5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

Derived from the seeds of the African Griffonia simplicifolia plant, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) converts in the body to serotonin, the sleep hormone.* Boosted 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase production, facilitating sleep and elevating feelings of well-being.* There's also evidence that 5-Hydroxytryptophan actually "resets" (normalizes) the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, keeping you sensitized to its effects.*

What Is 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)?

Derived from the seeds of the African Griffonia simplicifolia plant, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) converts in the body to serotonin, the sleep hormone.* Boosted 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase production, facilitating sleep and elevating feelings of well-being.* There's also evidence that 5-Hydroxytryptophan actually "resets" (normalizes) the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, keeping you sensitized to its effects.*

Benefits of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

  • Promotes feelings of tranquility and well-being*
  • Supports healthy sleep cycles*
  • Reduces desire for carbohydrates*

What You Need to Know About 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-Hydroxytryptophan is the direct precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, and it works by simply elevating levels of this neurotransmitter. Why is this important? When you diet, serotonin levels drop significantly, causing carbohydrate cravings that lead to eating three boxes of cookies after working so hard to stay "strict" all week.

Because 5-HTP increases serotonin production, numerous studies show it aids in weight loss and drastically reduces carbohydrate cravings and intake. It's also well documented that 5-HTP can elevate mood.

Products Containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

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Research on 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

  1. Maes M et al. Effects of serotonin precursors on the negative feedback effects of glucocorticoids on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1995;20(2):149-67. doi: 10.1016/0306-4530(94)00049-g.
  2. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80.
  3. Maffei ME. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Dec 26;22(1):181. doi: 10.3390/ijms22010181.
  4. Cangiano C et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992a;56(5):863-867
  5. Cangiano C et al. 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) and eating behavior in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. NIDDP Neuro Endocrinol Lett 1992;14:274
  6. Cangiano C et al. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1998;22(7):648-654

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.