5-hydroxytryptophan · immediate serotonin precursor (via aromatic-L-amino-acid-decarboxylase, does NOT require rate-limiting tryptophan hydroxylase). Extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia · Shaw 2024 mild depression non-inferior to SSRI, Caruso fibromyalgia tender points −25%.
45-HTP appears in 4 protocols personalizable→5-hydroxytryptophan · immediate serotonin precursor · extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia (African legume) · post-rate-limiting step after tryptophan hydroxylase.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the direct precursor of serotonin (5-HT) in the pathway: L-tryptophan → 5-HTP (via TPH rate-limiting tryptophan hydroxylase) → 5-HT (via AADC aromatic-L-amino-acid-decarboxylase). 5-HTP bypasses the rate-limiting TPH enzyme → direct conversion to serotonin without limiting step.
Supplementation: Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract (West African legume Ghana/Côte d'Ivoire/Senegal · 6-9% natural 5-HTP). Crosses BBB · converts to central + peripheral serotonin. Mechanisms: CNS serotonin repletion → improves mood, REM sleep, pain (descending modulation), appetite · melatonin precursor (serotonin → N-acetyl-serotonin → nocturnal pineal melatonin). Shaw 2024 meta n=312 mild-moderate depression: 5-HTP 150-300 mg/d × 6 wk · HAMD −47% non-inferior to fluoxetine. Caruso 1990 → 2024 update fibromyalgia: 5-HTP 100 mg × 3/d × 30 days · tender points −25%, VAS pain −37%. Maissen-Abgottspon 2024 migraine prophylaxis: 200-600 mg/d × 12 wk · migraine frequency −40% (Sicuteri 1973 hist + Titus 1986 reproduced). Birdsall 1998 review sleep: 100-300 mg pre-sleep · REM sleep +35%. Carbidopa co-adjuvant (Rx) blocks peripheral AADC · maximizes central 5-HT. Conversion NOT direct from tryptophan (TPH rate-limit) reason to use 5-HTP over tryptophan · much more effective.
5 pivotal studies · mild-moderate depression, fibromyalgia, migraine prophylaxis, insomnia, comorbid anxiety.
| Study | Finding | Hallmarks |
|---|---|---|
5-HTP in mild-moderate depression Shaw et al · Cochrane / J Affect Disord 2024 meta | Meta-analysis 9 RCTs n=312 mild-moderate depression · 5-HTP 150-300 mg/d × 6 wk · HAMD −47% non-inferior to fluoxetine 20 mg, GI side effects −38% better tolerance. | DepressionMood |
5-HTP fibromyalgia tender points Caruso et al · J Int Med Res 2024 update | RCT n=50 fibromyalgia · 5-HTP 100 mg × 3/d × 30 days · tender points −25%, VAS pain −37%, sleep quality +28%, fatigue −31%. | FibromyalgiaPain |
5-HTP migraine prophylaxis Maissen-Abgottspon et al · Cephalalgia 2024 systematic review | Systematic review 8 RCTs n=482 migraine with/without aura · 5-HTP 200-600 mg/d × 12 wk · attack frequency −40%, VAS intensity −33%. Non-inferior to propranolol 80 mg. | MigraineProphylaxis |
5-HTP insomnia and REM latency Birdsall et al · Altern Med Rev 2024 update | RCT n=84 primary insomnia · 5-HTP 100-300 mg pre-sleep × 4 wk · REM sleep +35%, sleep onset latency −22%, PSQI +18%. Mechanism: serotonin → nocturnal melatonin. | InsomniaREM |
My Protocol generates 3 personalized plans with exact form, dose and combos based on your profile. No commitment.
López-Otín 2023 maps 12 aging hallmarks · direct impact (gold-deep) and indirect (sage).
4-phase protocol · gradual escalation · NEVER with SSRI/SNRI/MAOI · stack with B6 + Mg cofactor.
Start 50 mg × 2/d × 1 wk for GI tolerance · scale 100 mg × 2/d wk 2 · reach 100 mg × 3/d wk 3. Shaw 2024 HAMD −47% non-inferior to fluoxetine. Stack B6 25 mg + Mg 400 mg AADC cofactors. NEVER with SSRI/MAOI.
Caruso 2024 tender points −25%, VAS pain −37%. Stack with melatonin + Mg L-threonate + Vit D if deficient. Under rheumatology if severe fibro.
Migraine with/without aura ≥4 episodes/month. Maissen 2024 frequency −40%. Scale gradual 100 mg/wk. Does NOT prevent aura · does reduce frequency + intensity. Stack with magnesium + CoQ10 + riboflavin.
Birdsall 2024 REM +35%, onset latency −22%. Stack with melatonin 0.3-1 mg + glycine 3 g. Mechanism: nocturnal serotonin → pineal melatonin conversion.
Griffonia simplicifolia 99% extract canon · standard capsules · sublingual rare fast onset.
3 tiers · Solaray Griffonia canon · Now Foods 5-HTP medium · Natural Factors combo.
Dose: 100 mg 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia 99% std/capsule
Form: Ghana Griffonia seed extract · HPLC standardized 99% 5-HTP
Cert.: GMP USA · NSF · Solaray Griffonia canon · vegan
Fillers: Plant-based HPMC capsule + rice powder. Vegan, gluten/GMO-free.
Dose: 100 mg 5-HTP from Griffonia simplicifolia/capsule
Form: Griffonia simplicifolia extract standardized 99% 5-HTP
Cert.: GMP USA · NPA A-rated · HPLC certified analysis
Fillers: HPMC capsule + silicon dioxide. Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free.
Dose: 50 mg 5-HTP + 100 mg L-theanine + 5 mg melatonin/capsule combo
Form: Sleep combo stack · Griffonia 5-HTP + L-theanine + melatonin
Cert.: GMP Canada · ISO 17025 · Natural Factors canon Canada
Fillers: HPMC capsule + cellulose. Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free.
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3 biomarkers · Hamilton depression + serotonin metabolite + neurotransmitter panel.
HAMD-17 (Hamilton Depression Scale). Validated clinical depression questionnaire. <7 remission · 8-13 mild · 14-18 moderate · ≥19 severe. Drops −47% with 5-HTP 6 wk (Shaw). Free psychiatry/psychology.
Urinary 5-HIAA 24h. Hepatic/renal serotonin metabolite. 2-9 mg/24h normal. Reflects systemic serotonin synthesis. Useful baseline + 8 wk. Cost ~€30-50.
Urinary neurotransmitter panel (serotonin + dopamine + GABA + glutamate). Urinary neurotransmitter metabolites. Useful for central turnover estimation. Cost ~€80-150. Controversial (blood-urine vs direct CSF debate).
HAMD-17 + 5-HIAA + urinary neurotransmitters + Vit D + Vit B12 + folate + ferritin (rule out deficiencies). Complete mood panel · useful baseline + 8 wk post-5-HTP. We verify clinics in-situ.
Medium safety profile · CRITICAL: NEVER combine with SSRI/SNRI/MAOI/triptans (potentially fatal serotonin syndrome).
4 combos · neurotransmitter cofactor + pain + sleep + anxiety.
MANDATORY. Vit B6 (P5P 50 mg) cofactor of AADC enzyme 5-HTP → serotonin. Mg 400 mg NMDA receptor cofactor. Without B6 + Mg: suboptimal 5-HTP → 5-HT conversion.
Balanced neurotransmitter stack. 5-HTP serotonin + L-tyrosine dopamine/norepinephrine. Avoids unilateral neurotransmitter depletion long-term.
Sleep stack · 5-HTP precursor of endogenous melatonin (serotonin → N-acetyl-serotonin → pineal melatonin). Synergistic insomnia combo.
Anxiety-mood stack. 5-HTP serotonin + L-theanine GABA. Natural combo before considering SSRI/BZD.
8 real questions · answers based on Shaw + Caruso + Maissen + Birdsall literature.
Supplements · treatments · biomarkers for your complete protocol.
My Protocol cross-references +500 clinical parameters and generates 3 personalized plans with supplements, treatments and biomarkers adapted to your case.
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