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5-HTP 50 mg

Jarrow Formulas
4.6
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(1572 ratings)
5-HTP 50 mg
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Score79
50 mg of 5-HTP provides cautious serotonin-pathway support in a convenient format. The named Griffonia source helps, but missing standardization limits quality detail.
How scoring works
Quantity:90 Veggie Cap(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
Sleep Support
Mood Support
Stress Relief

Score 79

50 mg of 5-HTP provides cautious serotonin-pathway support in a convenient format. The named Griffonia source helps, but missing standardization limits quality detail.
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$12.30($0.13 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 14.99
Vitacost
$ 18.99
Daily Vita
$ 15.99
Amazon
$ 14.99
Daily Vita
$ 12.30
Vitacost
$ 17.69
iHerb
$ 19.26
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Analysis

A cautious 50 mg 5-HTP serving gives the formula a clear and focused role in serotonin-related mood and sleep support. The amount works as a conservative starting level but may be modest for someone seeking a pronounced standalone effect.

Griffonia simplicifolia is identified as the source, although no active standardization percentage is supplied. The veggie cap(s) format is convenient, but it does not add a disclosed release or absorption feature.

The simple design makes the active easy to judge, although it covers only one main pathway. Cost efficiency is a clear strength for the disclosed amount. It best fits people seeking a cautious starting amount or gradual dose adjustment.

Who is it for
  • Adults new to 5-HTP
  • People who prefer a cautious starting amount
  • Users seeking focused mood or sleep support
Best for
  • Focused serotonin-pathway mood support
  • Indirect sleep support through serotonin and melatonin pathways
  • Stress accompanied by low mood or disrupted sleep

Pros

  • Clearly discloses 50 mg of 5-HTP
  • Veggie cap(s) format is easy to use
  • Names Griffonia simplicifolia as the botanical source
  • Focused formula is easy to assess
  • Good value for the disclosed active amount

Cons

  • No 5-HTP standardization percentage is provided
  • No controlled-release or enteric delivery feature is disclosed
  • Lower amount may be too modest for some users

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, or other serotonin-raising medicines because serotonin toxicity can occur.
  • The 50 mg 5-HTP serving may cause nausea or digestive upset.
  • Avoid stacking it with other serotonin-focused supplements such as tryptophan or SAMe unless a qualified clinician has reviewed the combination.

Nutrient quality

79 High impact

Griffonia simplicifolia identifies the botanical source, but no active standardization percentage is supplied. The 5-HTP amount suits cautious starting use but is modest for a standard serving, while missing extract standardization limits source-potency confidence.

Ingredient transparency

81 Highest impact

Every listed active amount is disclosed, and no proprietary blend hides dosing. Complete directions, inactive ingredients, and some source or standardization details remain unavailable.

Customer satisfaction

68 High impact

The aggregate rating is favorable, and the very large review count makes it stable. No detailed feedback is supplied, so repeated complaints and purpose fit cannot be judged.

Value for money

88 Highest impact

A cautious starting amount and favorable serving economics provide good value. Users seeking a standard amount would need more than one serving.

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Goals

Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB- Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality

5-HTP supports serotonin and downstream melatonin production, giving it a plausible but indirect role in sleep. The single active does not directly address nervous system relaxation or circadian timing.

The disclosed amount is a cautious starting level, while the Griffonia source lacks stated standardization. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines may increase the risk of excessive serotonin.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB- Strength of SupportD CoverageA- Formula Quality
5-HTP · 50 mg

The direct serotonin precursor provides focused mood support at a conventional starting amount. Its single-active design is easy to assess, although the Griffonia extract has no stated standardization.

Coverage is limited to one neurotransmitter pathway rather than stress response or broader brain support. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising drugs may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
C Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageA Formula Quality

5-HTP may suit stress that appears alongside low mood or sleep difficulty, but it does not broadly regulate the stress response. Direct evidence for perceived stress is limited compared with established adaptogens and calming amino acids.

The 50 mg amount is conservative and may be insufficient for a pronounced standalone effect, while the Griffonia source lacks a stated standardization percentage. Because 5-HTP raises serotonin, combining it with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonin-modulating medicines may raise the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia)
50 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Vegetarian
Report overview
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA- Value

Griffonia simplicifolia is identified as the botanical source, but the extract lacks a stated 5-HTP standardization percentage. The 50 mg serving offers a conventional starting amount, and the vegetable capsule provides a suitable standard delivery method. the normalized cost remains competitive; because 5-HTP raises serotonin, combining it with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonin-modulating drugs may raise the risk of serotonin toxicity.

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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. The Impact of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Singapore Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Li S; Sutanto CN; Xia X; Kim JE · Nutrients · 2025
    Randomized trial30 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  2. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode.
    Jangid P; Malik P; Singh P; Sharma M; Gulia AK · Asian journal of psychiatry · 2013
    Randomized trial70 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  3. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Javelle F; Lampit A; Bloch W; Häussermann P; Johnson SL; Zimmer P · Nutrition reviews · 2020
    Meta-analysis13 studies pooledMood Support for5-HTP
  4. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.
    Shaw K; Turner J; Del Mar C · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review64 participants2 studies pooledMood Support for5-HTP
  5. Symptomatic treatment of interferon-α-induced depression in hepatitis C: a systematic review.
    Baraldi S; Hepgul N; Mondelli V; Pariante CM · Journal of clinical psychopharmacology · 2012
    Systematic review64 studies pooledMood Support for5-HTP
  6. The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.
    Sutanto CN; Xia X; Heng CW; Tan YS; Lee DPS; Fam J; Kim JE · Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) · 2024
    Randomized trial30 participantsSleep Support for5-HTP
  7. Serotonin precursors in the treatment of depression.
    van Praag HM · Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology · 1982
    Narrative reviewMood Support for5-HTP
  8. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and a MAOI (nialamide) in the treatment of depressions. A double-blind controlled study.
    Aliño JJ; Gutierrez JL; Iglesias ML · International pharmacopsychiatry · 1976
    Non-randomized trial30 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  9. Measurement of 5-hydroxyindole compounds during L-5-HTP treatment in depressed patients.
    Takahashi S; Takahashi R; Masumura I; Miike A · Folia psychiatrica et neurologica japonica · 1977
    Single-arm trial14 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  10. Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Fatigue in Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Truyens M; Lobatón T; Ferrante M; Bossuyt P; Vermeire S; Pouillon L; Dewint P; Cremer A; Peeters H; Lambrecht G; Louis E; Rahier JF; Dewit O; Muls V; Holvoet T; Vandermeulen L; Peeters A; Gonzales GB; Bos S; Laukens D; De Vos M · Gastroenterology · 2022
    Randomized trial166 participantsMood Support for5-HTP
  11. Effect of a serotonin precursor and uptake inhibitor in anxiety disorders; a double-blind comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan, clomipramine and placebo.
    Kahn RS; Westenberg HG; Verhoeven WM; Gispen-de Wied CC; Kamerbeek WD · International clinical psychopharmacology · 1987
    Randomized trial45 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  12. Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration inhibits carbon dioxide-induced panic in panic disorder patients.
    Schruers K; van Diest R; Overbeek T; Griez E · Psychiatry research · 2003
    Randomized trial48 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  13. Pharmacology of rising oral doses of 5-hydroxytryptophan with carbidopa.
    Smarius LJ; Jacobs GE; Hoeberechts-Lefrandt DH; de Kam ML; van der Post JP; de Rijk R; van Pelt J; Schoemaker RC; Zitman FG; van Gerven JM; Gijsman HJ · Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) · 2008
    Randomized trialStress Relief for5-HTP
  14. Enhanced tolerability of the 5-hydroxytryptophane challenge test combined with granisetron.
    Jacobs GE; Kamerling IM; de Kam ML; Derijk RH; van Pelt J; Zitman FG; van Gerven JM · Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) · 2010
    Randomized trialStress Relief for5-HTP
  15. An open-label trial of L-5-hydroxytryptophan in subjects with romantic stress.
    Emanuele E; Bertona M; Minoretti P; Geroldi D · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2011
    Single-arm trial15 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP