5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan, oxitriptan · Griffonia simplicifolia
A compound the body makes from tryptophan and uses as a direct precursor to serotonin.
Medically reviewed by Rayna Dvorak, ND, LAc
At a glance
| What it is | Amino-acid derivative and serotonin precursor |
| Where it’s from | Griffonia simplicifolia seeds |
| Main roles | Precursor in serotonin synthesis |
| Common forms | Capsules, tablets |
| Key caution | Serotonergic; risky with certain drugs |
| Individualized guidance | Use only with clinician guidance |
What it is
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate the body naturally makes from the amino acid tryptophan on the way to producing serotonin. Supplements are typically extracted from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
How it works in the body
5-HTP crosses into the brain and is converted by an enzyme into serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite regulation. Because it raises serotonin availability, it carries meaningful interaction risks. The extent and consistency of clinical effects are debated, and some proposed benefits remain theoretical.
What it’s commonly studied or used for
Evidence varies by use. Ratings describe the strength of human research, not a promise of benefit for any individual.
| Area | What the evidence suggests | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mood support | Studied for emotional wellbeing; evidence mixed and short-term | Mixed |
| Sleep support | Explored as a serotonin/melatonin precursor | Preliminary |
| Appetite/satiety support | Some studies on fullness; preliminary | Preliminary |
| Occasional stress support | Via serotonergic pathways | Insufficient |
Food and natural sources
5-HTP itself is not meaningfully present in foods. Its precursor tryptophan is found in protein foods such as poultry, dairy, eggs, soy, seeds, and nuts.
Available forms
| Form | General notes | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules | Common standardized dosing | Serotonergic; check interactions |
| Enteric-coated tablets | May reduce stomach upset | — |
| With vitamin B6 | B6 is a cofactor in conversion | Still carries serotonergic risk |
Typical use & dosing context
Studies have used a range of daily amounts, often divided and sometimes taken with food to reduce nausea. Because of serotonin-related risks, 5-HTP should be used only with clinician guidance, never combined with serotonergic medications without oversight.
Safety, side effects & who should use caution
- Serotonergic: risk of serotonin syndrome with certain drugs
- Never combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or triptans without clinician oversight
- Common side effects: nausea, GI upset, drowsiness
- Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a clinician advises
- Historical concerns about contaminant-related illness make quality critical
- Do not combine with other serotonergic supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort)
- Discuss before surgery due to anesthesia interactions
- Stop and seek care for agitation, rapid heartbeat, or confusion
“Natural” does not mean risk-free. Amounts safe for one person can be inappropriate for another.
Medication & supplement interactions
| Interacts with | Nature of the interaction |
|---|---|
| Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) | Additive serotonin activity risking serotonin syndrome; avoid without clinician oversight |
| Triptans and tramadol | Serotonergic combination increasing serotonin-syndrome risk |
| Carbidopa / Parkinson’s medications | Reported interactions; use only under clinician guidance |
| St. John’s wort or other serotonergic supplements | Compounded serotonergic effect; avoid stacking |
Quality & product selection
Given historical contamination concerns, choose 5-HTP from reputable brands with third-party testing for purity and contaminants. Verify Griffonia sourcing and standardized content.
Find practitioner-grade 5-HTP in Dr. Rayna’s Fullscript dispensary →
Explore practitioner-selected options
Where appropriate, Dr. Rayna may maintain practitioner-curated products or public wellness protocols through Fullscript. Inclusion of a product does not mean it is right for you.
Unsure whether 5-HTP fits your health history?
Supplement plans are most useful when they reflect your medications, labs, symptoms, and goals.
Common questions
Not without explicit clinician oversight. Combining serotonergic agents can cause dangerous serotonin syndrome.
No. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor; serotonin can feed into melatonin production, but they are different compounds.
B6 is a cofactor for converting 5-HTP to serotonin, though this does not remove interaction risks.
Long-term safety is not well established. Use, if any, should be short-term and clinician-supervised.
Related supplements & topics
References
- Natural Medicines database
- Memorial Sloan Kettering — About Herbs
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Educational only. This profile is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a provider–patient relationship. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement based on this page without guidance from a licensed clinician. For emergencies, call 911.
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