Serene Science 5-HTP 50 mg

Serene Science 5-HTP 50 mg

Source Naturals4.4 (13 ratings)
Format:Capsule Quantity: 30 Capsule(s) · 15 servings
Goals
$5.08 $0.33 per serving
Pure Formulas$5.08

About this product

The product name highlights 50 mg, while the supplied ingredient data show 100 mg per serving and 15 servings from 30 capsules. That structure suggests two capsules per full serving and gives users the option of a lower partial serving.

5-HTP may support sleep, mood, or stress through serotonin production, but evidence for weight-management effects is indirect. No supporting ingredient expands the formula into a broader approach for any of those goals.

Griffonia simplicifolia is identified without an extract standardization percentage. The supplied label data also do not show a specific serotonin-medication warning, which is particularly important when the serving presentation could be misunderstood.

Who is it for
  • People who want either a 50 mg capsule or 100 mg full serving
  • Users seeking simple mood or sleep support
Best for
  • Adjustable two-capsule dosing
  • A basic Griffonia-derived 5-HTP formula

Pros

  • Named Griffonia source
  • Allows a lower one-capsule amount
  • Focused ingredient list

Cons

  • Title may obscure the full serving amount
  • No extract standardization stated
  • No broader goal-support ingredients

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.
  • Verify whether using one capsule or the stated two-capsule serving to control total intake.

Product analysis

76 out of 100
Two capsules provide 100 mg of Griffonia-derived 5-HTP, despite the 50 mg title. Flexible dosing is useful, but serving clarity and interaction labeling are limited.

AI assessment of the formula, label and price. How scoring works

Nutrient quality87

Griffonia simplicifolia is identified as the source, but the plant part and active standardization are not both clear. The 100 mg 5-HTP serving is well aligned with common supplemental use, while the focused design avoids unrelated actives.

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Ingredient transparency82

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 satisfaction50

The supplied aggregate rating is mixed, which lowers confidence in consistent customer satisfaction. No review text is provided to identify repeated complaints or firsthand experiences tied to the intended uses.

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Value for money77

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

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Format
Capsule
Container
30 Capsule(s)
Per serving
$0.33
Customer rating
4.4 · 13 ratings
Report analysis

Goals

Mood Support
Mood Support
Impact
Highest effect
A Ingredient FitC- PathwaysA EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
5-HTP · 100 mg

5-HTP is a building block for serotonin, a chemical involved in mood. That role doesn't tell us whether taking it improves everyday emotional wellbeing. A reliable general mood benefit remains unclear, so its presence shouldn't be taken as a promise of feeling better or as a substitute for treatment of depression.

How this product is rated for Mood Support

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP supplies a serotonin precursor, but a general mood benefit is uncertain.
Goal fit
5-HTP supplies a serotonin precursor, but a general mood benefit is uncertain.
Dose adequacy
One serving provides 5-HTP 100 mg. These are serving amounts, not an assumed daily regimen.

Pathways59

5-HTP supplies a serotonin precursor, but a general mood benefit is uncertain.
Depth
5-HTP supplies a serotonin precursor, but a general mood benefit is uncertain.
Breadth
The relevant connection is serotonin production, rather than several separate demonstrated mood benefits.

Evidence94

The declared 5-HTP identity doesn't by itself demonstrate a routine mood benefit.
Evidence strength
5-HTP supplies a serotonin precursor, but a general mood benefit is uncertain.
Studied preparation
The declared 5-HTP identity doesn't by itself demonstrate a routine mood benefit.

Formulation logic100

No required partner or particular ingredient conflict is identified. Serving amounts don't establish an individual mood response.
Partner coverage
No required ingredient partner is missing for the relevant ingredients.
Conflicts
No particular conflict between the listed ingredients is identified.
Effective doses
One serving provides 5-HTP 100 mg. These are serving amounts, not an assumed daily regimen.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 9 studies
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitD PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

Whether 5-HTP eases everyday stress is uncertain. Its possible benefits concern selected anxiety and stress situations, with a connection to mood-related processes. Those narrower uses don’t mean you can expect reliable relief from ordinary psychological stress.

How this product is rated for Stress Relief

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Goal fit
5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Dose adequacy
5-HTP 100 mg per serving; comparison amounts describe quantity, not a guarantee of stress relief.

Pathways46

The main connection is to mood-related processes, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Depth
The main connection is to mood-related processes, with a smaller sleep-related connection.
Breadth
5-HTP provides a concentrated connection rather than broad benefits across different stress processes.

Evidence56

5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Evidence strength
5-HTP has conditional anxiety and stress applicability; everyday relief is uncertain.
Studied preparation
5-HTP is an identified ingredient rather than an unknown preparation; the limits on its practical benefit still apply.

Formulation logic100

The relevant ingredients have no missing required partner or identified ingredient conflict.
Partner coverage
The relevant ingredients do not require a missing partner for their described role.
Conflicts
No particular ingredient conflict is identified.
Effective doses
5-HTP 100 mg per serving; comparison amounts describe quantity, not a guarantee of stress relief.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 18 studies
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
A Ingredient FitC PathwaysC- EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic

5-HTP is the only sleep-focused ingredient and may contribute through the body’s melatonin-making process. Its possible sleep benefit is most relevant to some poor sleepers, so it doesn’t establish a general improvement for everyone.

There’s no separate ingredient here for calming or sleep timing. The possible contribution rests on 5-HTP alone.

How this product is rated for Sleep Support

Ingredient fit95

5-HTP is the sole sleep-related ingredient; its possible role through the body’s melatonin process is narrow and uncertain.
Goal fit
5-HTP is the only possible contributor, and its potential sleep benefit is limited to some poor sleepers.
Dose adequacy
The selected two-capsule serving lists 100 mg 5-HTP; the product name reflects 50 mg per capsule.

Pathways60

5-HTP may contribute through the body’s melatonin-making process, but no separate ingredient supports calming or sleep timing.
Depth
5-HTP contributes to the body’s melatonin-making process, with no separate calming role.
Breadth
No second sleep process contributes alongside the precursor role.

Evidence58

5-HTP contributes only to melatonin production, without separate calming or body-clock support.
Evidence strength
5-HTP is the only candidate, but its potential benefit is narrow and uncertain.
Studied preparation
The label identifies 5-HTP from Griffonia; the credited amount is not inferred from plant mass.

Formulation logic100

This formula offers one sleep angle, without a second route such as relaxation or timing.
Partner coverage
5-HTP is treated as a standalone precursor; no second ingredient is required.
Conflicts
No listed ingredient creates a bedtime sleep conflict.
Effective doses
The 100 mg serving may contribute to this limited role, but it doesn’t predict a sleep benefit.
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 1 study
Weight Loss
Appetite and Craving Control
Weight Loss
Impact
Moderate effect
B- Ingredient FitF PathwaysC EvidenceA+ Formulation Logic
Study evidence
5-HTP Supportive 5 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per servingScore
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia)
 100 mg 80
Adults 18–50
Report overview
5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) · 100 mg OverallScore80
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyC Value
Serene Science 5-HTP 50 mg identifies Griffonia simplicifolia but gives no standardization percentage. It provides 100 mg per serving and includes a specific medicine interaction warning; the cost per 100 mg is moderate.
How this ingredient is rated

Active Ingredient Quality & Bioavailability70

It names Griffonia simplicifolia, though the 5-HTP standardization percentage isn't stated.
Botanical Source & Standardization
The botanical source is named, but no 5-HTP standardization percentage is given.

Dose, Safety & Label Transparency100

The stated amount is clear, and a specific interaction warning is included.
Dosage Potency & Range
The selected serving provides 100 mg of 5-HTP.
Safety Warnings & Label Clarity
A specific warning about serotonin-modulating medicines is recorded.

Value60

The cost per 100 mg is moderate.
Price per 100mg 5-HTP
The cost per 100 mg falls in a moderate range.
View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
85 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg

NOW
Clearer botanical sourcing makes this a stronger quality alternative. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP 100 mg Extra Strength

Swanson
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Performance

5-HTP Enhanced with Vitamins B6 and C

Doctor's Best
A more focused formula and stronger disclosed ingredient profile make this a better quality choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
84 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

NOW
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
85 Budget

5-HTP 100 mg

Doctor's Best
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 100 mg 5-HTP serving matches the original amount while offering a different formula or package choice. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Budget

5-HTP 50 mg

Swanson Premium Brand
The lower recurring cost makes this a more economical eligible choice. Its 50 mg 5-HTP serving offers a more cautious starting option than the original’s 100 mg amount. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP 200mg

Best Naturals
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
83 Value

5-HTP with Vitamin B6 & Vitamin C

Lake Avenue Nutrition
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. The active amount is disclosed, but botanical-source detail remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
82 Value

5-HTP 200 mg Maximum Strength

Swanson
Focused 5-HTP dosing and a lower recurring cost create a favorable quality-to-cost balance. A Griffonia source is identified, but active standardization remains incomplete. The same serious interaction caution with serotonin-raising medicines applies.
Report alternatives

Sources

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

  1. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.
    Cangiano C; Laviano A; Del Ben M; Preziosa I; Angelico F; Cascino A; Rossi-Fanelli F · International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity · 1998
    Randomized trial25 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  2. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan.
    Cangiano C; Ceci F; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Laviano A; Muscaritoli M; Antonucci F; Rossi-Fanelli F · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial20 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  3. Serotonergic drugs : effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity.
    Halford JC; Harrold JA; Boyland EJ; Lawton CL; Blundell JE · Drugs · 2007
    Narrative reviewWeight Loss for5-HTP
  4. The Effects of 5-HTP on Body Composition: An 8-Week Preliminary RCT.
    Evans C; Mekhail V; Curtis J; Czartoryski P; Kaminski J; Ellerbroek A; Bustillo E; Jiannine L; Santana JC; Antonio J · Journal of dietary supplements · 2023
    Randomized trial48 participantsWeight Loss for5-HTP
  5. The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
    Ceci F; Cangiano C; Cairella M; Cascino A; Del Ben M; Muscaritoli M; Sibilia L; Rossi Fanelli F · Journal of neural transmission · 1989
    Clinical trial19 participantsWeight Loss 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. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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