Quality control and 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan) analysis of Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill.) seed accessions collected in Ghana

Griffonia, Griffonia simplicifolia DC. Baill., is an important West African medicinal plant because the seeds contain high concentrations of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) which are extracted and then purified for use in the dietary supplemental market as an antidepressant, for anxiety, treating fibromyalgia, insomnia and weight loss. Griffonia seeds were collected from 16 key Griffonia collection and trading centers around Ghana and investigated for their quality characteristics. The collection of different populations provided preliminary information on the natural variation that could be expected as expressed either by genetics and environment in order to develop quality control recommendations and product specification ranges for the raw seed. The seeds were physicochemically characterized and the content of 5-HTP in seeds from each population and collection site were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography suggesting seed characteristics and 5-HTP content that should be considered as the standard methods and levels for the quality control of Griffonia seeds.