Investigating the effects of Griffonia simplicifolia on pain and sensitization in healthy volunteers

The Effect of Griffonia Simplicifolia on Pain Intensity, Central and Peripheral Sensitization, Painmodulation in Healthy Volunteers - A Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled, Cross-over Study

NA · Medical University of Graz · NCT06893822

This study is testing if a natural supplement called Griffonia simplicifolia can help reduce pain and sensitivity in healthy people.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Graz (other)
Locations1 site (Graz)
Trial IDNCT06893822 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study utilizes a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design to evaluate the effects of Griffonia simplicifolia, which contains the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), on pain intensity and sensitization mechanisms in healthy individuals. The study aims to explore how 5-HTP influences both peripheral and central sensitization, as well as descending inhibitory pathways, using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). By examining these effects, the research seeks to provide insights into the analgesic efficacy of 5-HTP and its potential applications in chronic pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy volunteers without chronic pain or significant medical conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, neurological disorders, or those taking certain medications like antidepressants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights into the treatment of chronic pain conditions through the modulation of serotonin levels.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some efficacy of 5-HTP in chronic pain conditions, but this specific approach in a human experimental pain model is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* renal or hepatic insufficiency
* neurological/dermatological/cardiovascular diseases
* chronic pain and/or use of analgesics
* intake of antidepressants
* intake of MAO inhibitors
* intake of sleep medication
* intake of St. John's wort
* allergy to Griffonia simplicifolia

Where this trial is running

Graz

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Pain, Central Sensitisation, Peripheral Sensitization, Neuroinflammatory Response, Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP, Peripheral Sensitisation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.