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5-HTP 50 mg

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4.7
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(14539 ratings)
5-HTP 50 mg
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Score82
A long supply of lower-strength capsules supports controlled dosing. The formulation is practical but still basic and incompletely standardized.
How scoring works
Quantity:180 Capsule(s) • (180 servings)
Goals:
Sleep Support
Mood Support
Stress Relief

Score 82

A long supply of lower-strength capsules supports controlled dosing. The formulation is practical but still basic and incompletely standardized.
How scoring works
$18.49($0.10 per serving)
iHerb
$ 20.81
Vitacost
$ 22.37
Daily Vita
$ 19.70
Amazon
$ 18.49
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Analysis

A 50 mg capsule is useful for gradual introduction and avoids forcing users into a full-strength amount. The Griffonia seed source is identified, while the long supply reduces the need for frequent repurchasing.

The formula may contribute to mood, stress, or sleep support through serotonin production. It does not provide circadian, relaxation, or broader stress-support ingredients, so its role remains focused.

Extract standardization is not disclosed and no targeted medication warning appears in the supplied data. The large package improves practicality but does not change the ingredient's limited pathway coverage.

Who is it for
  • Regular users who prefer 50 mg capsules
  • People who value gradual dose adjustment
Best for
  • Long-supply lower-dose use
  • Simple serotonin-pathway support

Pros

  • Flexible 50 mg serving
  • Identifies Griffonia seed extract
  • Large capsule count

Cons

  • No standardization percentage
  • No multi-pathway goal support
  • No specific interaction labeling in supplied data

Warnings

  • Do not combine 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines without medical supervision.
  • Possible effects include nausea, digestive discomfort, drowsiness, and vivid dreams.
  • Use caution with additional sedating products.

Nutrient quality

85 Highest impact

The named Griffonia seed extract gives the active a clear botanical source, although no standardization percentage is supplied. The 50 mg 5-HTP serving is a cautious starting amount, while the focused design avoids unrelated actives.

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Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

All supplied active ingredients have specific amounts, and no proprietary blend hides key doses. Serving count is available, but full intake directions, excipients, and a serotonin-medication warning are absent from the supplied label details.

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Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The supplied aggregate rating is strong, though its reliability depends heavily on the available review volume. No review text is provided to identify repeated complaints or firsthand experiences tied to the intended uses.

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Value for money

88 Highest impact

Cost efficiency per equivalent active amount appears good, with the starting-level dose shaping practical value. The single-active formula does not use decorative ingredients to justify its cost.

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Goals

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

5-HTP may support melatonin production through serotonin, but its sleep evidence is less consistent than evidence for melatonin itself. The lower amount supports cautious dose selection but may be modest for a full sleep effect.

The vegetable capsule provides straightforward conventional delivery. Griffonia seed extract is named without a standardization level, and 5-HTP may dangerously add to the effects of SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines.

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

5-HTP at 50 mg directly supplies a serotonin precursor and is clearly aligned with mood support. Human evidence suggests possible benefit for depressive symptoms, but the research base is smaller and less consistent than for established therapies.

The amount is conservative and may be below common targeted use. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, or other serotonergic agents can raise the risk of serotonin toxicity.

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

A 50 mg 5-HTP capsule provides a lower starting amount for mood or sleep concerns linked to stress. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is clearly named but not standardized for active content.

The formula offers focused serotonin support rather than a broad stress-resilience approach. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising medicines can increase the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies

Ingredients

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

The 50 mg serving supports gradual dose selection and uses a vegetable capsule. Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract is disclosed, but its standardization is not. Cost efficiency is favorable, although no serotonin-medication warning appears in the supplied label data.

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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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Sex-linked differences in cortisol, ACTH and prolactin responses to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan in healthy controls and minor and major depressed patients.
    Maes M; Vandewoude M; Schotte C; Maes L; Martin M; Blockx P · Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica · 1990
    Clinical trial120 participantsStress Relief for5-HTP
  6. Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    Bertolini F; Robertson L; Bisson JI; Meader N; Churchill R; Ostuzzi G; Stein DJ; Williams T; Barbui C · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2022
    Systematic review2,023 participants13 studies pooledStress Relief for5-HTP
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  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