Mood swings: how to deal with them with Griffonia simplicifolia

Mood swings  

Moments of mood swings can occur in life. The causes can be varied: an unsatisfactory life, challenges to face, tiredness, problems in the family or at work. However, it is important to know that mood can also be influenced by an important hormone, serotonin, also called the 'feel-good hormone'.  

The importance of serotonin on mood  

Serotonin is a hormone and also a neurotransmitter involved in the function of several organs in the body: brain, intestines, nervous system and in the blood.
Its presence or deficiency in the body affects mood, the sleep-wake cycle, hunger and pain perception, concentration and sexual activity. When serotonin is deficient, we can also suffer from depression. Serotonin is also a precursor of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake rhythms. This is why a serotonin deficiency can lead to sleep disorders.  

Help from food

Serotonin is contained in an amino acid, tryptophan, which is contained in certain foods that we can introduce into our diet when we experience mood swings: nuts, eggs, salmon, cheese, tofu, pineapple, cocoa, green leafy vegetables.

But it is not enough to choose these foods in order to obtain good serotonin levels, as the tryptophan they contain is synthesised with carbohydrates. Ideally, the above foods should be eaten with cereals: rice, oats, buckwheat, spelt or other foods made from wholemeal flour.

Griffonia simplicifolia and 5-HTP

Griffonia simplicifolia is a tropical plant native to Africa. Also called the 'African bean' because of the shape of its bean-like pods, it is known for the properties of its seeds.

Griffonia simplicifolia seeds contain 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), an intermediate metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan, a useful precursor of serotonin.

The metabolite 5-HTP extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia is found in supplement form and may be useful for coping with:

• mood swings due to the change of season or difficult and painful events,
• sleep disorders,
• excessive hunger, including nervousness,
• relieve painful conditions such as certain types of headache or some symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Warnings and contraindications

A 5-http supplement has potential negative interactions with other drugs. Always seek the advice of your doctor before taking it. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

Article written in collaboration with BenessereCorpoMente.it

Sources and insights

PubMed, 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor

PubMed, 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial

PubMed, Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway