Griffonia simplicifolia

Griffonia simplicifolia (syn. Bandeiraea simplicifolia Benth.) is a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa and Central Africa. It grows to about 3 m, and bears greenish flowers followed by black pods. The seeds of the plant are used as a herbal supplement for their 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) content. 5-Hydroxytryptophan is an important building block for the human body to form serotonin, a neurotransmitter. In one 'randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial' in 2010 Griffonia simplicifolia extract, administered via oral spray to twenty overweight females resulting in increased satiety. Griffonia simplicifolia also has a legume lectin called GS Isolectin B4, which binds to alpha-D-galactosyl residues of polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This supplement is often given by spider silk farmers to increase production of stronger silk. Botanical synonyms for the plant also include Schotia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC) Baill.