Griffonia simplicifolia is a plant growing in western African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. In the traditional therapeutic application of those countries, the leaf and juice of the plant can be used for the treatment of wounds and nephropathy, and also as enema and aphrodisiac, while the comminuted bark can be made into ointment for the treatment of diseases like chancroid etc. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the main active component of the Griffonia simplicifolia seed ,is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. The natural ingredient can be used in anti-hypochondria, weight loss, relieving PMS, curing hemicrania and abstaining from addiction.