5-hydroxytryptophan

**5-hydroxytryptophan (commonly known as 5-HTP)** is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan. It is produced commercially from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. As a supplement, it is used to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which may influence mood, sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and behavior. Its primary mechanism involves serving as a direct precursor to serotonin by crossing the blood-brain barrier and being decarboxylated to serotonin in presynaptic neurons. While it has been studied for depression (with some evidence suggesting possible effectiveness), its use for other conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, obesity/weight loss, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, headaches/migraines, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Down syndrome, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, Alzheimer's disease-related symptoms and sleep disorders remains less substantiated or unproven. It is not FDA-approved for any indication[1][2][3][4][8].

Brand names

5-HTP Mood and Stress5-HTP

Other names

5-hydroxytryptophanL-5-HydroxytryptophanL5-HydroxytryptophanL 5-HydroxytryptophanL-5HTPL5HTPL 5HTPOxitriptan