Wrap yourself in Nature’s Serenity: Griffonia Simplicifolia, the natural source of 5-HTP
It’s 6am, your alarm startles you awake! You’re tired because you didn’t sleep well and you’re not ready for the frenzy of morning routines. As you caffeinate, the challenges pile up: uncooperative kids, a mischievous dog, not to mention the morning traffic. By the time you get to work you have another coffee and can’t resist the chocolate croissants someone decided to bring in. “Start the diet tomorrow”, you think. By midday, you're battling sugar cravings, battling fatigue, and wrestling with stress-induced knots in your shoulders - you doubt whether a jackhammer can loosen these knots! A persistent headache threatens to overshadow your day, and the realisation dawns that your dinner plans have crumbled, likely leading to yet another indulgence, perhaps in the form of pizza.
At last, night falls and the world around you becomes quiet, but your mind refuses to follow suit. Despite tiredness you felt all day, you find yourself wide awake. You wonder if there’s a way out.
If any of this sounds familiar, then keep reading…
Nature’s Gift: Griffonia Simplicifolia Seeds
Just as the seed pods of Griffonia simplicifolia safely encase their seeds, offering protection and tranquillity, so too can those seeds gently cradle your well-being, guiding you from the chaos of today to the calm of tomorrow. The seeds of this African plant are very high in a natural compound called 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) which is converted in our body to serotonin and eventually melatonin (Maffei, 2020). Serotonin is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) involved in the modulation of mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, sleep, and appetite. Melatonin is important for a good night’s rest.
Imagine waking up feeling totally refreshed. You’re all set to tackle the day with a new burst of energy. Picture yourself handling all the challenges that come your way, your shoulders relaxed, and your mind sharp. See yourself confidently saying no to those pesky cravings, opting for choices that not only satisfy your body but also nourish your soul. It’s all about embracing that positive change!
Relax those tense shoulders:
In a study conducted on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, a condition characterised by muscular pains, 5-HTP showcased its efficacy and tolerability, significantly improving all clinical parameters studied. Patients experienced relief without daunting side-effects, paving the way for a brighter, pain-free tomorrow (Caruso et al., 1990).
Ease your head:
Chronic tension-type headaches stealing your peace of mind? Imagine a life where migraines are reduced, and the number of headache-ridden days dwindles. A parallel, randomised, double-blind trial demonstrated that 5-HTP effectively decreased the consumption of analgesics and headache days, bringing you closer to those tranquil, headache-free nights (Ribeiro, 2000).
Sleep tight:
5-HTP acts as a gentle lullaby, crossing the blood-brain barrier to boost serotonin levels. Serotonin is eventually converted into melatonin which is crucial for peaceful sleep. Imagine a night where restlessness is replaced by deep slumber, all thanks to 5-HTP’s calming touch (Maffei, 2020).
Better moods and less cravings:
Ever felt like your mood needed a boost? 5-HTP might be your solution. This natural compound, converting to serotonin in your body, has been linked to improved mood balance. Picture yourself free from the shackles of anxiety and depression, navigating life’s challenges with resilience (Turner & Blackwell, 2006).
5-HTP, when paired with reduced calorie intake, acts as your ally against the relentless cravings. It increases satiety, making you feel full, curbing the desire for excessive calories. Allowing you the satisfaction of making mindful dietary choices, nurturing your body while embracing a healthier you (Rondanelli et al., 2009 & 2012).
Embracing Serenity: Your Path to Wellness
Serenity is not just a dream; it’s a reality waiting to embrace you. With the natural serenity held safely in the seed pods of Griffonia Simplicifolia, your path to wellness is illuminated. Embrace it, for within its tranquillity lies the promise of a brighter, calmer, and healthier tomorrow.
References:
Birdsall, T. C. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(4), 271–280. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9727088
Caruso, I., et al. (1990). Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. The Journal of International Medical Research, 18(3), 201–209. https://doi.org/10.1177/030006059001800304
Maffei M. E. (2020). 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(1), 181. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010181
Ribeiro, C. A. (2000). L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Headache, 40(6), 451–456. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2000.00067.x
Rondanelli, M., et al. (2009). Satiety and amino-acid profile in overweight women after a new treatment using a natural plant extract sublingual spray formulation. International Journal of Obesity, 33(10), 1174–1182. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.155
Rondanelli, M., Opizzi, A., Faliva, M., Bucci, M., & Perna, S. (2012). Relationship between the absorption of 5-hydroxytryptophan from an integrated diet, by means of Griffonia simplicifolia extract, and the effect on satiety in overweight females after oral spray administration. Eating and Weight Disorders: Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, 17(1), e22–e28. https://doi.org/10.3275/8165
Turner, E.H., Loftis, J.M. and Blackwell, A.D., 2006. Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 109(3), pp.325-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.06.004