Griffonia simplicifolia seeds extract rich in 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan reduces infection and inflammation in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Abstract Background Griffonia simplicifolia seeds extracts, generally prepared by maceration, are most commonly used in food supplements intended for mental well-being promotion due to the high content of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), direct serotonin precursor. As 5-HTP is involved in many different biochemical pathways, other applications of G. simplicifolia seed extracts were investigated. Considering the well-known serotonin immunomodulatory activity, the object of this study was to optimize 5-HTP yield by a new extraction procedure, exploit its immunomodulatory activity in a preclinical model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) for its responsiveness to immunomodulation, and formulate the extract in a suitable vaginal formulation. Methods High-power ultrasonic technique (HPU) was used for the first time to obtain an extract from Griffonia seeds (GSE-HPU). The amount of 5-HTP was measured by UHPLC–MS/MS. The extract was assessed in C57BL/6 mice model intravaginally infected with C. albicans. Results The results showed that the new extraction procedure greatly increased 5-HTP yield (82.8% w/w of the extract weight); formulated in “tablets for vaginal solution” properly characterized, the GSE-HPU showed a remarkable protective activity in VVC as reduces inflammation, tissue pathology, and fungal growth. Conclusions The protective efficacy of GSE-HPU in VVC suggests its potential use in vaginal infections and associated inflammatory pathology.