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.Serotonin plays an important role in the body specially as a neurotransmitter to transport signals between neurons in the nervous system. 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.

5-HTP has been studied and shown to be of benefit in the following conditions: primary fibromyalgia syndrome, Friedreich's ataxia, depression, anxiety, binge eating associated with obesity, and insomnia. There is no statistically significant difference between 5-HTP and placebo in treating chronic headaches (primary or otherwise).

The 5-HTP found in Griffonia simplicifolia extract is an important building block of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate appetite and mood. Griffonia extract boosts the production of serotonin and subsequently increases the effect the neurotransmitter has on the body. For this reason, this herb is touted for its versatility.