Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 95 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) (from Griffonia simplicifolia Extract) (Seed)
100 mg
*
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a treatment for depression through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
Read More
8
We explored how changes in gut microbiota due to chronic stress impact the effectiveness of depression treatments like fluoxetine. In our study, gut microbiota from stressed mice transferred to healthy ones resulted in behaviors resembling despair and reduced neurogenesis in the brain.
Importantly, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) treatment improved serotonin levels, enhanced neurogenesis, and alleviated feelings of despair. These findings suggest that 5-HTP could be beneficial in managing depression, especially when standard medications are less effective due to stress-related gut changes.
Importantly, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) treatment improved serotonin levels, enhanced neurogenesis, and alleviated feelings of despair. These findings suggest that 5-HTP could be beneficial in managing depression, especially when standard medications are less effective due to stress-related gut changes.
Read More
7
We explored how 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) affects depression and apathy in individuals with Parkinson's disease. By conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 25 participants, we compared the effects of 50 mg of 5-HTP to a placebo over four weeks.
Our findings suggest that 5-HTP may offer clinical benefits for alleviating depressive symptoms. However, larger and longer studies are necessary to confirm these promising results.
Our findings suggest that 5-HTP may offer clinical benefits for alleviating depressive symptoms. However, larger and longer studies are necessary to confirm these promising results.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Seasonal blues alleviated
197 people found this helpful
It effectively helps combat the seasonal blues, relieves depression, and calms shattered nerves.
Read More
10
Depression vanished
178 people found this helpful
The product is fantastic! My depression has disappeared.
Read More
9
Improved sleep
28 people found this helpful
I take it once daily, and its effectiveness is evident within a week. My long-standing depression and insomnia have greatly improved. However, taking too much or on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain, so caution is advised. I’ll stock up again.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
7.9
- All Researches
9
We explored how whey protein isolate (WPI) affects depression-like symptoms in mice with breast tumors. Over 21 days, tumor-bearing mice received daily WPI doses, and the results were promising. While WPI did not change tumor size, it significantly reduced depression-like behavior.
Mice displayed increased movement in open spaces and improved responses in tests for anxiety and preference, indicating positive mental health effects. WPI also enhanced brain levels of essential neurotransmitters and positively shifted gut bacteria profiles. Overall, the study suggests that WPI might help alleviate cancer-related depression.
Mice displayed increased movement in open spaces and improved responses in tests for anxiety and preference, indicating positive mental health effects. WPI also enhanced brain levels of essential neurotransmitters and positively shifted gut bacteria profiles. Overall, the study suggests that WPI might help alleviate cancer-related depression.
Read More
9
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a treatment for depression through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
Read More
8
We explored the potential of FeO nanoparticles to improve serotonin synthesis in the brain, which is crucial for managing depression. These nanoparticles, enhanced with chitosan for better delivery, mimic the activity of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase.
In our research, we observed that the FeO@CS treatment reinstated levels of serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan in a mouse model of depression. This led to significant improvements in behaviors typical of depressive conditions.
The innovative approach of using nanozymes to reactivate serotonin pathways shows promise in the quest for effective depression treatments.
In our research, we observed that the FeO@CS treatment reinstated levels of serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan in a mouse model of depression. This led to significant improvements in behaviors typical of depressive conditions.
The innovative approach of using nanozymes to reactivate serotonin pathways shows promise in the quest for effective depression treatments.
Read More
8
Serotonergic antidepressant effects observed
We aimed to explore the antidepressant-like effects of a standardized extract from the barks of (Willd) Poir. in mice. Using various behavioral tests, we found that this extract shows promise in reducing depression symptoms, particularly via serotonin receptors, without relying on harmine.
While the extract has demonstrated positive effects in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, it did not significantly impact the open field test. Our findings suggest that the extract may enhance serotonin activity, marking a potentially effective new avenue for depression treatment.
While the extract has demonstrated positive effects in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, it did not significantly impact the open field test. Our findings suggest that the extract may enhance serotonin activity, marking a potentially effective new avenue for depression treatment.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of the probiotic strain WHH2078 on depression and anxiety in mice exposed to chronic stress. After five weeks of treatment, we found that WHH2078 significantly reduced signs of depression and anxiety, demonstrated through various behavioral tests.
The strain also boosted levels of important neurotransmitters related to mood, such as serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP. By improving these levels and benefiting gut microbiome health, WHH2078 presents itself as a potential player in tackling depression linked to chronic stress.
The strain also boosted levels of important neurotransmitters related to mood, such as serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP. By improving these levels and benefiting gut microbiome health, WHH2078 presents itself as a potential player in tackling depression linked to chronic stress.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 95 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Seasonal blues alleviated
197 people found this helpful
It effectively helps combat the seasonal blues, relieves depression, and calms shattered nerves.
Read More
10
Depression vanished
178 people found this helpful
The product is fantastic! My depression has disappeared.
Read More
9
Improved sleep
28 people found this helpful
I take it once daily, and its effectiveness is evident within a week. My long-standing depression and insomnia have greatly improved. However, taking too much or on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain, so caution is advised. I’ll stock up again.
Read More
9
Long-term happiness achieved
27 people found this helpful
I’ve used this product for over 5 years, and it has entirely eliminated my depression and cravings for carbs. I feel happy, and I've lost 40 lbs without experiencing side effects, taking 500 mg daily.
Read More
10
Life-saver supplement
19 people found this helpful
Such a life-saver! I seriously cannot live without this stuff. 5HTP has significantly helped my depression over the years. By taking it twice daily alongside Taurine, St. John’s Wort, coQ10, and adrenal glandulars, I've managed to come off the antidepressants I'd been on for 32 years. The Now brand provides consistent and reliable quality.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Enhanced mood
3 people found this helpful
After just a few days, I noticed my mood improving—everything feels brighter and my sleep has greatly improved.
9
Improved sleep
28 people found this helpful
I take it once daily, and its effectiveness is evident within a week. My long-standing depression and insomnia have greatly improved. However, taking too much or on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain, so caution is advised. I’ll stock up again.
9
Helps with insomnia
8 people found this helpful
I have been taking 5-HTP for a while, and the results are noticeable after 2-3 weeks of intake. These supplements have consistently pulled me out of depression, helped me sleep better, and curbed my appetite. I often take two capsules daily, especially during times of low mood, and I can confidently recommend them.
9
Effective mood improvement
2 people found this helpful
My assistant in the fight against depression! I was in a state of complete apathy for over six months. However, since starting 5-HTP, along with tryptophan and GABA before bed, my depression has begun to lift, my mood has improved, and I feel energised again. If you found my review helpful, please click YES. Thank you!
10
Depression vanished
178 people found this helpful
The product is fantastic! My depression has disappeared.
9
Long-term happiness achieved
27 people found this helpful
I’ve used this product for over 5 years, and it has entirely eliminated my depression and cravings for carbs. I feel happy, and I've lost 40 lbs without experiencing side effects, taking 500 mg daily.
10
Life-saver supplement
19 people found this helpful
Such a life-saver! I seriously cannot live without this stuff. 5HTP has significantly helped my depression over the years. By taking it twice daily alongside Taurine, St. John’s Wort, coQ10, and adrenal glandulars, I've managed to come off the antidepressants I'd been on for 32 years. The Now brand provides consistent and reliable quality.
9
Better sleep quality
1 people found this helpful
A natural antidepressant that enhances serotonin levels. It aids in dealing with depression and helps me sleep soundly. I no longer have strange dreams or issues, and I find my days better when I take 5-HTP.
9
Mood uplift confirmed
1 people found this helpful
5-HTP is an effective sleep aid and mood enhancer. It works by converting into serotonin or melatonin. I began to notice changes in my mood after about two weeks of taking one capsule before bed. Sleep improved, and irritability vanished. The effects are pleasant and not aggressive, making the experience quite dreamy. This supplement is excellent for combating depression.
9
Calms and helps
4 people found this helpful
I like the product as it calms me down. It's much like an antidepressant and has significantly assisted me with my depression. I take 5-HTP before bed, helping me feel calmer and reducing cravings. When used alongside GABA, my happiness increases remarkably!
9
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a treatment for depression through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
Our analysis included 13 studies, revealing a depression remission rate of 65%. While this sounds promising, the research shows considerable variability in factors like treatment duration and types of depression tackled.
Additionally, the overall quality of the studies was weak, with many lacking proper control groups. To truly understand 5-HTP's effectiveness, more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are essential.
7
We examined how a combination of nutrients, including Omega-3, SAMe, zinc, and 5-HTP, affects depression. Conducting a detailed analysis of an 8-week, double-blind study with 158 participants, we found that higher levels of EPA and DHA were linked to notable improvements in depressive symptoms. However, only changes in fatty acids demonstrated any significant correlation with mood enhancement, while 5-HTP and other biomarkers didn’t show substantial effects. This suggests fatty acids might be key indicators in personalizing depression treatments.
8
We examined the effects of the probiotic strain WHH2078 on depression and anxiety in mice exposed to chronic stress. After five weeks of treatment, we found that WHH2078 significantly reduced signs of depression and anxiety, demonstrated through various behavioral tests.
The strain also boosted levels of important neurotransmitters related to mood, such as serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP. By improving these levels and benefiting gut microbiome health, WHH2078 presents itself as a potential player in tackling depression linked to chronic stress.
The strain also boosted levels of important neurotransmitters related to mood, such as serotonin and its precursor, 5-HTP. By improving these levels and benefiting gut microbiome health, WHH2078 presents itself as a potential player in tackling depression linked to chronic stress.
8
Serotonergic antidepressant effects observed
We aimed to explore the antidepressant-like effects of a standardized extract from the barks of (Willd) Poir. in mice. Using various behavioral tests, we found that this extract shows promise in reducing depression symptoms, particularly via serotonin receptors, without relying on harmine.
While the extract has demonstrated positive effects in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, it did not significantly impact the open field test. Our findings suggest that the extract may enhance serotonin activity, marking a potentially effective new avenue for depression treatment.
While the extract has demonstrated positive effects in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, it did not significantly impact the open field test. Our findings suggest that the extract may enhance serotonin activity, marking a potentially effective new avenue for depression treatment.
References
- Fang X, Wu Y, Dai Y, Xiao H, Li S, et al. In Situ Recovery of Serotonin Synthesis by a Tryptophan Hydroxylase-Like Nanozyme for the Treatment of Depression. J Am Chem Soc. 2025;147:9111. 10.1021/jacs.4c10733
- Yu J, Zhang Y, Yao H, Zhang Z, Yang X, et al. ERβ activation improves nonylphenol-induced depression and neurotransmitter secretion disruption via the TPH2/5-HT pathway. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2024;280:116521. 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116521
- Xia S, Maitiniyazi G, Liu Y, Chen Y, Guo M, et al. Whey protein isolate attenuates depression-like behavior developed in a mouse model of breast tumor. Food Res Int. 2023;169:112849. 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112849
- Duarte-Filho LAMS, Amariz IA, Nishimura RHV, Massaranduba ABR, Menezes PMN, et al. β-carboline-independent antidepressant-like effect of the standardized extract of the barks of (Willd) Poir. occurs via 5-HT receptors in mice. J Psychopharmacol. 2022;36:836. 10.1177/02698811221104050
- Gao K, Farzi A, Ke X, Yu Y, Chen C, et al. Oral administration of WHH2078 alleviates depressive and anxiety symptoms in mice with induced chronic stress. Food Funct. 2022;13:957. 10.1039/d1fo03723d
- Siopi E, Chevalier G, Katsimpardi L, Saha S, Bigot M, et al. Changes in Gut Microbiota by Chronic Stress Impair the Efficacy of Fluoxetine. Cell Rep. 2020;30:3682. 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.099
- Meloni M, Puligheddu M, Carta M, Cannas A, Figorilli M, et al. Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding. Eur J Neurol. 2020;27:779. 10.1111/ene.14179
- van der Burg KP, Cribb L, Firth J, Karmacoska D, Mischoulon D, et al. EPA and DHA as markers of nutraceutical treatment response in major depressive disorder. Eur J Nutr. 2020;59:2439. 10.1007/s00394-019-02090-6
- Javelle F, Lampit A, Bloch W, Häussermann P, Johnson SL, et al. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2020;78:77. 10.1093/nutrit/nuz039
- Tian P, Wang G, Zhao J, Zhang H, Chen W. Bifidobacterium with the role of 5-hydroxytryptophan synthesis regulation alleviates the symptom of depression and related microbiota dysbiosis. J Nutr Biochem. 2019;66:43. 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2019.01.007
- Song J, Xing G, Cao J, Teng L, Li C, et al. Investigation of the antidepressant effects of exopolysaccharides obtained from Marasmius androsaceus fermentation in a mouse model. Mol Med Rep. 2016;13:939. 10.3892/mmr.2015.4584
