Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 10 Researches
6
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 28 Reviews
6
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

8
L-5-HTP shows promising headache relief
We conducted a double-blind crossover study with 30 children experiencing primary headaches. The participants were divided into two groups, receiving either L-5-HTP or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Each group was evaluated using a Migraine Index to measure headache severity, duration, and frequency. Results showed a significant decrease in headache symptoms for those treated with L-5-HTP compared to placebo, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.

Overall, both groups exhibited similar improvements, affirming the benefits of L-5-HTP in managing headaches in this age group.
Read More
In our investigation, we measured the levels of serotonin and beta-endorphin in 20 young headache sufferers before and after a 3-month treatment using L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Unfortunately, we didn’t find significant differences in serotonin levels among headache patients and controls. However, we did observe notably lower beta-endorphin levels in the patients compared to healthy individuals.

After treatment, while beta-endorphin levels rose slightly, and overall headache symptoms improved, these changes were not significant statistically. This suggests that while 5-HTP might boost beta-endorphin levels, its impact on headaches remains uncertain.
Read More
5
Moderate efficacy of 5-HTP
We conducted a double-blind cross-over study to investigate how effective L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is in treating chronic primary headache. In our research involving 31 patients, we compared 5-HTP to a placebo over two months.

While we observed that 5-HTP reduced headache frequency and severity, the results weren't statistically significant. Interestingly, nearly half of the participants reported a favorable response after two months, yet psychogenic headache patients showed less benefit. Overall, we found 5-HTP to be moderately effective and safe, offering patients another option for headache management.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Migraine relief
7 people found this helpful
I used to suffer a migraine weekly, sometimes severe enough to need ER visits. Tests were inconclusive, and being an insomniac, I came across this product which pitched it for improving sleep and mood. To my amazement, my migraines are now completely gone, and I'm feeling much better overall. No more headaches at all!
Read More
9
Natural ingredients
5 people found this helpful
I initially bought this for my husband to help with his sleep and stress, but I started taking it too and found my headaches disappeared—previously, I dealt with them every few days. The quality is good, and I appreciate that it contains natural ingredients. My sleep improved slightly, and I will continue using it!
Read More
9
Natural remedy success
2 people found this helpful
Works well. My wife has daily dreadful headaches. This seems to be the only natural pill that provides relief.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 10 Researches
6
  • All Researches
8
Potential migraine prevention with L-5-HTP
In a thoughtful and controlled study, we explored the effects of L-5-HTP on migraines, one of the most common forms of primary headache. The findings were promising, showing a significant reduction in the frequency of migraines for those predisposed to headaches.

This long-term, placebo-controlled research suggests that L-5-HTP might influence central nervous system factors involved in migraine development. While more research is needed, the data offers a novel look at potential preventive measures for those suffering from migraines.
Read More
8
L-5-HTP shows promising headache relief
We conducted a double-blind crossover study with 30 children experiencing primary headaches. The participants were divided into two groups, receiving either L-5-HTP or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Each group was evaluated using a Migraine Index to measure headache severity, duration, and frequency. Results showed a significant decrease in headache symptoms for those treated with L-5-HTP compared to placebo, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.

Overall, both groups exhibited similar improvements, affirming the benefits of L-5-HTP in managing headaches in this age group.
Read More
8
5-HTP shows mixed headache effects
We examined the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in managing headaches, particularly migraines. Our findings showed that both acute and chronic administration of tryptophan significantly alleviated headaches when compared to placebo treatments.

In some patients with severe pain from cancer, tryptophan reduced the need for morphine as well. Conversely, chronic use of parachlorophenylalanine resulted in lowered pain thresholds and spontaneous pain in some migraine patients—an effect that reverted upon stopping the treatment.

These insights suggest that while 5-HT plays a crucial role in pain modulation, its turnover might be disrupted in individuals with chronic headache conditions.
Read More
In our investigation, we measured the levels of serotonin and beta-endorphin in 20 young headache sufferers before and after a 3-month treatment using L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Unfortunately, we didn’t find significant differences in serotonin levels among headache patients and controls. However, we did observe notably lower beta-endorphin levels in the patients compared to healthy individuals.

After treatment, while beta-endorphin levels rose slightly, and overall headache symptoms improved, these changes were not significant statistically. This suggests that while 5-HTP might boost beta-endorphin levels, its impact on headaches remains uncertain.
Read More
7
L-5-HTP alleviates headaches, aids sleep
We explored the impact of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) on headaches in children who also experienced sleep disorders. After selecting forty-eight elementary and junior high school students based on a school-wide questionnaire, we conducted a double-blind, cross-over trial comparing L-5-HTP to a placebo.

Results were promising, as L-5-HTP showed positive effects on reducing headaches and aiding with sleep issues, such as frequent awakenings.

This suggests that L-5-HTP could be a helpful treatment avenue for children struggling with these interconnected problems.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 28 Reviews
6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Migraine relief
7 people found this helpful
I used to suffer a migraine weekly, sometimes severe enough to need ER visits. Tests were inconclusive, and being an insomniac, I came across this product which pitched it for improving sleep and mood. To my amazement, my migraines are now completely gone, and I'm feeling much better overall. No more headaches at all!
Read More
9
Natural ingredients
5 people found this helpful
I initially bought this for my husband to help with his sleep and stress, but I started taking it too and found my headaches disappeared—previously, I dealt with them every few days. The quality is good, and I appreciate that it contains natural ingredients. My sleep improved slightly, and I will continue using it!
Read More
9
Natural remedy success
2 people found this helpful
Works well. My wife has daily dreadful headaches. This seems to be the only natural pill that provides relief.
Read More
9
Capsules reduce frequency
1 people found this helpful
The quality of this company's product is excellent. The capsules are convenient, and while my sleep has improved, the decrease in headaches is notable. Over a month, I experienced only 2-3 headaches when previously it occurred weekly. I'm pleased this product has helped me; I recommend it to others, especially for reducing stress during PMS.
Read More
9
No headaches so far
Excellent! The package arrived promptly and in excellent condition. I have been taking it for a few days now, and remarkably, I have not experienced a single headache. I am hopeful this continues to improve my migraines.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
No headaches so far
Excellent! The package arrived promptly and in excellent condition. I have been taking it for a few days now, and remarkably, I have not experienced a single headache. I am hopeful this continues to improve my migraines.
9
Capsules reduce frequency
1 people found this helpful
The quality of this company's product is excellent. The capsules are convenient, and while my sleep has improved, the decrease in headaches is notable. Over a month, I experienced only 2-3 headaches when previously it occurred weekly. I'm pleased this product has helped me; I recommend it to others, especially for reducing stress during PMS.
0
Improved condition
It didn’t suit me, as it caused a headache.
0
Headache onset
2 people found this helpful
I experienced a headache from the very first day of use, leading me to stop taking it.
9
Natural ingredients
5 people found this helpful
I initially bought this for my husband to help with his sleep and stress, but I started taking it too and found my headaches disappeared—previously, I dealt with them every few days. The quality is good, and I appreciate that it contains natural ingredients. My sleep improved slightly, and I will continue using it!
4
Sensitive to side effects
Pay attention to your health. After taking a few pills, I suffered from splitting headaches every night that lasted until the following afternoon. I've learned that individuals prone to headaches may be more sensitive to 5-HTP, which could trigger headaches.
4
5-HTP shows mixed headache effects
We investigated how L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) affects chronic tension-type headaches by conducting a double-blind, randomized trial with 78 participants. While 5-HTP did not significantly change the number of headache days or their intensity compared to placebo, we found that participants reduced their use of analgesics. Notably, in the follow-up period, there was a promising decrease in headache days, with subjective reports favoring 5-HTP. These findings suggest that while 5-HTP may not directly alleviate headaches, it can help reduce medication dependency.
4
5-HTP normalizes MAO in migraines
We investigated how L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) impacts headaches in patients with migraine and cluster headaches. The study revealed that migraine sufferers have higher monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels compared to those without headaches. Interestingly, 5-HTP treatment seemed to normalize MAO activity in migraine patients, suggesting a positive effect. However, this treatment showed no change in MAO activity for those with cluster headaches, indicating that 5-HTP may not be effective for all headache types.
8
L-5-HTP shows promising headache relief
We conducted a double-blind crossover study with 30 children experiencing primary headaches. The participants were divided into two groups, receiving either L-5-HTP or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Each group was evaluated using a Migraine Index to measure headache severity, duration, and frequency. Results showed a significant decrease in headache symptoms for those treated with L-5-HTP compared to placebo, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.

Overall, both groups exhibited similar improvements, affirming the benefits of L-5-HTP in managing headaches in this age group.
7
L-5-HTP alleviates headaches, aids sleep
We explored the impact of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) on headaches in children who also experienced sleep disorders. After selecting forty-eight elementary and junior high school students based on a school-wide questionnaire, we conducted a double-blind, cross-over trial comparing L-5-HTP to a placebo.

Results were promising, as L-5-HTP showed positive effects on reducing headaches and aiding with sleep issues, such as frequent awakenings.

This suggests that L-5-HTP could be a helpful treatment avenue for children struggling with these interconnected problems.
7
5-HTP treatment and headache patients
We explored the effectiveness of L-5HTP, a serotonin precursor, in treating primary headaches by studying 100 patients over four months. The treatment was administered at a dose of 300 mg daily.

Our findings confirmed that L-5HTP showed consistent effects across various headache types, regardless of its frequency. We identified characteristics of patients most likely to benefit, including a history of major mood disorders and fewer anxiety symptoms. Overall, while the treatment shows promise, further research is needed to clearly understand its impact on headache relief.

References

  1. Victor S, Ryan SW. Drugs for preventing migraine headaches in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003.
  2. Ribeiro CA. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. For the Portuguese Head Society. Headache. 2000;40:451.
  3. Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. L-5-hydroxytryptophan can prevent nociceptive disorders in man. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;467:177.
  4. 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.
  5. De Giorgis G, Miletto R, Iannuccelli M, Camuffo M, Scerni S. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study--L-5-HTP versus placebo. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1987;13:425.
  6. 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.
  7. Bono G, Micieli G, Sances G, Calvani M, Nappi G. L-5HTP treatment in primary headaches: an attempt at clinical identification of responsive patients. Cephalalgia. 1984;4:159.
  8. 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.
  9. Bussone G, Boiardi A, Cerrati A, Girotti F, Merati B, et al. Monoamine oxidase activities in patients with migraine or with cluster headache during the acute phases and after treatment with L-5-hydroxytryptophan. Riv Patol Nerv Ment. 1979;100:269.
  10. 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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