As a natural mood enhancement supplement, 5-HTP powder may alleviate anxious thoughts and promote mental well-being. It is a precursor to Serotonin, one of the key mood regulating neurotransmitters in the brain. 5-HTP powder may be used to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
This article will discuss how 5-HTP may boost mood naturally, the benefits of taking 5-HTP powder, and the safety and possible side effects of 5-HTP powder.



- Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
- Enhances mood and alleviates stress
- Improves sleep and regulates appetite
An Ancient African Remedy
Related Topics
The source plant of 5-HTP supplements is the Griffonia Simplicifolia. Griffonia Simplicifolia has been used as a folk medicine in its native Africa for thousands of years. Griffonia plants are leafy shrubs whose seeds naturally contain 5-HTP.
The seeds are traditionally crushed and consumed for relief from a broad range of physical and mental imbalances. Today, we know that 5-HTP is also naturally synthesized in the body, and plays a key role in mood regulation.
5-HTP’s Connection to Tryptophan and Serotonin
The body produces 5-HTP from the amino acid Tryptophan. Tryptophan is commonly found in high protein foods like fish, poultry, eggs, milk, beans, and nuts. Once ingested, Tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP and other metabolites in the liver.
5-HTP, whether from natural production or supplement powder, travels through the bloodstream to the brain. The substance is then able to cross the blood brain barrier. In the brain 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin.
Serotonin is known as the “happiness neurotransmitter,” because it is present in the body in elevated levels during times of positive emotions. Serotonin may generate feelings of peacefulness, happiness, calm, and relaxation.
5-HTP also metabolizes into Melatonin, a hormone involved in the body’s regulation of sleep/wake cycles.
5-HTP Powder for Depression
For people who are suffering from everyday stress, a dose of 5-HTP may bring a sense of balance and mental control. Problems may feel more manageable and anxious thoughts are not overwhelming. Physical conditions which are related to high stress levels, such as migraine headaches and sleeplessness, may also be alleviated.
5-HTP has been deemed by the Natural Medicines database as possibly effective in helping to improve the symptoms of depression.
Some preliminary clinical research has shown that 5-HTP may be comparable to some conventional antidepressant therapy. In one study, 5-HTP 150-400 mg daily for eight weeks had comparable effects in decreasing depression symptoms to 20-40 mg daily of fluoxetine (Prozac).
5-HTP Powder for ADHD
5-HTP may also help ease the hyperactive attention span issues of people who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. A daily dose of 5-HTP powder may help bring a sense of focus to these patients, but by a different route than traditional prescription drugs like Adderall.
Adderall is the most commonly prescribed medication for generating mental focus in ADHD patients. Adderall use produces a temporary rise in concentration and heightened mental energy by stimulating Dopamine activity in the brain.
Dopamine is related to the “fight or flight” response and creates an elevated, focused mental state.
Some people may be interested in exploring alternatives to prescription medication for managing their depression or attention disorders. In these cases, 5-HTP may be a viable option for these individuals.
Always talk with your doctor before beginning a new supplement, as they will be able to determine the best options for you and discuss possible interactions.
5-HTP Powder Safety and Dosage
5-HTP powder has been deemed by the Natural Medicines database as possibly safe for oral use in adults. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid 5-HTP use, as it has been deemed as possibly unsafe in these cases.
The recommended dosage of 5-HTP powder will depend on many factors, including the reason for taking this supplement and personal sensitivity levels. Healthy individuals can typically achieve positive results by taking 50 mg – 100 mg of powder either once or twice a day.
If you have persistent depression symptoms, you may need to increase the dosage to between 150 mg – 300 mg per day.
Speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for you based on your personal needs.
5-HTP Side Effects and Acute Serotonin Syndrome
When used at recommended dosages, most users can expect to experiences mild or no side effects. Some users have reported mild side effects including heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
A more serious side effect that can occur when high levels of 5-HTP are taken is Acute Serotonin Syndrome. Acute Serotonin Syndrome is a condition caused by excessive amounts of Serotonin in the brain.
Symptoms include excessive sweating, brain fog, irregular heartbeat, and trouble concentrating. In extreme cases, if left untreated, this condition may be fatal.
5-HTP should not be taken in conjunction with MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) or SSRI (Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) antidepressants. Taking these substances together may also cause Acute Serotonin Syndrome.
Some people may find that the effects of 5-HTP supplement powder are not strong enough to produce the kind of results they are looking for. If stronger benefits are desired, it is important not to exceed moderate doses or combine 5-HTP with prescription medications, unless directed to do so by a doctor.
- Juhl JH. Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway. Altern Med Rev. 1998
- Benkert O. Effect of parachlorophenylalanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan on human sexual behavior. Monogr Neural Sci. 1976
- Pöldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology. 1991
- Titus F, Dávalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 1986
- De Benedittis G, Massei R. Serotonin precursors in chronic primary headache. A double-blind cross-over study with L-5-hydroxytryptophan vs. placebo. J Neurosurg Sci. 1985
- Abraham HD. L-5-hydroxytryptophan for LSD-induced psychosis. Am J Psychiatry. 1983
- Schruers K, van Diest R, Overbeek T, Griez E. Acute L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration inhibits carbon dioxide-induced panic in panic disorder patients. Psychiatry Res. 2002
- Pueschel SM, Reed RB, Cronk CE, Goldstein BI. 5-hydroxytryptophan and pyridoxine. Their effects in young children with Down's syndrome. Am J Dis Child. 1980
Article last updated on: April 26th, 2018 by Nootriment