Griffonia Simplicifolia is an evergreen shrub in the Fabaceae family, that is native to west and central Africa. Griffonia Simplicifolia has brown-black branches with large leaves and pale green tubular flowers. The fruit of Griffonia Simplicifolia has pods that are green and black with an orange center – they are oblique/cylindrical in shape, and approximately 8cm long and 4cm wide.
While the stem, roots, and other parts of Griffonia Simplicifolia have been used for health various purposes, its ripe seeds can contain 10-15% 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), if dried, when measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
5-HTP is a substance that is naturally produced in the body from the amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP has the unique ability to not only increase serotonin levels in the brain, but also other neurotransmitters and chemicals in the central nervous system such as melatonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – these play roles in the body’s sleep-wake-cycle, reward-motivated behavior and pleasure, as well as the fight or flight response.
Sustainable Supply
Clean water, clean soil, and zero pesticides are used throughout the harvesting, transportation, and collection process. Out of care for the natural resources, we only harvest an amount of G. simplicifolia seed that is less than 70% of the total output in the organic area.
Sustainable People
We educate and train local Ghanaian farmers on how to harvest high quality G. simplicifolia seeds.
Making a Difference
We have recently donated school supplies including furniture and reading materials for 76 students at a local school in Ghana, Africa.
