Introduction

5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP is precursor of the important inhibitory neurotransmitter amine 5-HT, which is extracted from the dry seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia from Ghana and is of more safety compared to the synthesized product.

Applications/Function

1.Clinical trials show that 5-HTP is a safe, natural way to boost the brain 

serotonin levels. Use of 5-HTP has been shown to produce results equal to or 

better than those of standard synthetic drugs used in the problems arising from 

serotonin deficiency syndrome.

 2. 5- HTP provides the quickest, most effective, and most consistent overall 

results in treating insomnia. It is an effective alternative for dealing with 

sleep problems in a safe and natural way compared to sleep medicines. 5-HTP 

improves the quality of sleep. More importantly, clinical studies show that 5- 

HTP is also useful in the treatment of sleep disorders other than insomnia.

3. 5-HTP increases REM sleep significantly (typically by about 25 percent) while  simultaneously increasing deep sleep stages 3 and 4 without increasing total 

sleep time. 5- HTP accomplishes this by shortening the amount of time you spend 

in sleep stages 1 and 2, which in certain ways are the least important stages of 

the cycle. The higher the dose, the more time spent in REM.

4. By shifting the balance of the sleep cycle, 5-HTP makes sleep more restful and rejuvenating. Instead of waking feeling tired, worn out, and "hungover," 

 people taking 5- HTP feel vibrant, well rested, and ready to take on the 

challenges of the day. When we sleep more deeply and dream more efficiently, we wake in the morning with our physical and psychological batteries fully charged.

5. The impact of 5-HTP on sleep stages is dose-related; taking higher doses 

produces a somewhat greater impact. In most cases, the lower dosage is adequate. 

 Higher doses may lead to a greater number of disturbing dreams and nightmares 

due to abnormally prolonged REM sleep. It can also lead to mild nausea.