Native to West Africa, the Griffonia shrub produces an oval pod containing seeds traditionally eaten as vegetables and said to provoke a slightly aphrodisiac feeling of well-being. Researchers discovered that this "plant of happiness" actually contained a very particular amino acid - 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor which is an essential neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep and nervous reactions. In cosmetics, Griffonia seeds are used for relaxing purposes.