Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8
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
Effective in pediatric migraines
We examined the impact of L-5-HTP, a common supplement, on reducing migraines in children. In this double-blind, cross-over study involving 30 patients, each participant received either L-5-HTP or a placebo for 12 weeks in two alternating phases.

The results showed a significant reduction in headache severity, duration, and frequency when patients took L-5-HTP. Statistical analyses confirmed this positive effect, demonstrating that L-5-HTP can effectively improve migraine symptoms in young patients.
Read More
8
5-HTP shows promise for migraines
We explored how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) influences migraine aura by studying cortical spreading depression (CSD) in male and female rats. The results showed that 5-HTP reduced CSD frequency in cycling females, particularly during their estrus phase, while it had no effect on males. In females without ovaries, estrogen treatment increased CSD susceptibility, but this decreased after estrogen was removed. Overall, the findings suggest that 5-HTP may be beneficial for women experiencing migraine with aura, especially when ovarian hormones are involved.
Read More
8
L-5-HTP shows migraine reduction
We explored the effectiveness of L-5-HTP as a potential treatment for migraines in a long-term, placebo-controlled study. Our findings indicated that L-5-HTP can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, which is especially encouraging given that it's one of the most common forms of primary pain.

This suggests that L-5-HTP may address underlying central nervous system issues contributing to migraines, particularly in individuals who are already prone to headaches. Overall, this emerging data offers hope for those seeking relief from migraines.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

6
Reduced frequency
5 people found this helpful
5-HTP is one supplement I take to help with migraines. While the attacks haven't stopped altogether, they aren't as frequent or intense. I appreciate the time-released tablets, having taken them for over five years, one daily.
Read More
7.5
Eases anxiety quickly
If stress leads to depression and a loss of interest in life, then 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the answer. It controls your appetite, as serotonin is not sourced from sweets. The very next day after using the supplement, cravings for sweets and unhealthy snacks diminish. It alleviates depression, gently relieves the symptoms of headaches and migraines, and helps you forget anxiety and aggression.
Read More
6
Migraine symptoms eased
2 people found this helpful
Good as it reduces migraine headache intensity somewhat.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.5
  • All Researches
We explored how freeze-dried latex from Calotropis gigantea could help with migraine relief. This study tested both freeze-dried and sun-dried latex for their effects on behavior linked to migraine symptoms.

The freeze-dried variant showed improved properties and efficacy in reducing climbing behaviors induced by various stimuli. It appears that this form of latex interacts positively with dopamine and serotonin receptors, which play a role in migraine management.

Overall, we found that freeze-dried latex might offer a promising natural treatment option for those suffering from migraines.
Read More
8
5-HTP shows promise for migraines
We explored how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) influences migraine aura by studying cortical spreading depression (CSD) in male and female rats. The results showed that 5-HTP reduced CSD frequency in cycling females, particularly during their estrus phase, while it had no effect on males. In females without ovaries, estrogen treatment increased CSD susceptibility, but this decreased after estrogen was removed. Overall, the findings suggest that 5-HTP may be beneficial for women experiencing migraine with aura, especially when ovarian hormones are involved.
Read More
8
Low serotonin may impact migraines
We explored the potential link between low serotonin levels and familial hemiplegic migraine in two siblings.

Both sisters displayed severe symptoms alongside low cerebrospinal fluid serotonin metabolites and platelet levels.

Remarkably, their symptoms improved significantly with treatment using 5-hydroxytryptophan, underscoring the importance of serotonin in managing their condition.

These findings suggest a deeper connection between serotonin transport issues and migraine, opening new avenues for understanding and treating this rare migraine subtype.
Read More
8
L-5-HTP shows migraine reduction
We explored the effectiveness of L-5-HTP as a potential treatment for migraines in a long-term, placebo-controlled study. Our findings indicated that L-5-HTP can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, which is especially encouraging given that it's one of the most common forms of primary pain.

This suggests that L-5-HTP may address underlying central nervous system issues contributing to migraines, particularly in individuals who are already prone to headaches. Overall, this emerging data offers hope for those seeking relief from migraines.
Read More
8
5-HTP shows promise for migraine
We treated 124 migraine sufferers with either 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or methysergide, ensuring that the groups were similar in key demographics and migraine characteristics.

Most notably, 71% of those taking 5-HTP experienced improvement, especially in terms of pain intensity and duration, versus 75% for methysergide.

Importantly, 5-HTP had fewer side effects compared to methysergide, making it a promising option for migraine prevention.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
6
Reduced frequency
5 people found this helpful
5-HTP is one supplement I take to help with migraines. While the attacks haven't stopped altogether, they aren't as frequent or intense. I appreciate the time-released tablets, having taken them for over five years, one daily.
Read More
7.5
Eases anxiety quickly
If stress leads to depression and a loss of interest in life, then 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the answer. It controls your appetite, as serotonin is not sourced from sweets. The very next day after using the supplement, cravings for sweets and unhealthy snacks diminish. It alleviates depression, gently relieves the symptoms of headaches and migraines, and helps you forget anxiety and aggression.
Read More
6
Migraine symptoms eased
2 people found this helpful
Good as it reduces migraine headache intensity somewhat.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

6
Migraine symptoms eased
2 people found this helpful
Good as it reduces migraine headache intensity somewhat.
7.5
Eases anxiety quickly
If stress leads to depression and a loss of interest in life, then 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the answer. It controls your appetite, as serotonin is not sourced from sweets. The very next day after using the supplement, cravings for sweets and unhealthy snacks diminish. It alleviates depression, gently relieves the symptoms of headaches and migraines, and helps you forget anxiety and aggression.
8
5-HTP shows promise for migraines
We explored how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) influences migraine aura by studying cortical spreading depression (CSD) in male and female rats. The results showed that 5-HTP reduced CSD frequency in cycling females, particularly during their estrus phase, while it had no effect on males. In females without ovaries, estrogen treatment increased CSD susceptibility, but this decreased after estrogen was removed. Overall, the findings suggest that 5-HTP may be beneficial for women experiencing migraine with aura, especially when ovarian hormones are involved.
8
Low serotonin may impact migraines
We explored the potential link between low serotonin levels and familial hemiplegic migraine in two siblings.

Both sisters displayed severe symptoms alongside low cerebrospinal fluid serotonin metabolites and platelet levels.

Remarkably, their symptoms improved significantly with treatment using 5-hydroxytryptophan, underscoring the importance of serotonin in managing their condition.

These findings suggest a deeper connection between serotonin transport issues and migraine, opening new avenues for understanding and treating this rare migraine subtype.
8
L-5-HTP shows migraine reduction
We explored the effectiveness of L-5-HTP as a potential treatment for migraines in a long-term, placebo-controlled study. Our findings indicated that L-5-HTP can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, which is especially encouraging given that it's one of the most common forms of primary pain.

This suggests that L-5-HTP may address underlying central nervous system issues contributing to migraines, particularly in individuals who are already prone to headaches. Overall, this emerging data offers hope for those seeking relief from migraines.
8
5-HTP shows promise for migraine
We treated 124 migraine sufferers with either 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or methysergide, ensuring that the groups were similar in key demographics and migraine characteristics.

Most notably, 71% of those taking 5-HTP experienced improvement, especially in terms of pain intensity and duration, versus 75% for methysergide.

Importantly, 5-HTP had fewer side effects compared to methysergide, making it a promising option for migraine prevention.
7
5-HTP shows limited migraine benefits
We evaluated how L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) might influence headaches in youth. Over three months, we measured the levels of beta-endorphin and serotonin in 20 young patients with migraine and tension-type headaches. Interestingly, while we found significantly lower levels of beta-endorphins in these patients compared to healthy controls, treatment with 5-HTP didn’t lead to notable improvements in serotonin levels. Although clinical symptoms showed some reduction in headache frequency and intensity after treatment, these changes weren’t statistically significant. Overall, 5-HTP showed limited effectiveness based on our findings.
5
Moderate efficacy, mild side effects
We investigated the role of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in managing chronic primary headache, including migraines, using a double-blind, cross-over study design. This involved 31 patients over a two-month period, where we compared the effects of 5-HTP against a placebo. While we observed reductions in headache frequency and severity with 5-HTP, these differences were not statistically significant. Notably, 48% of participants reported substantial improvement, but some types of headaches, particularly psychogenic headache, did not respond well. Side effects were mostly mild and transient, highlighting 5-HTP as a moderately effective and safe option.

References

  1. Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Kumar A, Behl T, Sehgal A, et al. Anti-migraine activity of freeze-dried latex obtained from Calotropis gigantea Linn. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;29:27460. 10.1007/s11356-021-17810-x
  2. Chauvel V, Multon S, Schoenen J. Estrogen-dependent effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on cortical spreading depression in rat: Modelling the serotonin-ovarian hormone interaction in migraine aura. Cephalalgia. 2018;38:427. 10.1177/0333102417690891
  3. Horvath GA, Selby K, Poskitt K, Hyland K, Waters PJ, et al. Hemiplegic migraine, seizures, progressive spastic paraparesis, mood disorder, and coma in siblings with low systemic serotonin. Cephalalgia. 2011;31:1580. 10.1177/0333102411420584
  4. Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. L-5-hydroxytryptophan can prevent nociceptive disorders in man. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;467:177.
  5. Battistella PA, Bordin A, Cernetti R, Broetto S, Corrà S, et al. beta-endorphin in plasma and monocytes in juvenile headache. Headache. 1996;36:91.
  6. Maissen CP, Ludin HP. [Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranolol in the interval treatment of migraine]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1991;121:1585.
  7. Titus F, Dávalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 1986;25:327.
  8. 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;29:239.
  9. Longo G, Rudoi I, Iannuccelli M, Strinati R, Panizon F. [Treatment of essential headache in developmental age with L-5-HTP (cross over double-blind study versus placebo)]. Pediatr Med Chir. 1984;6:241.
  10. Boiardi A, Crenna P, Merati B, Negri S, Tansini E, et al. 5-OH-Tryptophane in migraine: clinical and neurophysiological considerations. J Neurol. 1981;225:41.
  11. Sicuteri F, Anselmi B, Del Bene E, Galli P. 5-Hydroxytryptamine and pain modulation in man: a clinical pharmacological approach with tryptophan and parachlorophenylalanine. Acta Vitaminol Enzymol. 1975;29:66.
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