Research Article
Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Traditional Uses of Griffonia simplicifolia (DC.) Baill. (Fabaceae) in Togo: Focus on Seed Oil
Dandonougbo Koffi*,
Ameyran Koami,
Souho Tiatou,
Kadanga Mawabena,
Kilimou Pyalo Magnoudewa,
Dandonougbo Novignon,
Dandonougbo Tossavi,
Melila Mamatchi
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
118-127
Received:
11 July 2026
Accepted:
28 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Background and objective. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody vine found in the secondary forests of West and Central Africa. Its seeds are an important source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, and contain an oil rich in linoleic acid. Traditional knowledge and uses of this oil remain poorly documented. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge relating to the species in Togo, with a particular focus on the seed oil. Methods. A snowball sampling survey was conducted using a KoBoToolbox questionnaire. Of the 262 respondents, 186 knowledgeable informants (71 per cent) were selected. Negative responses were also analysed to assess the geographical distribution of knowledge. Results. A marked regional contrast was observed: 66.4 per cent of positive responses in the Maritime region compared with 4.6 per cent in the Kara region, consistent with the coastal distribution of the species described in the literature. Leaves were the most frequently cited part (76.3 per cent), ahead of seeds (29.6 per cent), pods (17.7 per cent), flowers (11.8 per cent) and bark or stem (5.9 per cent). The leaves are mainly used as livestock feed. Only 17.7 per cent of informants described oil extraction, by pressing, solvent extraction or maceration, with yields ranging from 30 to 80 per cent. The main therapeutic uses relate to nervous disorders, wounds and skin conditions. Conclusion. This study provides the first overview of ethnobotanical knowledge of Griffonia simplicifolia in Togo and highlights the limited understanding of its seed oil, justifying further research into its utilisation.
Abstract: Background and objective. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody vine found in the secondary forests of West and Central Africa. Its seeds are an important source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, and contain an oil rich in linoleic acid. Traditional knowledge and uses of this oil remain poorly documented. This study aims to doc...
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