Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 27 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calcium (as Dibasic Calcium Phosphate)
32 mg
2%
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)[from Griffonia simplicifolia) (seed)
100 mg
*

Top Medical Research Studies

8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.

Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.

This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
Read More
8
5HTP shows potential for sleep restoration
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.
Read More
7
Limited effectiveness of 5-HTP
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Better mood and sleep
52 people found this helpful
I've dealt with insomnia for 23 years. Using this natural supplement has improved my sleep quality significantly. I'm enjoying deeper sleep and a better mood. I've recommended it to my mother, who also finds it beneficial. After trying multiple medications with undesirable side effects, this has been the best option for me.
Read More
7.5
Restored sleep quality
21 people found this helpful
An excellent tool. I decided to try it since I have been using antidepressants for a long time, but the body quickly gets used to them and they stop working. From the first 5-HTP tablet, I noticed an improvement in my emotional state and energy levels throughout the day. Apathy disappeared, and stress no longer overwhelmed me. Consequently, I lost a bit of weight, which pleased me. My circadian rhythms were restored. I take a pill early in the morning, allowing me 12 hours of activity. I work with pleasure and, in the evening after a productive day, I fall asleep easily. I used to suffer from insomnia. Thank you to the manufacturers for a quality product and to iHerb for the fast delivery.
Read More
9
Maintaining sleep support
11 people found this helpful
I struggle with "sleep maintenance" insomnia; I can fall asleep but awaken early and can't return to sleep. I've tried melatonin, valerian, and chamomile tea without success. Dr. Susan Blum advocates for 5-HTP for those who wake early, leading me to try Natrol's time-release version. It works well! I take 100mg before bed and have no other sleep aids. I now sleep through the night and feel more optimistic during the day.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
  • All Researches
8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.

Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.

This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
Read More
8
5HTP shows potential for sleep restoration
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.
Read More
7
Limited effectiveness of 5-HTP
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 27 Reviews
8.1
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Better mood and sleep
52 people found this helpful
I've dealt with insomnia for 23 years. Using this natural supplement has improved my sleep quality significantly. I'm enjoying deeper sleep and a better mood. I've recommended it to my mother, who also finds it beneficial. After trying multiple medications with undesirable side effects, this has been the best option for me.
Read More
7.5
Restored sleep quality
21 people found this helpful
An excellent tool. I decided to try it since I have been using antidepressants for a long time, but the body quickly gets used to them and they stop working. From the first 5-HTP tablet, I noticed an improvement in my emotional state and energy levels throughout the day. Apathy disappeared, and stress no longer overwhelmed me. Consequently, I lost a bit of weight, which pleased me. My circadian rhythms were restored. I take a pill early in the morning, allowing me 12 hours of activity. I work with pleasure and, in the evening after a productive day, I fall asleep easily. I used to suffer from insomnia. Thank you to the manufacturers for a quality product and to iHerb for the fast delivery.
Read More
9
Maintaining sleep support
11 people found this helpful
I struggle with "sleep maintenance" insomnia; I can fall asleep but awaken early and can't return to sleep. I've tried melatonin, valerian, and chamomile tea without success. Dr. Susan Blum advocates for 5-HTP for those who wake early, leading me to try Natrol's time-release version. It works well! I take 100mg before bed and have no other sleep aids. I now sleep through the night and feel more optimistic during the day.
Read More
9
Better sleep achieved
6 people found this helpful
I use this product as part of my battle against chronic insomnia, along with 100 mg of Natural Factors conventional 5-HTP and Life Extension Foundation melatonin for sleep. The time-release melatonin ensures I can fall asleep and stay asleep longer. This combination of products has been beneficial in managing my insomnia.
Read More
9
Insomnia alleviated
4 people found this helpful
After taking these pills, my insomnia has improved significantly!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Insomnia alleviated
4 people found this helpful
After taking these pills, my insomnia has improved significantly!
9
Better sleep achieved
6 people found this helpful
I use this product as part of my battle against chronic insomnia, along with 100 mg of Natural Factors conventional 5-HTP and Life Extension Foundation melatonin for sleep. The time-release melatonin ensures I can fall asleep and stay asleep longer. This combination of products has been beneficial in managing my insomnia.
2
Ineffective treatment
I have tried many things for insomnia, but these did not help. They might as well have been sugar pills, as I noticed no change at all in my sleep.
8
Improved sleep quality
4 people found this helpful
It worked. I’ve been suffering from depression and insomnia since my breakup with my boyfriend. It has been challenging to maintain a normal life, but after starting this, I’ve felt better. It helps me sleep well and get along with friends and others. It works effectively.
9
Anxiety reduction
2 people found this helpful
Goodbye anxiety and insomnia! This melatonin precursor relaxes me, relieves anxiety, increases serotonin levels, and assists with insomnia while significantly improving my sleep. Cool stuff! If this is helpful, please vote!
9
Gentle on stomach
1 people found this helpful
I absolutely love this product. It doesn't upset my stomach as many other brands do, and it actually works. I suffer from reactive gastritis and other brands often give me insomnia, possibly due to their effects on my gut. The slow-release formula seems to provide a buffer. It's like magic. I take 1-2 at night, depending on how wired I feel.
8
5-HTP nanoparticles improve sleep
We investigated how a new composite nanoparticle system can enhance the sleep-promoting effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

By encapsulating 5-HTP in nanoparticles made from β-cyclodextrin and corn starch, we aimed to improve its sustained release and effectiveness.

Our findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly alleviated sleep-related issues in mice, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms caused by sleep deprivation.

This approach offers a promising avenue for efficiently using 5-HTP in sleep improvement products.
7
Limited effectiveness of 5-HTP
We explored the impact of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on insomnia caused by para-chlorophenylalanine, a compound that blocks serotonin production. This investigation revealed that microinjection of 5-HTP into the hypothalamus helped restore slow and paradoxical sleep, though insomnia returned afterward. Despite the initial improvement, the insomnia remained persistent, with no significant suppression of the abnormal brain activity linked to the treated condition. Overall, while 5-HTP showed some potential benefits, its effectiveness in creating lasting relief for insomnia was limited.
8
5HTP shows potential for sleep restoration
We investigated how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) affects insomnia caused by parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In our research, we found that while one variant of 5HTP had no impact, another effectively suppressed insomnia and restored sleep phases, specifically slow-wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS), albeit after some delay. When administered through different methods, 5HTP resulted in physiological sleep, yet its effect on PS was inconsistent, particularly when certain suppressants were introduced. In brief, 5HTP appears to play a role in sleep restoration, but responses can vary.

References

  1. Gao L, Gu L, Li W, Wang G, Zhao J, et al. Construction of composite nanoparticles of β-cyclodextrin and corn starch encapsulating 5-hydroxytryptophan for sustained release and sleep improvement in vivo. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025;303:140831. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140831
  2. Denoyer M, Sallanon M, Kitahama K, Aubert C, Jouvet M. Reversibility of para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia by intrahypothalamic microinjection of L-5-hydroxytryptophan. Neuroscience. 1989;28:83.
  3. Petitjean F, Buda C, Janin M, Sallanon M, Jouvet M. [Insomnia caused by administration of para-chlorophenylalanine: reversibility by peripheral or central injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin]. Sleep. 1985;8:56.
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