The standard one
5-HTP from Griffonia seed
The usual source. Look for a stated amount of 5-HTP.
Good for: Mood · Sleep & stress
What variations of 5-HTP exist?
A compound your body makes from tryptophan and turns into serotonin. Supplements come from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Easy on the stomach: the gentler one (Enteric-coated or time-release 5-HTP)
Every form, in plain words
The standard one
5-HTP from Griffonia seed
The usual source. Look for a stated amount of 5-HTP.
Good for: Mood · Sleep & stress
The gentler one
Enteric-coated or time-release 5-HTP
May cause less nausea.
Good for: Easy on the stomach
The team-up
Mood and sleep blends with 5-HTP
Often paired with vitamin B6 or calming herbs. Check how much 5-HTP you get per serving.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for '5-HTP from Griffonia seed' on the label (the standard one)
Watch out for
- Griffonia extract without a stated amount of 5-HTP
- No third-party testing for purity
- Blends that combine 5-HTP with St. John's wort or other herbs that raise serotonin
Check with your provider first if…
- You take an antidepressant (such as sertraline or fluoxetine), a migraine triptan, tramadol, St. John's wort, or another medicine that raises serotonin. Together they can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be dangerous.
- You take carbidopa for Parkinson's. Together they have caused skin thickening in rare cases.
- You have bipolar disorder
- You're having surgery soon. Stop it at least 2 weeks before.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- Nausea is the most common side effect
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.