Last update
5/5/2026
Research Authors

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 2 Researches
5.5
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 10 Reviews
6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) (from Griffonia simplicifolia Extract) (Seed)
100 mg
*
📅 Last updated:

Top Medical Research Studies

In our investigation, we examined the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to healthy volunteers.

Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled approach, we found that while 5-HTP led to increased pain perception in hypersensitive IBS patients, it also caused similar effects in some healthy controls.

Notably, IBS patients showed significant changes in serotonin metabolites alongside altered pain thresholds. However, these changes weren't beneficial across the board, as non-hypersensitive IBS patients did not experience the same response.
Read More
We assessed the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on intestinal health in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy individuals. In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study, we found that while 5-HTP improved mucosal serotonin levels and reinforced intestinal barriers in healthy participants, the same benefits were absent in IBS patients. This suggests IBS may involve a dysfunctional serotonin system, hindering the ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier even after 5-HTP treatment. Overall, our findings indicate limited effectiveness for 5-HTP in treating IBS.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

0
Worsened mood
16 people found this helpful
I feel MORE depressed after taking this! I started with a full capsule at bedtime, but it kept me up all night with a rapid heartbeat! Even trying just a little bit each night for a week made me feel REALLY depressed and irritable. I do not recommend this product.
Read More
7.5
Stress relief
8 people found this helpful
This supplement has been a super remedy for stress. I noticed positive effects from the very first day. Previously, I struggled with irritability and had insomnia for two years, but now I wake up in a good mood and enjoy life. I definitely recommend it for anyone feeling depressed!
Read More
7.5
Reduced irritability
2 people found this helpful
They work; I've been using them for about a month, taking them at night, though not on an empty stomach. I’ve become less irritable, and the urge to lash out has disappeared. I definitely recommend it!
Read More

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Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 2 Researches
5.5
  • All Researches
In our investigation, we examined the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to healthy volunteers.

Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled approach, we found that while 5-HTP led to increased pain perception in hypersensitive IBS patients, it also caused similar effects in some healthy controls.

Notably, IBS patients showed significant changes in serotonin metabolites alongside altered pain thresholds. However, these changes weren't beneficial across the board, as non-hypersensitive IBS patients did not experience the same response.
Read More
We assessed the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on intestinal health in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy individuals. In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study, we found that while 5-HTP improved mucosal serotonin levels and reinforced intestinal barriers in healthy participants, the same benefits were absent in IBS patients. This suggests IBS may involve a dysfunctional serotonin system, hindering the ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier even after 5-HTP treatment. Overall, our findings indicate limited effectiveness for 5-HTP in treating IBS.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 10 Reviews
6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
0
Worsened mood
16 people found this helpful
I feel MORE depressed after taking this! I started with a full capsule at bedtime, but it kept me up all night with a rapid heartbeat! Even trying just a little bit each night for a week made me feel REALLY depressed and irritable. I do not recommend this product.
Read More
7.5
Stress relief
8 people found this helpful
This supplement has been a super remedy for stress. I noticed positive effects from the very first day. Previously, I struggled with irritability and had insomnia for two years, but now I wake up in a good mood and enjoy life. I definitely recommend it for anyone feeling depressed!
Read More
7.5
Reduced irritability
2 people found this helpful
They work; I've been using them for about a month, taking them at night, though not on an empty stomach. I’ve become less irritable, and the urge to lash out has disappeared. I definitely recommend it!
Read More
0
Aggression increase
2 people found this helpful
NEGATIVE EFFECTS WARNING - MOOD! After taking the 5-HTP pills with my ADAM vitamins, I became incredibly irritable and aggressive, which was entirely the opposite of what I anticipated. My wife experienced the same disappointing effects of irritability, leading us to stop taking this medicine. I share my experience because others might be facing similar issues. Though I noticed slight improvements in memory concentration, the resulting anger and uncontrollable irritability were overwhelming.
Read More
7.5
Calming during stress
Just right for relaxation. I use it when I’m feeling irritable before my period, after a fight, or when anxious and unable to sleep. It calms me down, which is why I keep buying it.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Stress relief
8 people found this helpful
This supplement has been a super remedy for stress. I noticed positive effects from the very first day. Previously, I struggled with irritability and had insomnia for two years, but now I wake up in a good mood and enjoy life. I definitely recommend it for anyone feeling depressed!
7.5
Mood elevation
I ordered these vitamins on a colleague's recommendation. After a week of taking them, I noticed an improvement in my mood, and I became less irritable.
7.5
Reduced irritability
2 people found this helpful
They work; I've been using them for about a month, taking them at night, though not on an empty stomach. I’ve become less irritable, and the urge to lash out has disappeared. I definitely recommend it!
0
Opposite effect
1 people found this helpful
I rated it poorly because it caused the opposite effect. After a few days of taking it, my wife became more irritable. Clearly, this medication might not suit her, and we’ll be searching for an alternative.
0
Aggression increase
2 people found this helpful
NEGATIVE EFFECTS WARNING - MOOD! After taking the 5-HTP pills with my ADAM vitamins, I became incredibly irritable and aggressive, which was entirely the opposite of what I anticipated. My wife experienced the same disappointing effects of irritability, leading us to stop taking this medicine. I share my experience because others might be facing similar issues. Though I noticed slight improvements in memory concentration, the resulting anger and uncontrollable irritability were overwhelming.
0
Increased irritability
2 people found this helpful
For me, it makes me irritable for some reason. I've tried it several times, but drinking it consistently results in irritability. I found information online suggesting that some feel calm after 5-HTP, but I couldn't locate anyone who mentioned feeling irritated. It’s quite perplexing. Ultimately, I decided to stop taking it as it seemed like a waste.
In our investigation, we examined the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to healthy volunteers.

Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled approach, we found that while 5-HTP led to increased pain perception in hypersensitive IBS patients, it also caused similar effects in some healthy controls.

Notably, IBS patients showed significant changes in serotonin metabolites alongside altered pain thresholds. However, these changes weren't beneficial across the board, as non-hypersensitive IBS patients did not experience the same response.
We assessed the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on intestinal health in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy individuals. In a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study, we found that while 5-HTP improved mucosal serotonin levels and reinforced intestinal barriers in healthy participants, the same benefits were absent in IBS patients. This suggests IBS may involve a dysfunctional serotonin system, hindering the ability to strengthen the intestinal barrier even after 5-HTP treatment. Overall, our findings indicate limited effectiveness for 5-HTP in treating IBS.

References

  1. Keszthelyi D, Troost FJ, Jonkers DM, van Eijk HM, Dekker J, et al. Visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence for involvement of serotonin metabolism--a preliminary study. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015;27:1127. 10.1111/nmo.12600
  2. Keszthelyi D, Troost FJ, Jonkers DM, van Eijk HM, Lindsey PJ, et al. Serotonergic reinforcement of intestinal barrier function is impaired in irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014;40:392. 10.1111/apt.12842
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