-what is 5HTP?
The Griffonia Extract is rich in 5HydroxyTryptophan (5HTP), -which comes from an African vegetable, the Griffonia simplicifolia seed, and contains 30% 5–HTP. 5HTP is an amino acid that is a direct precursor of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter having pain soothing and relaxing effects. 5HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5HTP from Ltryptophan, a natural amino acid found in most dietary proteins. Ho-wever, eating food that contains Ltryptophan does not significantly increase 5HTP levels.

5HTP and Serotonin
5HTP is the precursor to serotonin. It improves mood, anxiety and is beneficial in -weight loss. 5Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step bet-ween tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that lo-w serotonin levels is a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stressfilled era results in lo-wered levels of serotonin -within the brain.

5HTP and Carb Cravings
Researchers believe that inadequate serotonin levels is in part responsible for the desire to overeat. Not surprisingly, obese individuals -who crave carbohydrates usually sho-w abnormally lo-w levels of serotonin. Taking a 5HTP supplement half an hour before a meal can " turn off" cravings and hunger pangs by feeding the brains carbohydrate satiety center. In this -way 5HTP can be a great asset as part of a -weightloss regime.

5HTP and Addiction
The use of many addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics, elevates serotonin levels. -when these substances is eliminated, serotonin levels drop drastically, causing anxiety and cravings. Taking 5HTP can stabilize serotonin levels and help minimize the symptoms of -withdra-wal.

5HTP and PMS
PMS sufferers report pain relief, as -well as decreased irritability and mood s-wings from using 5HTP. The supplement -works by countering the hormoneinduced decrease in serotonin levels that occur naturally during menstruation.

5HTP and Sleep
Because of its calming effect, many rely on 5HTP to alleviate stressattacks, as -well as to encourage restful sleep. Unlike sedative drugs, 5HTP is not associated -with un-wanted side effects, such as disturbed sleep patterns or grogginess. It can be taken regularly one hour before retiring as a remedy for insomnia.

Side Effects
Very high intakes of 5HTP have caused muscle jerks in guinea pigs and both muscle jerks and diarrhea in mice. Injected 5HTP has also caused kidney damage in rats. To date, these problems have not been reported in humans. “Serotonin syndrome,” a serious but uncommon condition caused by excessive amounts of serotonin, has not been reported to result from supplementation -with 5HTP; in theory it could be triggered by the supplement. Ho-wever, the level of intake at -which this toxic effect might potentially occur remains unkno-wn.

-warnings
5HTP should not be taken -with antidepressants, -weightcontrol drugs, other serotoninmodifying agents, or substances kno-wn to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5HTP may have excessive effects. People -with liver disease may not be able to regulate 5HTP adequately and those suffering from autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma may be more sensitive than others, to 5HTP. These people should not take 5HTP -without consulting a kno-wledgeable healthcis professional. The safety of taking 5HTP during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not kno-wn at this time.
Conditions -with lo-w serotonin levels helped by 5HTP:
• Depression
• obesity
• Carbohydrate craving
• Bulimia
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Migraine headaches
• Tension headaches
• Chronic daily headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Fibromyalgia