Last update
5/5/2026

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.3
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

7
5-HTP shows potential sleep benefits
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on REM sleep behavior disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease. In a small, randomized, double-blind trial with 18 participants, we compared daily doses of 5-HTP to a placebo over four weeks. The results suggested that 5-HTP can improve sleep quality and stability without increasing REM sleep disorder episodes. However, the overall benefits were marginal and further research with larger groups and longer durations is essential to confirm these findings.
Read More
We conducted a randomized, double-blind study to examine the effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on motor complications caused by levodopa in 12 Parkinson's disease patients. Throughout the 16-week trial, involving a crossover design, we compared the effects of 5-HTP with a placebo.

While our results showed potential benefits in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias, they remain preliminary and warrant further investigation in larger studies. Overall, this suggests that 5-HTP might help alleviate some motor issues in Parkinson's patients, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Read More
We evaluated how 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) might help reduce L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a Parkinson’s disease rat model. Through controlled studies, we found that 5-HTP significantly cut down LID by about 50% without compromising L-DOPA's effectiveness at lower doses. However, using higher doses showed some reduction in L-DOPA's therapeutic effects. Despite these variations, 5-HTP proved beneficial and could be a promising treatment option for reducing dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients, highlighting the serotonin system's critical role in managing these symptoms.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Enhances serotonin regulation
5-HTP increases serotonin, crucial for mood regulation and addressing depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. Studies indicate it aids in reducing Parkinson's symptoms across multiple areas, making it an effective supplement for patients struggling with this condition.
Read More
9
Boosts mood and sleep
5-HTP enhances mood by raising serotonin levels, significantly reducing anxiety and alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. It also positively affects sleep quality by promoting deeper, more restful sleep, which is crucial for overall emotional and physical health.
Read More
9
Reduces Parkinson's intensity
5-HTP reduces headaches and alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It stimulates the release of beta-endorphins, increases pain threshold, regulates appetite, and aids in sleep. Its ability to naturally regulate serotonin levels distinguishes it from traditionally prescribed neurostimulants.
Read More

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Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.1
  • All Researches
We evaluated how 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) might help reduce L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a Parkinson’s disease rat model. Through controlled studies, we found that 5-HTP significantly cut down LID by about 50% without compromising L-DOPA's effectiveness at lower doses. However, using higher doses showed some reduction in L-DOPA's therapeutic effects. Despite these variations, 5-HTP proved beneficial and could be a promising treatment option for reducing dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients, highlighting the serotonin system's critical role in managing these symptoms.
Read More
7
5-HTP shows promise for dyskinesia
We examined how 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) affects L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Using MitoPark mice treated with L-DOPA, we found that 5-HTP significantly reduced abnormal limb movements over time.

In contrast, while Citalopram also helped alleviate LID, it primarily affected different movement types.

Overall, both treatments showed promise but highlighted distinct pathways in managing motor symptoms related to Parkinson's.
Read More
7
5-HTP shows potential sleep benefits
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on REM sleep behavior disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease. In a small, randomized, double-blind trial with 18 participants, we compared daily doses of 5-HTP to a placebo over four weeks. The results suggested that 5-HTP can improve sleep quality and stability without increasing REM sleep disorder episodes. However, the overall benefits were marginal and further research with larger groups and longer durations is essential to confirm these findings.
Read More
We conducted a randomized, double-blind study to examine the effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on motor complications caused by levodopa in 12 Parkinson's disease patients. Throughout the 16-week trial, involving a crossover design, we compared the effects of 5-HTP with a placebo.

While our results showed potential benefits in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias, they remain preliminary and warrant further investigation in larger studies. Overall, this suggests that 5-HTP might help alleviate some motor issues in Parkinson's patients, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Read More
7
5-HTP shows promise for depression
We set out to explore if 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) could alleviate depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 25 individuals received either 50 mg of 5-HTP or a placebo daily for four weeks.

Our findings suggest that while 5-HTP may benefit depressive symptoms, the overall impact on apathy appears limited. Larger studies over longer durations are needed to confirm these initial insights.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.3
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Enhances serotonin regulation
5-HTP increases serotonin, crucial for mood regulation and addressing depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. Studies indicate it aids in reducing Parkinson's symptoms across multiple areas, making it an effective supplement for patients struggling with this condition.
Read More
9
Boosts mood and sleep
5-HTP enhances mood by raising serotonin levels, significantly reducing anxiety and alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. It also positively affects sleep quality by promoting deeper, more restful sleep, which is crucial for overall emotional and physical health.
Read More
9
Reduces Parkinson's intensity
5-HTP reduces headaches and alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It stimulates the release of beta-endorphins, increases pain threshold, regulates appetite, and aids in sleep. Its ability to naturally regulate serotonin levels distinguishes it from traditionally prescribed neurostimulants.
Read More
7.5
Facilitates Parkinson's treatment
This supplement enhances mood and reduces anxiety while controlling appetite. It aids in treating Parkinson's disease by alleviating symptoms during treatment with 5-HTP. Furthermore, it supports those overcoming addictions by easing withdrawal symptoms, stabilising blood pressure, and improving blood circulation – benefiting the cardiovascular system significantly.
Read More
7.5
Eases Parkinson's symptoms
5-HTP destroys free radicals and protects cell membranes from damage. It effectively treats conditions like fibromyalgia, and its beneficial effects have also been noted in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's, showcasing its importance as a natural antidepressant.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Enhances serotonin regulation
5-HTP increases serotonin, crucial for mood regulation and addressing depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. Studies indicate it aids in reducing Parkinson's symptoms across multiple areas, making it an effective supplement for patients struggling with this condition.
9
Boosts mood and sleep
5-HTP enhances mood by raising serotonin levels, significantly reducing anxiety and alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. It also positively affects sleep quality by promoting deeper, more restful sleep, which is crucial for overall emotional and physical health.
7.5
Facilitates Parkinson's treatment
This supplement enhances mood and reduces anxiety while controlling appetite. It aids in treating Parkinson's disease by alleviating symptoms during treatment with 5-HTP. Furthermore, it supports those overcoming addictions by easing withdrawal symptoms, stabilising blood pressure, and improving blood circulation – benefiting the cardiovascular system significantly.
7
5-HTP shows promise for dyskinesia
We examined how 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) affects L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

Using MitoPark mice treated with L-DOPA, we found that 5-HTP significantly reduced abnormal limb movements over time.

In contrast, while Citalopram also helped alleviate LID, it primarily affected different movement types.

Overall, both treatments showed promise but highlighted distinct pathways in managing motor symptoms related to Parkinson's.
We evaluated how 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) might help reduce L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in a Parkinson’s disease rat model. Through controlled studies, we found that 5-HTP significantly cut down LID by about 50% without compromising L-DOPA's effectiveness at lower doses. However, using higher doses showed some reduction in L-DOPA's therapeutic effects. Despite these variations, 5-HTP proved beneficial and could be a promising treatment option for reducing dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients, highlighting the serotonin system's critical role in managing these symptoms.
We conducted a randomized, double-blind study to examine the effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on motor complications caused by levodopa in 12 Parkinson's disease patients. Throughout the 16-week trial, involving a crossover design, we compared the effects of 5-HTP with a placebo.

While our results showed potential benefits in reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesias, they remain preliminary and warrant further investigation in larger studies. Overall, this suggests that 5-HTP might help alleviate some motor issues in Parkinson's patients, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
7
5-HTP shows promise for depression
We set out to explore if 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) could alleviate depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 25 individuals received either 50 mg of 5-HTP or a placebo daily for four weeks.

Our findings suggest that while 5-HTP may benefit depressive symptoms, the overall impact on apathy appears limited. Larger studies over longer durations are needed to confirm these initial insights.
7
5-HTP shows potential sleep benefits
We explored the impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on REM sleep behavior disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease. In a small, randomized, double-blind trial with 18 participants, we compared daily doses of 5-HTP to a placebo over four weeks. The results suggested that 5-HTP can improve sleep quality and stability without increasing REM sleep disorder episodes. However, the overall benefits were marginal and further research with larger groups and longer durations is essential to confirm these findings.

References

  1. Chen YH, Kuo TT, Wang V, Cheng PW, Huang EY, et al. Serotonergic Regulation of Synaptic Dopamine Levels Mitigates L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Parkinsons Dis. 2024;14:941. 10.3233/JPD-240080
  2. Meloni M, Figorilli M, Carta M, Tamburrino L, Cannas A, et al. Preliminary finding of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 5-hydroxytryptophan on REM sleep behavior disorder in Parkinson's disease. Sleep Breath. 2022;26:1023. 10.1007/s11325-021-02417-w
  3. Meloni M, Puligheddu M, Sanna F, Cannas A, Farris R, et al. Efficacy and safety of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on levodopa-induced motor complications in Parkinson's disease: A preliminary finding. J Neurol Sci. 2020;415:116869. 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116869
  4. 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
  5. Tronci E, Fidalgo C, Stancampiano R, Carta M. Effect of selective and non-selective serotonin receptor activation on L-DOPA-induced therapeutic efficacy and dyskinesia in parkinsonian rats. Behav Brain Res. 2015;292:300. 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.06.034
  6. Tronci E, Lisci C, Stancampiano R, Fidalgo C, Collu M, et al. 5-Hydroxy-tryptophan for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in the rat Parkinson's disease model. Neurobiol Dis. 2013;60:108. 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.08.014
  7. Aubin N, Barneoud P, Carter C, Caille D, Sontag N, et al. SL25.1131 [3(S),3a(S)-3-methoxymethyl-7-[4,4,4-trifluorobutoxy]-3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-1,3-oxazolo[3,4-a]quinolin-1-one], a new, reversible, and mixed inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A and monoamine oxidase-B: biochemical and behavioral profile. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2004;310:1171. PubMed
  8. Mayeux R, Stern Y, Sano M, Williams JB, Cote LJ. The relationship of serotonin to depression in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 1988;3:237. PubMed
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