Ingredients

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

5-HTP · L-5-hydroxytryptophan · Griffonia simplicifolia · Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring, non-proteinogenic amino acid that appears as an intermediate in L-tryptophan metabolism. In the body it is formed from tryptophan and is then further converted to 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) as part of a well-described biochemical pathway. In supplements, 5-HTP is commonly used either as an isolated ingredient or as a standardised constituent from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, where extracts may be assayed to different 5-HTP percentages (e.g., 20–98%). The raw material is typically supplied as an off-white to light powder and then formulated into capsules, tablets, or measured powders. On labels it may appear as “5-HTP” or as “Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract” with the declared amount of 5-HTP per serving. In cosmetics, 5-HTP use is less common and is generally limited to specialised formulations where a precisely identified chemical substance is required.