5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), also known as oxitriptan, is a compound naturally produced in your body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid that you get from food. [1] Once formed, 5-HTP is converted into serotonin, also known as the “feel-good” hormone. [2]
Unfortunately, eating foods that contain tryptophan does not increase 5-HTP levels very much. It is for this reason that 5-HTP supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years. The 5-HTP in supplements is derived from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. [3]
5-HTP and its uses
5-HTP is the main active ingredient of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, which has long been used in traditional medicine. This medicinal herb is native to Western and Central Africa, where it is used as a natural remedy for common complaints in humans as well as animals. [4]
Outside of the human body, G. simplicifolia is the most abundant source of 5-HTP. In fact, its seeds have been reported to contain about 20% by weight 5-HTP. [5] Supplements containing 5-HTP isolated from G. simplicifolia are widely used today to support overall health and well-being. This is because of 5-HTP’s role in the body’s natural production of serotonin, which also happens to be the precursor to the sleep hormone, melatonin. [6]
The science-backed health benefits of 5-HTP*
According to studies, supplementing with 5-HTP provides unique health benefits. These include:
- Supports healthy sleep patterns
According to experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine, chronic sleep loss is now an epidemic in the United States, growing in prevalence and severity. Not getting enough sleep is bad for your health as it negatively impacts your mood and cognitive functions (i.e., memory), among other things. [7]
But people who wish to get good-quality sleep can benefit from supplementing with 5-HTP. 5-HTP can support healthy levels of serotonin, which is responsible for stimulating the parts of your brain that control sleep and waking. [8]
Serotonin is also crucial for the production of melatonin, another hormone involved in the regulation of your sleep-wake cycle. [9] Melatonin is produced in your brain in response to darkness, so its levels are highest at night. [10] Thanks to 5-HTP’s involvement in your body’s production of serotonin and melatonin, supplementing with it can support healthy sleep patterns.
- Supports healthy brain function
Besides helping you get a deep and restful sleep, 5-HTP can also support healthy cognitive functions. According to a study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, serotonin, the conversion product of 5-HTP, is a key modulator of neuroplasticity, which enables your brain to change and adapt structurally and functionally in response to experience. [11][12] Neuroplasticity is central not only to learning but also to memory, as memory encoding and consolidation are processes that change the brain physically. [13][14]
In another study that appeared in the journal Nature Communications, researchers found that serotonin also affects the speed at which you learn new information. [15] Because 5-HTP can help you maintain optimal serotonin levels, you can support the healthy functions of your brain by adding 5-HTP powder to your daily routine.
- Supports sensible weight management plans
Supplementing with 5-HTP may be able to support sensible weight management goals because 5-HTP is naturally converted by the human body into serotonin, nature’s own appetite suppressant. [16]
According to a study published in the journal Neuron, serotonin is a crucial component of neural pathways involved in regulating food intake and body weight. [17] Serotonin can counteract hunger-inducing hormones and induce feelings of fullness, so maintaining healthy levels of this hormone can help you eat smaller portions and avoid unhealthy snacking between meals. [18]
A study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission also reported that daily 5-HTP supplementation for five weeks had a positive impact on the food intake and body weights of obese participants. [19] This suggests that, when combined with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, 5-HTP can help you achieve reasonable weight management goals.
- Supports healthy digestive function
Aside from your brain, serotonin can also be found in your gut. In fact, 95% of the serotonin in your body is produced in your gut. [20] This hormone is not only important for the proper functioning of your digestive system, but also for the maintenance of communication between your brain and your gut. [21]
Research suggests that serotonin affects various aspects of digestive function, such as the movement of food through the digestive tract, the production of mucus in the intestines and the sensitivity of the gut to satiety cues. Given the importance of serotonin for digestive health, supporting your body’s natural production of serotonin with 5-HTP can support a healthy digestive system.
- Naturally uplifts your mood
As the precursor to serotonin, a natural feel-good hormone, 5-HTP can support a positive mood. Mood is one of the many things serotonin helps regulate inside your body, besides appetite, sleep and digestion. [22][23] To maintain healthy serotonin levels and naturally uplift your mood, supplement a healthy diet with 5-HTP.
Where to get 5-HTP powder
The Health Ranger Store recognizes the health-supporting properties of 5-HTP powder, which is why we're bringing you Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g).
Our premium 5-HTP powder delivers pure 5-HTP extracted from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g) is lab verified for cleanliness and purity and is non-GMO, vegan, certified organic and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Each container of Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g) contains 100 servings. Each serving size of 1/8 teaspoon is equivalent to 0.2 g of 5-HTP powder.
How to use Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g)
Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g) can easily be added to your favorite smoothies, teas, juices and other beverages.
If you want to support a positive mood, take 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) of our premium 5-HTP powder 3 times a day with your meals. You can also take it alongside either an L-tyrosine supplement or vitamin B6.
If you want to support your sensible weight management goals, take 250 to 300 mg of our Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g) 30 minutes before a meal. It is best consumed with green tea or beverages high in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in nature.
Brewed tea contains the highest concentration of EGCG, and its concentration increases with brewing time. To maximize EGCE content, pour boiling water over a green tea bag and let it steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and enjoy a soothing green tea enriched with 5-HTP powder.
If you want to support a healthy sleep cycle, take 100 to 300 mg of Chief Originals® 5-HTP Powder 0.7 oz (20 g) 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed. You can consume it with lemon balm tea (known for its calming properties), which contains rosmarinic acid that is said to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), your brain’s calming chemical. [24]
NOTE: Consult a naturopathic physician or your healthcare provider to optimize your 5-HTP intake. 5-HTP should not be given to children.
Incorporate high-quality 5-HTP powder into your daily routine to enjoy the incredible benefits of this unique supplement.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.healthline.com
[2] https://www.mountsinai.org
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[4] https://oxfordvitality.co.uk
[7] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
[9] https://www.verywellmind.com
[10] https://www.health.qld.gov.au
[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[12] https://www.frontiersin.org
[13] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[14] https://www.futurelearn.com
[16] https://www.psychologytoday.com
[17] https://www.cell.com
[18] https://www.healthline.com
[19] https://link.springer.com
[20] https://www.healthline.com
[23] https://www.verywellmind.com
[24] https://www.objectivewellness.com
