent decline in mood, however, requires a medical consultation rather than a dietary supplement.
Vitamin B6 is therefore worth considering as a complementary supplement: it acts as a cofactor for the enzyme that converts 5-HTP into serotonin, and it contributes to normal psychological functions as well as the normal functioning of the nervous system. When combined with magnesium, it logically complements a Griffonia regimen. For this purpose, we recommend Nat & Form Magnesium + B6.
Directions for Use
Take 4 capsules daily, swallowed with a large glass of water between meals.
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Precautions
Ingredients
Maltodextrin, Griffonia seed extract* (Griffonia simplicifolia) standardized to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Capsule shell: bovine gelatin.
*Non-EU agriculture.
Nutritional Information for Nat & Form Griffonia 300 mg
| Composition per 4 capsules | Amount |
|---|---|
| Griffonia seed extract | 300 mg |
| of which 5-HTP | 45 mg |
Packaging
Pill bottle containing 60 capsules, sufficient for a 15-day course.
There is one key precaution to be aware of with this product, and it is significant: 5-HTP feeds the serotonin pathway. Antidepressants are the most well-known contraindication, but the actual list is longer, and this is what we verify at the counter: MAOIs, tramadol, migraine triptans, dextromethorphan in cough syrups, linezolid, lithium, St. John’s wort, and Parkinson’s disease medications. Combining these medications can cause serotonin toxicity, which manifests as confusion, agitation, sweating, and muscle twitching. If you’re taking any medication at all, please show us your prescription before opening your pill organizer. People with high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, scleroderma, or Down syndrome must also consult a doctor.
Regarding the course of treatment, this pill dispenser holds a 15-day supply, which we consider to be the appropriate amount. There is no solid safety data on the long-term use of 5-HTP, so we recommend treating these 15 days as a trial rather than the start of a three-month course of treatment. Check in with us before renewing your supply, and take the capsules with meals: this is the best way to minimize the nausea and drowsiness associated with this active ingredient. If your mood remains low beyond a few weeks, or if your sleep quality deteriorates, the right course of action is to consult a doctor, not to start a second course of treatment.
Can I take Nat & Form Griffonia 300 mg if I’m on antidepressants?
No. This is the main contraindication for this supplement, and this precaution applies to all serotonergic medications: MAOIs, tramadol, triptans, dextromethorphan, linezolid, lithium, and St. John’s wort. Combining these poses a risk of serotonin overload. Prior medical advice is essential, without exception.
How long does a bottle of Nat & Form Griffonia 300 mg last?
Fifteen days. The pill pack contains 60 capsules, and the recommended dosage is 4 capsules per day, taken with meals. Whether to refill the prescription should be discussed with a pharmacist rather than done automatically.
Can I combine Nat & Form Griffonia 300 mg with another supplement?
It depends on the other supplement’s ingredients. A second product containing 5-HTP, tryptophan, saffron, or St. John’s wort would duplicate the same metabolic pathway and is not recommended. Combining it with magnesium and vitamin B6, however, poses fewer issues.
Is Nat & Form Griffonia 300 mg suitable for a vegetarian diet?
No. The capsule shell is made of bovine gelatin, which excludes this supplement from vegetarian, vegan, and certain religious diets. A vegetarian capsule or liquid extract is therefore a suitable alternative.
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