5-Hydroxytryptophan from Griffonia simplicifolia seed. Supports mood balance, restful sleep, healthy appetite, and muscle comfort. Two capsules daily, 20–30 minutes before a meal. Clean four-ingredient formula.
Serotonin is one of the brain’s most important signaling molecules — influencing mood, sleep, appetite, and how we experience physical comfort. The body makes serotonin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. But tryptophan has to compete with many other amino acids for transport across the blood-brain barrier, which limits how much actually reaches the brain. 5-HTP bypasses that competition entirely. As the direct metabolic step between tryptophan and serotonin, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier readily and converts to serotonin with high efficiency. That’s why it’s a more targeted approach than tryptophan supplementation alone. We chose the Griffonia simplicifolia source specifically — it’s the most well-researched plant-based source of 5-HTP, with a long track record of use in clinical studies on mood, sleep, and appetite regulation. The formula is intentionally minimal: 5-HTP, Calcium (as a cofactor that supports serotonin synthesis), and clean capsule excipients. No synthetic additives, no proprietary blends, no unnecessary fillers. This is a sensitive category — mood support deserves a clean, honest formula. One important note: because 5-HTP directly influences serotonin levels, it is not appropriate for everyone. Anyone taking prescription antidepressants, SSRIs, or MAOIs should consult their physician before use. We’ve made this prominent in our safety section because it matters.
Description
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is the immediate precursor to serotonin — the neurotransmitter that plays a central role in emotional balance, sleep quality, appetite regulation, and physical comfort. Unlike tryptophan, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently and converts directly to serotonin, making it one of the most targeted natural approaches to serotonin support available.
Sourced from Griffonia simplicifolia seed — the most clinically studied plant-based source of 5-HTP — this clean, four-ingredient formula supports a balanced mood, restful sleep, healthy satiety signals, and muscle comfort. Two capsules daily, taken before a meal.
Note: 5-HTP has important interactions with certain medications. Please read the Safety Information section carefully before use.
What This Supports
Mood & Emotional Balance
Supports normal serotonin production to help maintain a positive outlook, emotional resilience, and a sense of calm well-being throughout the day.
Restful Sleep
Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin — the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. 5-HTP supplementation may support natural sleep onset and sleep quality.
Appetite & Weight Management
Serotonin plays a role in satiety signaling. 5-HTP has been studied for its potential to support healthy appetite regulation and promote feelings of fullness.
Muscle Comfort
Serotonin is present in muscle tissue and plays a role in regulating muscular comfort and relaxation, supporting improved daily physical function.
How 5-HTP Works
5-HTP works by providing the brain with a direct, highly bioavailable precursor to serotonin — one step closer to the finished neurotransmitter than dietary tryptophan. Understanding the pathway helps explain why it supports such a wide range of functions.
- The Serotonin Pathway: Dietary tryptophan → 5-HTP → Serotonin → Melatonin. 5-HTP occupies the critical middle step. It crosses the blood-brain barrier without competing with other amino acids, and is rapidly converted to serotonin by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. This makes supplementation efficient and predictable.
- Mood & Emotional Balance: Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, emotional stability, and a sense of well-being. Supporting healthy serotonin levels through 5-HTP has been the subject of numerous clinical studies on mood and emotional balance.
- Sleep — Serotonin to Melatonin Conversion: In the pineal gland, serotonin is converted to melatonin by two enzymatic steps. Adequate serotonin availability is a prerequisite for healthy melatonin production. By supporting serotonin levels, 5-HTP can help support the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Appetite Regulation: Serotonin produced in the gastrointestinal tract plays a key role in satiety signaling. Higher serotonin activity in the gut is associated with reduced food intake and a greater sense of fullness, which is why 5-HTP has been studied in the context of appetite and weight management.
- Calcium as Cofactor: The conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin requires the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, which depends on pyridoxal phosphate (B6) and functions optimally in the presence of calcium. Calcium Carbonate is included in this formula to support the enzymatic conversion pathway.
How to Use
Suggested Use: Take two (2) capsules once daily as a dietary supplement. For best results, take 20–30 minutes before a meal with an 8 oz (236 ml) glass of water, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
- Taking before a meal on a relatively empty stomach improves absorption — food competition is reduced when the stomach isn’t processing a full meal
- If sleep support is the primary goal, consider taking before your evening meal or 1–2 hours before bed to support the serotonin-to-melatonin conversion cycle
- Allow 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use for mood and sleep benefits to build to their full effect
- Do not take with other serotonergic supplements (such as St. John’s Wort) or medications without physician guidance — see Safety Information
Ingredients
Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate), 5-Hydroxytryptophan (from Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract).
Other Ingredients
Gelatin (capsule), Magnesium Stearate.
Quality Standards
5-HTP sourced from Griffonia simplicifolia seed — the most clinically studied plant-based source. Calcium included as an enzymatic cofactor for serotonin synthesis. Clean four-ingredient formula. No synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, or proprietary blends. Capsule shell is bovine gelatin — not vegan. Selected by MirthPlus and vetted for our quality standards.
Safety Information
⚠ Critical — Medication Interactions: 5-HTP directly influences serotonin levels in the brain. Taking 5-HTP alongside antidepressants, SSRIs (such as fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram), SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic medications can cause a potentially serious condition known as Serotonin Syndrome. Do NOT use this product if you are currently taking any of these medications without explicit physician approval and supervision.
- ⚠ SSRIs & Antidepressants: Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or MAOIs significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. If you are on any prescription medication for mood, anxiety, or depression, consult your physician before use — this is not optional.
- ⚠ St. John’s Wort & Other Serotonergic Supplements: Do not combine with St. John’s Wort, SAMe, L-Tryptophan, or other supplements that influence serotonin without physician guidance.
- ⚠ Pregnancy & Nursing: Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. Serotonin plays an important developmental role; supplementation is not appropriate without direct physician supervision.
- ⚠ Parkinson’s Disease: Individuals taking carbidopa (used in Parkinson’s treatment) should not use 5-HTP without physician approval, as the combination may cause nausea or other adverse effects.
- ⚠ Surgery: Discontinue use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, as 5-HTP may interact with anesthetic and pain medications used during surgical procedures.
- ⚠ Children: Not intended for use by children under 18. Keep out of reach of children.
- ⚠ Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing.
⚠ General Notice: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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