Abstract
Griffonia simplicifolia D.C (Baill.) (Fabaceae) seeds are unusually high (6-20% wet weight) in 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), a serotonin precursor widely used to treat depression. Consequently, this species is regarded as a herbal "Prozac®". Contemporary use as an anti-depressant contrasts with traditional uses for insecticides, arachnicides, fodder, dyes, mordants and chewing-sticks. G. simplicifolia seeds are wild-harvested for the export trade. Over the past 15 years, use of 5-HTP extracted from G. simplicifolia in cosmetics has added to global demand. Wild populations in West Africa are the sole commercial source of G. simplicifolia seed. Were to (i) assess the scale of the global trade in G. simplicifolia seeds and (ii) produce a synthesis of the challenges facing sustainable harvest of G. simplicifolia. Firstly, we analysed global trade data for G. simplicifolia, taking into account historical trends over the past 40 years. Secondly, we reviewed published studies on the distribution, population biology and harvest impacts of wild G. simplicifolia populations. s: Wild G. simplicifolia populations have been the focus of commercial harvest of their pods (for seeds) for international trade from West Africa for almost 50 years. In the late 1980's, when Ghana exported 75-80 metric tonnes (MT) of G. simplicifolia seed to Europe, this species was already Ghana's main medicinal plant export. Currently, 5 West African countries export G. simplicifolia seeds (Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo). Although in the 1980's, most seed exports were to Europe, today China is the main importer of G. simplicifolia seed. These seeds are value-added for production of 5-HTP extracts, and then re-exported, particularly to North America (c.48% of exports). The low habitat specificity and vigorous re-sprouting of G. simplicifolia after cutting, plus its occurrence in forest reserves and national parks confer some resilience on wild populations. Sustaining future supply chains faces six future challenges, however: (1) Rapid loss of forest habitats; (2) Declining populations of understorey birds and disruption of G. simplicifolia pollination in this bird pollinated species; (3) Negative effects of introduced invasive plant species (Broussonetia papyrifera, Chromolaena odorata) on G. simplicifolia regeneration; (4) Grazing by livestock and use of G. simplicifolia leaves as forage; (5) The long-term impact of industrial scale seed "predation": Over a 9-year period (2005-2013), G. simplicifolia exports from Ghana totalled at least 5550 metric tonnes (or between 9.1 billion to 13.5 billion seeds). This could affect the long-term population dynamics of this species, which produces a low number of seeds per pod (1-4 seeds) and has short distance (ballistic) seed dispersal; and (6) Destructive harvest methods, when plants are cut to harvest get the seed pods. Improved resource management, monitoring, quality control and careful pricing are important if supply chains from wild stocks are to be maintained. If wild populations decline, then 5-HTP biosynthesis may compete with low G. simplicifolia seed yields, leading to loss of income to West African harvesters and traders.
Full Text
Topics from this Paper
Simplicifolia Seeds
Metric Tonnes
Populations In West Africa
Broussonetia Papyrifera
Improved Resource Management
+ Show 5 more
Create a personalized feed of these topics
Get StartedTalk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Jan 1, 2016
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Oct 1, 2018
Molecules
Mar 15, 2019
Archives of Virology
May 5, 2016
African Journal of Ecology
May 7, 2016
Aquatic Ecology
Nov 27, 2019
North American Journal of Fisheries Management
Aug 1, 2009
Molecular Ecology
Feb 18, 2017
AGRICA
Jul 22, 2020
Aquaculture
Apr 1, 2003
OALib
Jan 1, 2020
BMC Plant Biology
Jul 24, 2012
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Dec 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Dec 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Dec 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Dec 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Dec 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Nov 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Nov 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Nov 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Nov 1, 2023
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Nov 1, 2023