Herbs & Botanicals · West African seed, source of 5-HTP

Griffonia

Griffonia simplicifolia · also called Griffonia, Griffonia seed, 5-HTP source

Griffonia is a West African seed that is the main source of 5-HTP, which the body turns into serotonin. It is sold for mood and sleep. Almost all trials tested purified 5-HTP rather than the seed, and the evidence is small and old. The key caution: it can cause dangerous serotonin overload with antidepressants and other serotonin medicines.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Griffonia

Griffonia (Griffonia simplicifolia) is a West African climbing shrub whose seed holds a lot of 5-HTP, the building block the body uses to make serotonin. Seed extracts and purified 5-HTP are sold for mood, sleep and appetite. The trials are mostly small, old and of purified 5-HTP. The serious issue is safety: serotonin syndrome with antidepressants and other serotonin medicines, product contamination concerns, and little data for pregnancy.

What it is

Griffonia simplicifolia is a legume plant of West African forests. Its seeds hold 6-20% 5-HTP by wet weight, which is why they are the commercial source of 5-HTP. The seed also holds alkaloids such as griffonine and fatty acids.

Keep three things apart: the whole seed, a seed extract, and isolated 5-HTP. Strength differs between them and between makers, and almost all human trials used isolated 5-HTP.

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What the research shows

The best review is a 2002 Cochrane review. It found only two good-enough trials (64 people) of 5-HTP or tryptophan in depression. They beat placebo, but the reviewers said the evidence was not conclusive. Other uses rest on single small trials: fibromyalgia (50 people, 1990), a two-week appetite trial in people with diabetes, a 30-person sleep trial with no placebo, and old migraine studies that disagree.

A 2026 single-dose trial in 112 adults found no help for distractibility. The one 2026 trial of a Griffonia product tested pain in 18 healthy volunteers and found no useful effect. In short: the trials are of 5-HTP, not usually of whole seed.

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Where it comes from

The seeds are wild-harvested in West Africa. A 2021 review says Ghana exported at least 5,550 tonnes of seed between 2005 and 2013, and names habitat loss, fewer pollinating birds and destructive harvesting as threats. Most seed goes to China for extraction, and about 48% of the extracts go to North America.

At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Insecticide, arachnicide, fodder, dye, mordant and chewing-stick in West Africa (2021 review)
Antidepressant use is modern, not traditional

Studied for research

Low mood and depression, low certainty (Cochrane: two small trials, not conclusive)
Sleep, very low certainty (one small trial without placebo)
Fibromyalgia, very low certainty (one 1990 trial)
Appetite and weight, very low certainty (a two-week trial)
Migraine, very low certainty (mixed old trials)
Attention, no benefit in a single-dose trial

Main compounds

5-HTP (CID 439280)
Griffonine and other alkaloids
Linoleic and oleic acid

Common forms

Seed extract
Whole seed or seed powder
Purified 5-HTP (separate product)
Combination products

Research links: Cochrane review: tryptophan and 5-HTP for depression (2002) · Sleep trial in older adults (2024) · Griffonia pain trial (2026) · Peak X contaminant study (2003) · Safety review of 5-HTP (2004) · Health Canada 5-HTP monograph · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill.
Naming authority: (Vahl ex DC.) Baill.
Common names: Griffonia (English); Griffonia seed (English)
Botanical family: Fabaceae (legume family)
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Fabales > Fabaceae > Griffonia > Griffonia simplicifolia
Native range: West Africa. Five countries export the seed: Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo (2021 review).
Habitat: Understorey of West African forests; wild stands in forest reserves and national parks (2021 review).
What the plant looks like: Roots: Not described in sources read; Stems: Plants are sometimes cut to harvest the pods; Leaves: Used as livestock forage (2021 review); Flowers: Bird-pollinated (2021 review); Fruit: Pods with 1-4 seeds each; the seed holds 6-20% 5-HTP by wet weight (2021 review)
Cultivation: The commercial supply comes from wild stands; no cultivation data were found in the sources read.
Harvest and processing: Pods are collected from wild plants, seeds are exported (mainly to China), and 5-HTP extracts are made there and re-exported, about 48% to North America (2021 review).
Sustainability and conservation: The trade is wild-harvested. The 2021 review names six threats (forest loss, fewer pollinating birds, invasive plants, grazing, industrial seed removal and destructive harvest) but also notes some resilience from re-sprouting. No formal IUCN status was checked.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Traditional West African uses	Insecticide, arachnicide, fodder, dye, mordant and chewing-stick. Antidepressant use is not listed as traditional.	p33991640
1980s export trade	Ghana exported 75-80 tonnes of seed to Europe, already its main medicinal plant export.	p33991640
1989 to today	After L-tryptophan supplements were withdrawn in 1989 for EMS, 5-HTP became a popular supplement in its place.	p15068828
2005-2013	Ghana exported at least 5,550 tonnes of seed (about 9.1 to 13.5 billion seeds).	p33991640
Present day	No EMA/HMPC monograph found; Health Canada has a 5-HTP natural health product monograph but has not approved 5-HTP as a food additive (2024).	s-healthcanada-nhp-5htp

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, oxitriptan) PubChem 439280	Amino acid (tryptophan derivative)	Seed 6-20% of seed wet weight (2021 review)	The immediate precursor of serotonin; the compound tested in nearly all trials. ^{3 18 24}	Human data
Griffonine and other alkaloids	Beta-carboline alkaloid derivative	Seed Lower than 5-HTP (2019 analysis)	Not studied for health effects in the sources read; CID not verified. ¹⁸	Laboratory research
Linoleic and oleic acid	Unsaturated fatty acids	Seed	Dominant seed fatty acids (2019 analysis). ¹⁸	Laboratory research
Serotonin (made from 5-HTP in the body) PubChem 5202	Monoamine neurotransmitter	Not in the plant for this purpose	Raised in blood after 5-HTP in one small trial. ^{15 24}	Human data
Carbidopa (interacting drug) PubChem 34359	Decarboxylase inhibitor	Not a plant compound	Blocks conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin outside the brain. ^{17 24}	Human data
4,5-Tryptophan-dione (peak X contaminant)	Tryptophan derivative	Manufacturing contaminant, not a plant constituent 0.5% to 10.3% of the case-implicated level in 6 shop samples	Putative neurotoxin; CID not looked up. ⁶	Laboratory research

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Serotonin production	Amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) converts 5-HTP to serotonin; tryptophan hydroxylase makes 5-HTP	5-HTP bypasses the slow tryptophan hydroxylase step; serotonin is then turned into melatonin. ^{7 17}	Human data
Peripheral conversion	AADC outside the brain	Blocked by carbidopa, so more 5-HTP can reach the brain. ¹⁷	Human data
Blood serotonin	Not stated	Serum serotonin rose with daily 5-HTP in older adults. ¹⁵	Human data
Pain facilitation	Not stated	A larger allodynia area on Griffonia led authors to suggest serotonergic facilitation of pain pathways; speculative. ¹²	Human data
Gut bacteria	Not applicable	Microbial diversity rose in poor sleepers; effect on health unknown. ¹⁵	Human data

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not found in the abstracts read.
Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier (2026 trial introduction).
Metabolism: Converted to serotonin by AADC; peripheral conversion can be blocked by carbidopa.
Elimination: Not found.
Bioavailability: Not found.

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Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Keep three things apart: the whole seed, the seed extract, and isolated 5-HTP. Nearly all trials used isolated 5-HTP. The one Griffonia product trial was small, in healthy volunteers, and tested pain. Extract strength varies, and seed 5-HTP content ranges widely. Contaminants (peak X) were reported in 5-HTP products, so source and purity matter. Results from one form should not be assumed for the others.

Nutritional composition

Griffonia seed is a medicinal seed, not a food. 5-HTP also occurs only in limited amounts in foods (Health Canada). Its seed oil is mostly linoleic and oleic acid.

8benefits and uses looked at

25studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

7lab markers tracked in trials

3 low certainty4 very low certainty1 not enough evidence

What is Griffonia good for?

The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is. 'Low' means a few small trials. 'Very low' means one small or uncontrolled study. 'Insufficient' means no usable human trial. These results are for purified 5-HTP unless stated. Safety comes first: see the Safety tab.

Low mood and depressionLow certaintyTwo small trials (64 people) of 5-HTP or tryptophan beat placebo in a Cochrane review, but the reviewers called the evidence not conclusive and noted proven antidepressants exist. Not tested with the whole seed. Low mood needs a proper assessment. Sleep qualityVery low certaintyOne 12-week trial in 30 older adults, with no placebo, found better sleep scores only in people who slept badly. AnxietyNot enough evidenceNo anxiety trial was read. Early studies are described as unclear. Attention and distractibilityLow certaintyA single-dose trial in 112 adults found no benefit and about 1 in 5 had fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Migraine preventionVery low certaintyOld trials: similar to an older migraine drug in adults (no placebo), no better than placebo in children. FibromyalgiaVery low certaintyOne 1990 trial of 50 people reported improvement over placebo, without figures in the abstract. Appetite and weightVery low certaintyA two-week trial in people with type 2 diabetes found lower food intake and weight. It is too short to show lasting weight loss. Experimental pain (healthy volunteers)Low certaintyThe one trial of an actual Griffonia product found no useful effect; one measure suggested slightly more sensitivity.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Low mood and depression

Low certainty

The best review found two good-enough trials of 5-HTP or tryptophan, 64 people in all, that beat placebo. The reviewers still said the evidence was not strong enough to be conclusive, and proven antidepressants exist.

4 studiesPurified 5-HTP or tryptophan; not whole seed.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

The 2002 Cochrane review searched 108 trials and kept only 2 (64 people) that were randomised, placebo-controlled and used a depression scale. 5-HTP and tryptophan were pooled. A 2006 review (Turner) looks at the placebo-controlled trials in detail, but only its abstract was read here.

Results

Better than placebo in the pooled analysis, but the reviewers say the quality was too low to be conclusive and that the possible link with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome had not been settled.

Effect sizes as reported

Peto odds ratio 4.10 (95% CI 1.28 to 13.15); risk difference 0.36; NNT 2.78 (Cochrane, 2 trials, 64 people).

Why this rating

Only two small old trials passed quality screening; the review's own conclusion is 'not conclusive'.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP or tryptophan; not whole seed.

Who was studied

Adults with unipolar depression or dysthymia.

Limits

Tiny numbers, old trials, 5-HTP and tryptophan pooled, wide confidence interval.

Why researchers looked

5-HTP becomes serotonin, a brain chemical targeted by common antidepressants, so it was tested in depression from the 1970s.

Traditional use

Griffonia seed was not a traditional mood medicine in the sources read. Traditional uses named are insecticide, arachnicide, fodder, dye, mordant and chewing-stick (2021 review); the antidepressant use is modern, after 5-HTP was found in the seeds.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Never combine with antidepressants without a prescriber's direction: serotonin syndrome. Depression needs proper assessment.

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Sleep quality

Very low certainty

One small 12-week trial in older adults found 5-HTP improved some sleep scores in people who slept badly, and not in good sleepers. There was no placebo.

3 studiesPurified 5-HTP.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Sutanto 2024: 30 older adults in Singapore were randomised to 5-HTP or no supplement for 12 weeks, single-blind. Blood serotonin rose. Among poor sleepers only, a questionnaire sleep measure improved and gut bacteria diversity rose.

Results

Some sleep components better in poor sleepers; no benefit shown for good sleepers.

Effect sizes as reported

Questionnaire change -2.80 +/- 1.10, p = 0.005 in poor sleepers (as printed in the abstract; the abstract's labelling is unclear).

Why this rating

One 30-person single-blind trial with no placebo and a sub-group result.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP.

Who was studied

Healthy older adults, Singapore.

Limits

No placebo, tiny, sub-group, abstract wording unclear. Drowsiness is a listed effect, so driving caution applies.

Why researchers looked

Serotonin is a building block for melatonin, so 5-HTP has been tried for sleep.

Traditional use

Not a traditional sleep remedy in the sources read.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit. Maffei's review notes serotonin is turned into melatonin.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Drowsiness; avoid with sedatives unless a pharmacist agrees. Serotonin syndrome risk, especially with antidepressants; see the Safety tab.

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Anxiety

Not enough evidence

No anxiety trial was read for this page. Older summaries say early studies are unclear and might point both ways.

3 studiesPurified 5-HTP.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Maffei's review lists anxiety and panic among topics discussed, but only its abstract was read, so no result can be quoted. Our earlier summary of a now-unavailable MedlinePlus page said early anxiety studies were unclear.

Results

Not established.

Effect sizes as reported

None extracted.

Why this rating

No anxiety trial was read.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Evidence gap; Health Canada asks people with anxiety or depression to speak to a professional before using 5-HTP.

Why researchers looked

Serotonin affects mood and worry, so 5-HTP has been tried.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Serotonin syndrome risk, especially with antidepressants; see the Safety tab.

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Attention and distractibility (ADHD traits)

Low certainty

A 2026 trial of a single dose in 112 adults found no helpful effect on distractibility, and about 1 in 5 on 5-HTP had fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

1 studiesPurified 5-HTP, single dose.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Jackson 2026: 56 adults with high ADHD traits and 56 with low traits were randomised to 5-HTP or placebo, then tested 90 minutes later on two attention tasks.

Results

No positive effect on any distractibility measure. One task score was not improved on 5-HTP while placebo improved. 19.6% of the 5-HTP group had adverse events.

Effect sizes as reported

No effect sizes in the abstract; 19.6% adverse events.

Why this rating

One randomised trial, but a single dose and a short test.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP, single dose.

Who was studied

Adults with high or low ADHD traits (self-rated screen, not diagnosed).

Limits

Single dose; long-term use not tested; not clinical ADHD.

Why researchers looked

Some researchers think serotonin pathways may be involved in ADHD.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Fatigue, nausea and vomiting seen.

⁵

Migraine and headache prevention

Very low certainty

Old trials give a mixed picture: 5-HTP did about as well as an older migraine drug in adults (no placebo), but did no better than placebo in children.

4 studiesPurified 5-HTP.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Titus 1986: 124 adults, 5-HTP versus methysergide, similar improvement (71% versus 75%), no placebo. Santucci 1986: 21 children, no difference from placebo. Nicolodi 1999: authors report fewer migraines in a placebo-controlled study; abstract has no numbers.

Results

Mixed. Adults improved, but without a placebo arm; children showed no benefit over placebo.

Effect sizes as reported

71% (5-HTP) and 75% (methysergide) improved; no other figures in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Three old, small studies pointing different ways; the only one clearly placebo-controlled with numbers was negative.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP.

Who was studied

Adults with migraine; children aged 6-12.

Limits

No modern trial. Methysergide itself has serious side effects. Combined with triptans, serotonin syndrome is a theoretical concern.

Why researchers looked

Serotonin has long been linked to migraine in older theories, so 5-HTP was tried to prevent attacks.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Serotonin syndrome risk, especially with antidepressants; see the Safety tab.

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Fibromyalgia

Very low certainty

One 1990 trial of 50 people reported that 5-HTP improved all fibromyalgia measures compared with placebo, with mild side effects. It has not been repeated in the sources read.

2 studiesPurified 5-HTP.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Caruso 1990 (Milan): 50 patients, double-blind, 5-HTP versus placebo. The abstract says all clinical measures improved significantly, with only mild and transient side effects, and gives no numbers.

Results

Improved on all measures according to the abstract; size unknown.

Effect sizes as reported

No figures in the abstract.

Why this rating

One 35-year-old trial, abstract without numbers, no replication found.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP.

Who was studied

Adults with primary fibromyalgia.

Limits

Single old trial; the authors themselves ask for more studies. Health Canada's monograph lists fibromyalgia as a use but also asks people with anxiety or depression to seek advice.

Why researchers looked

Low serotonin has been proposed in fibromyalgia pain and sleep problems.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Serotonin syndrome risk, especially with antidepressants; see the Safety tab.

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Appetite and weight

Very low certainty

A two-week trial in 25 overweight people with type 2 diabetes found that 5-HTP cut food intake and body weight. It was very short, tiny and in a special group.

2 studiesPurified 5-HTP.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Cangiano 1998: 25 overweight adults with type 2 diabetes were randomised, double-blind, to 5-HTP or placebo for 2 weeks with no diet advice; 20 finished. The 5-HTP group ate less (less carbohydrate and fat) and lost weight. The abstract gives no numbers.

Results

Lower intake and weight over 2 weeks.

Effect sizes as reported

No figures in the abstract.

Why this rating

One two-week trial, 20 completers, no figures, no long-term follow-up.

Form and dose studied

Purified 5-HTP.

Who was studied

Overweight adults with type 2 diabetes.

Limits

Weight loss over two weeks is not lasting weight loss. People with diabetes should speak to their care team before adding any supplement.

Why researchers looked

Serotonin helps signal fullness, and low brain serotonin was proposed to drive carbohydrate craving.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit. This is a hypothesis about appetite signalling.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

GI upset and nausea are common listed effects. Serotonin syndrome risk, especially with antidepressants; see the Safety tab.

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Pain sensitivity (experimental)

Low certainty

The only trial of an actual Griffonia product found no useful effect on experimentally induced pain in healthy volunteers, and one measure suggested slightly more sensitivity.

1 studiesGriffonia simplicifolia product (5-HTP content not stated in the abst…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Schlemmer 2026: 18 healthy volunteers took a Griffonia product or placebo for 28 days each in a crossover. Pain after a heat test did not change; only the spread of mechanical allodynia was larger on Griffonia. Two of 18 had mild, short-lived side effects.

Results

No useful effect; one possibly negative signal.

Effect sizes as reported

Pain after heat test: beta -4.17 (95% CI -14.44 to 6.10). Allodynia distance: 95% CI 0.05 to 1.59.

Why this rating

Well-designed crossover but only 17 completers, healthy people and laboratory pain.

Form and dose studied

Griffonia simplicifolia product (5-HTP content not stated in the abstract).

Who was studied

Healthy volunteers.

Limits

Does not tell us about people with real pain conditions.

Why researchers looked

Serotonin is involved in how the brain dampens pain signals, and 5-HTP was tested for that.

Traditional use

Not a traditional use.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

5-HTP is the step just before serotonin in the body's own production line, so taking it can raise serotonin. Raising a building block does not by itself prove a health benefit.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Mild transient side effects in 2 of 18.

¹²

Connections to the rest of health

How Griffonia connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Mood Balance	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Low mood and depression: The best review found two good-enough trials of 5-HTP or tryptophan, 64 people in all, that beat placebo. The reviewers still said the evidence was not strong enough to be conclusive, and proven antidepressants exist.	^{13 17 7 3}
Better Sleep	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Sleep quality: One small 12-week trial in older adults found 5-HTP improved some sleep scores in people who slept badly, and not in good sleepers. There was no placebo.	^{15 7 21}
Sleep Quality	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Sleep quality: One small 12-week trial in older adults found 5-HTP improved some sleep scores in people who slept badly, and not in good sleepers. There was no placebo.	^{15 7 21}
Anxiety Support	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Anxiety: No anxiety trial was read for this page. Older summaries say early studies are unclear and might point both ways.	^{7 22 21}
Calm Relaxation	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Anxiety: No anxiety trial was read for this page. Older summaries say early studies are unclear and might point both ways.	^{7 22 21}
Better Focus	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Attention and distractibility (ADHD traits): A 2026 trial of a single dose in 112 adults found no helpful effect on distractibility, and about 1 in 5 on 5-HTP had fatigue, nausea or vomiting.	⁵
Mental Clarity	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Attention and distractibility (ADHD traits): A 2026 trial of a single dose in 112 adults found no helpful effect on distractibility, and about 1 in 5 on 5-HTP had fatigue, nausea or vomiting.	⁵
Joint Support	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Fibromyalgia: One 1990 trial of 50 people reported that 5-HTP improved all fibromyalgia measures compared with placebo, with mild side effects. It has not been repeated in the sources read.	^{2 21}
Weight Management	Potential benefit	Very low certainty	Appetite and weight: A two-week trial in 25 overweight people with type 2 diabetes found that 5-HTP cut food intake and body weight. It was very short, tiny and in a special group.	^{1 21}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Stress Mood	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Low mood and depression	^{13 17 7 3}
Nervous System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Low mood and depression Studied for: Anxiety	^{13 17 7 3 22 21 5 16 11 9 2 12}
Sleep Recovery	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Sleep quality	^{15 7 21}
Musculoskeletal System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Fibromyalgia	^{2 21}
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Appetite and weight	^{1 21}

E. Health conditions

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Serotonin syndrome	Drug or supplement interaction	Low certainty	Authoritative guidance and one case report with linezolid. Antidepressants and other serotonin medicines; one case report with linezolid. Preparation or compound: 5-HTP; Griffonia extract	^{21 10}
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome	Adverse effect or risk	Mixed findings	Case report and contaminant study; disputed by a review. Contaminated 5-HTP; disputed. Preparation or compound: Contaminated 5-HTP	^{8 6 4}
Pregnancy	Contraindication	Not enough evidence	Health Canada advice; no safety studies read. Health Canada advice; no safety trials. Preparation or compound: All forms	²¹

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Depression rating scales	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹³
Global sleep score (PSQI) and sleep tracker	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁵
Blood serotonin	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁵
Distractibility (computer tasks)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁵
Daily food (energy) intake and body weight	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹
Mechanical allodynia distance (experimental pain)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹²
Gut bacteria diversity	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁵

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
DDC (aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase / AADC)	Preliminary mechanism	Human	The enzyme that turns 5-HTP into serotonin; gene symbol from general knowledge, not read in the abstracts.	¹⁷
TPH1 and TPH2 (tryptophan hydroxylase)	Preliminary mechanism	Human	Make 5-HTP from tryptophan; named in Maffei's abstract.	⁷

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, oxitriptan)	Biological association	Human	The immediate precursor of serotonin; the compound tested in nearly all trials. Preparation or compound: Seed	^{3 18 24}
Griffonine and other alkaloids	Biological association	In vitro	Not studied for health effects in the sources read; CID not verified. Preparation or compound: Seed	¹⁸
Linoleic and oleic acid	Biological association	In vitro	Dominant seed fatty acids (2019 analysis). Preparation or compound: Seed	¹⁸
Serotonin (made from 5-HTP in the body)	Biological association	Human	Raised in blood after 5-HTP in one small trial. Preparation or compound: Not in the plant for this purpose	^{15 24}
Carbidopa (interacting drug)	Biological association	Human	Blocks conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin outside the brain. Preparation or compound: Not a plant compound	^{17 24}
4,5-Tryptophan-dione (peak X contaminant)	Biological association	In vitro	Putative neurotoxin; CID not looked up. Preparation or compound: Manufacturing contaminant, not a plant constituent	⁶

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 7 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other331

The evidence

The research centre for Griffonia. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Low mood and depression 4 studies Low certainty Sleep quality 3 studies Very low certainty Anxiety 3 studies Not enough evidence Attention and distractibility (ADHD traits) 1 studies · 112 people in trials Low certainty Migraine and headache prevention 4 studies Very low certainty Fibromyalgia 2 studies · 50 people in trials Very low certainty Appetite and weight 2 studies · 25 people in trials Very low certainty Pain sensitivity (experimental) 1 studies Low certainty

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary was available, we say so.

Study library: every study we checked 25

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Cangiano 1998 Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord · PMID 9705024 · DOI	Controlled trial	25 Overweight adults with type 2 diabetes; 20 finished (9 5-HTP, 11 placebo)	Purified 5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) 750 mg per day as reported 2 weeks · vs Placebo	The 5-HTP group ate less (less carbohydrate and fat) and lost weight over the two weeks; the abstract gives no numbers. Short-term fall in intake and weight Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Daily energy intake, carbohydrate and fat intake, body weight Limitations: Two weeks only, 20 completers, people with diabetes (not a general population), no diet advice given, abstract has no figures. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Caruso 1990 Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome J Int Med Res · PMID 2193835 · DOI	Controlled trial	50 Adults with primary fibromyalgia syndrome (Milan, Italy)	Purified 5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs Placebo	The abstract says all clinical measures improved significantly with 5-HTP and side effects were mild and transient. It gives no numbers. Improvement reported; size unknown Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical fibromyalgia measures Limitations: Abstract only, no figures; 1990 trial; the authors themselves ask for further controlled studies. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Cunningham 2021 From forest to pharmacy: Should we be depressed about a sustainable Griffonia simplicifolia (Fabaceae) seed supply chain? J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 33991640 · DOI	Trade and ecology review	Wild Griffonia in West Africa	Griffonia seed (trade) seed Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	Seeds hold 6-20% 5-HTP (wet weight). Wild West African populations are the sole commercial source. Ghana exported at least 5,550 tonnes (about 9.1 to 13.5 billion seeds) in 2005-2013. China is the main importer, and about 48% of the 5-HTP extracts are re-exported to North America. Six threats are named, including habitat loss and destructive harvest. Supply is a real concern Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Trade volumes and harvest sustainability Limitations: Trade analysis, not a health study. Funding and conflicts: One author is affiliated with Traditional Medicinals, a herbal products company (affiliation in the paper) Read: abstract
Das 2004 Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan Toxicol Lett · PMID 15068828 · DOI	Narrative review	Published and market experience with 5-HTP	Purified 5-HTP not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	The authors say no definitive toxicity cases have emerged in about 20 years of worldwide use, with the possible exception of one unresolved Canadian case, and call the 'peak X' finding not credible. Reassuring on cases; argues against concern Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Safety record, contaminants Limitations: Written by authors at a supplement-ingredient company (ISSI Laboratories); a later mass-spectrometry paper (Klarskov 2003) reads the same peak differently. Funding and conflicts: Industry-linked (ISSI Laboratories affiliation in the paper) Read: abstract
Jackson 2026 The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a serotonin precursor, on adults with high levels of ADHD traits: A randomised, controlled trial PLoS One · PMID 42160304 · DOI	Controlled trial	112 56 adults with high and 56 with low ADHD traits (self-report screen), Sheffield, UK	Purified 5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) Single dose (amount not given in the abstract) One dose, tested 90 minutes later · vs Placebo	No positive effect on any distractibility measure. 19.6% of the 5-HTP group had fatigue, nausea or vomiting. No benefit Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Distractibility on two computer tasks Limitations: One dose only, people with ADHD traits not a diagnosis, short test. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests Read: abstract
Klarskov 2003 Structural characterization of a case-implicated contaminant, 'Peak X,' in commercial preparations of 5-hydroxytryptophan J Rheumatol · PMID 12508395	Laboratory analysis in-vitro	6 Case-implicated 5-HTP plus 6 over-the-counter samples	Purified 5-HTP products not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs Authentic reference compound	Peak X1 was identified as 4,5-tryptophan-dione, a putative neurotoxin. In the 6 shop samples it was 0.5% to 10.3% of the amount in the case-implicated product. The authors say this gives some cause for concern. Contaminant identified in shop products Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemical structure of the contaminant Limitations: Chemistry, not a clinical study; samples from the early 2000s; health effect not tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Maffei 2020 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology Int J Mol Sci · PMID 33375373 · DOI	Narrative review	Animal studies and human trials of 5-HTP	Purified 5-HTP not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	Discusses 5-HTP in depression, anxiety, panic, sleep, obesity, myoclonus and serotonin syndrome, and toxic impurities in tryptophan and 5-HTP preparations. 5-HTP makes serotonin, which is then turned into melatonin. Background Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Physiology, uses, toxicity, impurities Limitations: Abstract only was read; narrative, not a systematic review. Funding and conflicts: The author declares no conflict of interest Read: abstract
Michelson 1994 An eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to L-5-hydroxytryptophan J Rheumatol · PMID 7699627	Case series	A family and a comparison group exposed to L-5-HTP	Purified L-5-HTP (contaminated batch) not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs Other L-5-HTP samples	One family member had EMS and two others had raised eosinophils. Their 5-HTP held an impurity absent from samples used by other patients. After switching to 5-HTP without it, eosinophilia resolved in 2 members. Case-level link to an impurity Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Eosinophilia-myalgia-like illness; impurities by HPLC Limitations: A family report from the FDA; small; cause not proven. Funding and conflicts: FDA authors Read: abstract
Nicolodi 1999 L-5-hydroxytryptophan can prevent nociceptive disorders in man Adv Exp Med Biol · PMID 10721054 · DOI	Rct (placebo controlled, prospective)	People predisposed to headache	Purified L-5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) Not stated in the abstract Long-term · vs Placebo	The authors report a significant decrease in migraine with 5-HTP in a long-term placebo-controlled study. The abstract has no numbers or sample size. Reported fall in migraine; size unknown Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Migraine attacks Limitations: Abstract only, no figures, book chapter, no independent confirmation found. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Ostabal Artigas 2015 Serotoninergic syndrome due to interaction between linezolid and 5-hydroxytryptophan (Spanish) Med Clin (Barc) · PMID 25978918 · DOI	Case report	1 Intensive care patient	5-HTP with linezolid (an antibiotic that blocks MAO) not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	Only the title, journal and year could be confirmed; PubMed shows no abstract. The title reports serotonin syndrome from linezolid plus 5-HTP. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serotonin syndrome Limitations: No abstract available; details unknown. Funding and conflicts: Unknown Read: title-only
Santucci 1986 L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in childhood migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind crossover study Cephalalgia · PMID 3533271 · DOI	Rct (double blind crossover)	27 Children aged 6-12 with migraine; 21 started the trial	Purified L-5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) About 5 mg per kg body weight per day as reported 12 weeks per period · vs Placebo	Both 5-HTP and placebo cut migraine; no difference between them in the first period. No benefit over placebo Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Migraine index and attack frequency Limitations: Small, old, crossover with a period effect. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Schlemmer 2026 The Effect of Griffonia simplicifolia on Pain Intensity, Central and Peripheral Sensitization, and Pain Modulation in Healthy Volunteers Nutrients · PMID 42197069 · DOI	Rct (double blind crossover)	18 Healthy volunteers (17 finished), Graz, Austria	Griffonia simplicifolia product (extract; 5-HTP content not stated in the abstract) not stated in the abstract 100 mg once daily as reported 28 days, then 4-week washout and crossover · vs Placebo	No significant effect on pain after the heat test (beta -4.17; 95% CI -14.44 to 6.10). Only one measure differed: mechanical allodynia spread was larger on Griffonia (95% CI 0.05 to 1.59). Mild, short-lived side effects in 2 of 18 (11%). No useful effect; a possible pain-sensitising signal (-14.44 to 6.10) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Experimental pain tests (heat-induced sensitization, thresholds, pain modulation) Limitations: Healthy people, experimental pain, not a clinical condition; 18 people. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflicts of interest Read: abstract
Shaw 2002 Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 11869656 · DOI	Systematic review	64 Adults with unipolar depression or dysthymia; 2 of 108 trials qualified	Purified 5-HTP or tryptophan (results combined) not applicable (purified compounds) Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs Placebo	Better than placebo: Peto odds ratio 4.10 (95% CI 1.28 to 13.15), risk difference 0.36, NNT 2.78. The reviewers call the evidence of insufficient quality to be conclusive. Possible benefit, not conclusive (OR 1.28 to 13.15) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Depressive symptom scales Limitations: Only 2 trials and 64 people; 5-HTP and tryptophan pooled; old trials. The review also notes the unresolved link with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Sternberg 1980 Development of a scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa N Engl J Med · PMID 6997735 · DOI	Case report	1 A patient with intention myoclonus given 5-HTP with carbidopa	L-5-HTP plus carbidopa not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	A scleroderma-like illness developed. Kynurenine stayed high after stopping and rose again on rechallenge. It was not seen in 8 other patients on the same combination, nor in 10 patients on levodopa with carbidopa. The authors suggest high serotonin plus a kynurenine enzyme abnormality may matter. One patient; not shown to be common Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Scleroderma-like illness; plasma kynurenine Limitations: Single case with small comparison groups; 1980; people with a neurological disease taking medicinal amounts. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Sutanto 2024 The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial Clin Nutr · PMID 38309227 · DOI	Rct (single blind, no supplement control)	30 Older adults, mean age 66, Singapore	Purified 5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) 100 mg per day as reported 12 weeks · vs No supplement	Blood serotonin rose with 5-HTP. In poor sleepers only, the questionnaire score improved (the abstract prints a change of -2.80 +/- 1.10, p = 0.005, labelled sleep latency) and gut bacteria diversity rose. Good sleepers did not benefit. Small benefit in poor sleepers only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Sleep quality (PSQI questionnaire and wrist actigraphy), blood serotonin, urine melatonin, gut bacteria Limitations: 30 people, single-blind, no placebo, sub-group finding, abstract text is partly garbled. Registered NCT04078724. Funding and conflicts: Conflict statement not shown in the abstract Read: abstract
Titus 1986 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial Eur Neurol · PMID 3536521 · DOI	Rct (active comparator, no placebo)	124 People with migraine	Purified 5-HTP not applicable (purified compound) Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs Methysergide (a prescription migraine drug)	Improvement in 71% on 5-HTP and 75% on methysergide; the effect was clearer for attack intensity and duration than for how often attacks came. Side effects were more common with methysergide. Similar to an older drug; no placebo arm Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Improvement in migraine attacks Limitations: No placebo group, so improvement cannot be separated from placebo response; 1986. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Turner 2006 Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan Pharmacol Ther · PMID 16023217 · DOI	Narrative review	Preclinical and clinical evidence for 5-HTP in depression	Purified 5-HTP not applicable Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	Reviews double-blind placebo-controlled trials and safety issues, with emphasis on EMS and serotonin syndrome. It explains that the peripheral enzyme that converts 5-HTP to serotonin can be blocked by decarboxylase inhibitors such as carbidopa. Background and mechanism Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Efficacy and safety (EMS, serotonin syndrome) Limitations: Abstract only was read; details of individual trials not taken from it. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract
Vigliante 2019 Chemical Characterization and DNA Fingerprinting of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill. Molecules · PMID 30875930 · DOI	Laboratory analysis in-vitro	Commercial Griffonia seeds	Griffonia seed seed Not stated in the abstract Not stated in the abstract · vs None	5-HTP was the main compound, followed by griffonine (a beta-carboline alkaloid derivative) and other alkaloids; linoleic and oleic acid led the fatty acids. A DNA fingerprint (PCR-RFLP) can identify the plant. Identity method Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemistry and DNA identity Limitations: Lab study. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflict of interest Read: abstract
s-gbif-griffonia 2026 GBIF species match and record: Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill. (usageKey 5349428) · Source	Database record			Exact match, status ACCEPTED, confidence 99. Plantae, Tracheophyta, Magnoliopsida, Fabales, Fabaceae, genus Griffonia. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Name and family only. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-healthcanada-food-decision 2024 Health Canada: Decision on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a supplemental ingredient in foods · Source	Regulator document			Not approved as an added ingredient in foods: public information was insufficient to set acceptable conditions of use, 5-HTP occurs only in limited amounts in foods, and it has no history of being added to foods. Health Canada will consider a request to reconsider with more data. Page dated 2024-08-15. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Read through an automated page summary. About food, not supplements. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: summary-via-fetch
s-healthcanada-nhp-5htp 2026 Health Canada Natural Health Products Ingredients Database: 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) monograph · Source	Regulator document			Lists uses (mood balance, sleep problems linked to mood, fibromyalgia symptoms, migraine prevention, weight management with diet and activity). Contraindications: scleroderma, taking antidepressants, and pregnancy for the weight-management use. Cautions: carbidopa and other serotonergic products, dextromethorphan, some pain and migraine medicines, drowsiness; consult before use in pregnancy (other uses) and breastfeeding. Adults 18 and over only. Stop and seek advice for skin hardening, muscle or joint pain or stiffness, tremor, agitation or confusion, or fast heart rate. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Read through an automated page summary, not line by line; wording paraphrased. Applies to the purified ingredient. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: summary-via-fetch
s-medlineplus-5htp 2016 MedlinePlus (Natural Medicines) 5-HTP monograph · Source	Authoritative guidance (unverifiable)			Summary-only. Our earlier internal summary, which cited this page, says it rated 5-HTP possibly effective for depression, insufficient for several other uses, a major interaction with antidepressants, further cautions with carbidopa, dextromethorphan, meperidine, pentazocine and tramadol, advised stopping at least 2 weeks before surgery, and advised avoiding use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: This page was NOT re-opened. MedlinePlus now states that the Natural Medicines herbs and supplements information has been unavailable since 29 July 2025, so it can no longer be checked. Treat every claim attributed to it as unverified. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: summary-only
s-ncbi-taxonomy-griffonia 2026 NCBI Taxonomy search: Griffonia simplicifolia (taxid 3850) · Source	Database record			Search returned the single id 3850 for the name. The record itself was not opened. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Id from a search result only. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: search-result-only
s-pubchem-cids 2026 PubChem compound records: oxitriptan (5-HTP) CID 439280, serotonin CID 5202, carbidopa CID 34359 · Source	Database record			CID 439280 = Oxitriptan, C11H12N2O3, (2S)-2-amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid. CID 5202 = Serotonin, C10H12N2O. CID 34359 = Carbidopa, C10H14N2O4. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Names and formulas checked through the PubChem API. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: full-text
s-regulators-not-found 2026 Regulator searches with no 5-HTP or Griffonia entry found (EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed, FDA, WHO) · Source	Search note			EMA/HMPC: no herbal monograph found for Griffonia simplicifolia (guessed URL returned 404; no search run). NCCIH: /health/5-htp returned 404. LiverTox: a PubMed Books search for 5-hydroxytryptophan LiverTox returned 0 results. LactMed: not found. FDA: no 5-HTP document was read. WHO: not checked. Not applicable Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Record read Limitations: Not found does not mean absent or safe; several pages could not be searched directly. Funding and conflicts: Public body Read: not-found

What we do not know yet

No trial of whole Griffonia seed or its extract for mood, sleep or other conditions.
The depression evidence is a 2002 review of two small trials.
Fibromyalgia, appetite and migraine rest on old single studies with few figures.
No long-term or pregnancy safety studies.
Current contamination levels in products are unknown.
EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed, FDA and WHO positions could not be confirmed; MedlinePlus claims could not be re-checked.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Other 7

▼

Depression rating scales

Lowered in trials

Questionnaires or clinician scores of depressive symptoms.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

They are the standard way to judge treatment of depression.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistical benefit in tiny trials; the reviewers call it inconclusive.

Safety implication

A score change does not replace a clinical assessment.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³	Pooled response better than placebo; Peto OR 4.10 (95% CI 1.28 to 13.15)	64 people, 2 trials	5-HTP or tryptophan

¹³

▼

Global sleep score (PSQI) and sleep tracker

Lowered in trials

A questionnaire score of sleep quality, plus wrist-watch sleep tracking.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Shows whether sleep felt or measured better.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Sub-group result in a small trial with no placebo.

Safety implication

Little safety information in this trial.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁵	Improved in poor sleepers only (change -2.80 +/- 1.10, p = 0.005, as printed); good sleepers not helped	30 older adults	5-HTP 12 weeks versus no supplement

¹⁵

▲

Blood serotonin

Raised in trials

Serotonin measured in blood serum.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Checks whether the supplement raised serotonin.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A rise in blood serotonin shows absorption and conversion, not a benefit for the brain.

Safety implication

Higher serotonin is the reason for the interaction risk.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁵	Serum serotonin rose with 5-HTP (value not given in the abstract)	30 older adults	5-HTP 12 weeks

¹⁵

●

Distractibility (computer tasks)

No clear change in trials

Reaction and accuracy on attention tasks.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Measures how easily attention is pulled away.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A null result in a single-dose trial.

Safety implication

19.6% had fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁵	No positive effect on any distractibility measure	112 adults	5-HTP single dose versus placebo

⁵

▼

Daily food (energy) intake and body weight

Lowered in trials

Food diary totals and body weight.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Measures whether appetite and eating changed.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Short-term change in a food diary; not lasting weight loss.

Safety implication

GI effects likely at higher amounts.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	5-HTP group ate less (less carbohydrate and fat) and lost weight over 2 weeks; no numbers in the abstract	20 completers, type 2 diabetes	5-HTP 2 weeks versus placebo

▲

Mechanical allodynia distance (experimental pain)

Raised in trials

How far from a test spot light touch becomes painful after a heat test.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A lab marker of pain sensitisation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One of many measures; may be chance, but the authors suggest serotonin could increase sensitisation.

Safety implication

Not a safety conclusion.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹²	Distance larger on Griffonia (95% CI 0.05 to 1.59); other pain measures unchanged	17 healthy volunteers	Griffonia simplicifolia product versus placebo, 28 days each

¹²

▲

Gut bacteria diversity

Raised in trials

A diversity score for gut bacteria from stool samples.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Gut bacteria are linked to sleep and mood in newer research.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Exploratory; the meaning of a diversity score for health is not settled.

Safety implication

None found.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁵	Diversity rose with 5-HTP in poor sleepers (Simpson index difference 0.037 versus -0.007, interaction p = 0.013)	30 older adults	5-HTP 12 weeks versus no supplement

¹⁵

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 6

Serotonin syndrome: do not combine with antidepressants or other serotonin medicines. 5-HTP raises serotonin. Taken with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAO inhibitors), the antibiotic linezolid, or other serotonin-raising medicines, serotonin can climb too high. Signs can include agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat, tremor, sweating, diarrhoea and fever, and it can become an emergency. Health Canada's monograph makes antidepressants a contraindication. One case report (title only) links linezolid plus 5-HTP to serotonin syndrome. Authoritative guidance ^{21 17 10 7}
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) and contaminated products. EMS is a serious illness with muscle pain and blood changes. It caused an outbreak linked to contaminated L-tryptophan in 1989. A 1994 FDA report described an EMS-like illness in a family using a 5-HTP product with an impurity, and a 2003 study identified a contaminant ('peak X', 4,5-tryptophan-dione, a putative neurotoxin) in shop products. A 2004 review by supplement-industry authors says no definitive toxicity cases have emerged and calls peak X not credible. Reviewers disagree, so product purity matters and the question is not settled. The Cochrane review says the link has not been elucidated. Case series ^{8 6 4 13}
Carbidopa and scleroderma-like illness. Carbidopa (a Parkinson's medicine) stops 5-HTP turning into serotonin outside the brain, which changes how much reaches the brain. A scleroderma-like illness was reported in a patient on 5-HTP plus carbidopa. Health Canada's monograph says not to use 5-HTP if you have scleroderma and to ask a professional first if you take carbidopa. Stop and get advice for skin hardening, muscle or joint pain or stiffness. Case report ^{14 17 21}
Stomach upset, drowsiness and other effects. Health Canada lists stomach discomfort and digestive upset and warns about drowsiness when driving. In the 2026 single-dose trial 19.6% on 5-HTP had fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Our earlier summary of a now-unavailable MedlinePlus page also listed heartburn, diarrhoea and sexual or muscle problems; these are unverified. Authoritative guidance ^{21 5 22}
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and surgery. Health Canada says weight-management use is contraindicated in pregnancy and to consult a professional before any other use in pregnancy and before use while breastfeeding; its monograph covers adults 18 and over only. The earlier summary of MedlinePlus (unverified) advised avoiding use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and stopping at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your surgical team about any serotonin supplement. Authoritative guidance ^{21 22}
Seed, extract and isolated 5-HTP are not the same. Almost all safety information is about purified 5-HTP. Griffonia seed holds 6-20% 5-HTP by wet weight, and extracts vary between makers. One small trial of a Griffonia product in 18 healthy volunteers reported mild, short-lived side effects in 2. Treat a Griffonia extract as if it were 5-HTP. Controlled trial ^{3 12}

Side effects 5

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue 112 adults, single dose of purified 5-HTP.	19.6% of the 5-HTP group in one single-dose trial	Mild to moderate Not stated	Controlled trial ⁵
Stomach discomfort or digestive upset Listed in the Health Canada monograph without frequency.	Not established	Mild Not stated	Authoritative guidance ²¹
Drowsiness Use caution when driving or operating machinery.	Not established	Mild Not stated	Authoritative guidance ²¹
Mild, short-lived side effects with a Griffonia product Healthy volunteers, 28 days.	2 of 18 (11%)	Mild Transient	Controlled trial ¹²
Skin hardening, muscle or joint pain, tremor, agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat Signs Health Canada says should lead to stopping and seeking advice.	Not established	Possibly serious Not stated	Authoritative guidance ^{21 14}

Liver

No LiverTox entry or human liver-injury case report for 5-HTP or Griffonia was found; a PubMed Books search returned nothing. This is not a statement that it is safe for the liver. ²⁵

How often. No frequency of liver injury is available.

Monitoring. No monitoring advice was found. Stop and seek care for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe tiredness.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Griffonia supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 6

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, linezolid prescription	Both raise serotonin activity, so effects add up.	Potentially serious: serotonin syndrome. Health Canada lists antidepressants as a contraindication.	Authoritative guidance Moderate certainty ^{21 17 10}	Do not combine unless your prescriber specifically directs it. Never start 5-HTP when stopping or switching an antidepressant without advice.
Triptans, tramadol, dextromethorphan, meperidine, pentazocine prescription	Each affects serotonin, so adding 5-HTP could add to the effect.	Possible serotonin syndrome. Health Canada names dextromethorphan and some pain and migraine medicines; tramadol and triptans are named in an unverified earlier summary and by pharmacology.	Pharmacological theory Low certainty ^{21 22}	Ask a pharmacist before combining, especially with migraine or pain medicines.
St John's wort, SAMe, tryptophan and other mood supplements supplement	Other serotonin-raising supplements could add to 5-HTP.	Possible additive effect; no case reports read. Health Canada tells users of other mood-balance supplements to consult a professional.	Pharmacological theory Low certainty ²¹	Do not stack serotonin-raising supplements without advice. Check combination products for hidden 5-HTP.
Carbidopa (Parkinson's disease medicine) prescription	Carbidopa blocks the enzyme that turns 5-HTP into serotonin outside the brain.	More 5-HTP reaches the brain, and a scleroderma-like illness was reported in one patient on both.	Case report Low certainty ^{14 17 21}	Do not combine without a neurologist's direction.
Sedatives, sleep medicines and alcohol prescription	Drowsiness is a listed effect.	Added drowsiness is plausible; no study read.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ²¹	Ask a pharmacist; avoid driving until you know how you react.
Anaesthesia and surgery prescription	Some drugs used in surgery act on serotonin.	Advice to stop 2 weeks beforehand comes from an unverified earlier summary.	Authoritative guidance Not enough evidence ²²	Tell the surgical and anaesthetic team.

Who should check first 5

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Taking antidepressants or MAO inhibitors	Do not use unless a prescriber directs it.	Authoritative guidance ²¹
Scleroderma	Do not use (Health Canada).	Authoritative guidance ^{21 14}
Pregnancy (weight-management use) and breastfeeding	Avoid; consult a professional for any use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.	Authoritative guidance ²¹
Children and teenagers	Not covered by Health Canada's adult monograph. One 1986 trial used it in children aged 6-12 but is no basis for use.	Authoritative guidance ^{21 11}
Taking carbidopa	Ask a neurologist or pharmacist first.	Authoritative guidance ^{21 14}

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. Human poisoning data were not found in the sources read. The EMS question is the main toxicity concern.

Animal. A rat toxicity paper exists (Preuss 2006) but was not read. Veterinary reports of severe 5-HTP poisoning in dogs exist; titles only, not used.

Human doses studied. Trials used a range of amounts. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.

High dose or long term signals. Our earlier summary of an unavailable MedlinePlus page linked very large amounts to severe stomach problems and muscle spasms; not verified.

Overdose response. Serotonin syndrome is the feared overdose picture. Seek emergency care.

Genotoxicity. Not found.

Toxic plant parts. The seed is the commercial part. Other plant parts were not covered by the sources read, and no toxic part was named.

The main concern is a manufacturing contaminant in 5-HTP; extracts also vary in strength.

Peak X (4,5-tryptophan-dione) in 5-HTP products. In 6 shop samples peak X1 was present at 0.5% to 10.3% of the level in a case-implicated product; the authors say this gives some cause for concern. A company-linked review says the peak lacks credibility. Neither is a clinical outcome study. ^{6 4}

Impurity in an EMS-like case. The family case in 1994 involved an impurity absent from other patients' 5-HTP; eosinophilia resolved in 2 after a switch. ⁸

Identity of the seed. A DNA fingerprint can confirm the plant; seeds contain mainly 5-HTP plus griffonine and other alkaloids. Content varies (6-20% 5-HTP by wet weight). ^{18 3}

Body	Action	Date
Health Canada (natural health product monograph) (Canada)	Monograph for 5-HTP lists uses and contraindications (antidepressants, scleroderma, weight-management use in pregnancy); adults 18+. source
Health Canada (food) (Canada)	Not approved as an ingredient added to foods: public information insufficient to set conditions of use. source	2024-08-15
MedlinePlus / Natural Medicines (US)	The 5-HTP monograph is no longer available (herbs and supplements data removed 29 July 2025). source	2025-07-29

When to get medical help

Agitation, confusion, sweating, high temperature, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat or severe diarrhoea after starting 5-HTP or combining it with another medicine: call emergency services (possible serotonin syndrome).
Severe muscle pain or weakness, shortness of breath or skin rash with swelling: seek urgent care (possible EMS).
Skin tightening or hardening, or new joint pain and stiffness: stop and see a doctor.
Thoughts of self-harm: seek help immediately; do not rely on supplements.

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Griffonia?

A West African seed that is the main commercial source of 5-HTP, which the body turns into serotonin. It is sold as a seed extract or as purified 5-HTP.

^{3 18}

Is Griffonia the same as 5-HTP?

No. Griffonia seed contains 5-HTP among other compounds. Most trials tested purified 5-HTP, so their results do not automatically apply to the seed or its extracts.

^{3 12}

Does it help depression?

It might help a little, but this is not proven. A Cochrane review found two small trials (64 people) that favoured 5-HTP or tryptophan over placebo and called the evidence not conclusive. Proven antidepressants exist, and low mood needs a proper assessment.

¹³

Is it dangerous with antidepressants?

Yes, this is the main warning. Combining serotonin-raising products can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be an emergency. Health Canada lists antidepressants as a contraindication. Ask a prescriber or pharmacist before any combination.

^{21 17 10}

What other medicines are a concern?

Triptans, tramadol, dextromethorphan, meperidine, pentazocine, St John's wort and carbidopa are named in guidance or by pharmacology. Some of these rest on theory or an unverified older summary, so ask a pharmacist.

^{21 22 14}

What is eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome?

A serious illness with muscle pain and a rise in a type of white blood cell. It was linked to contaminated tryptophan in 1989. A 5-HTP report and a contaminant study raised similar worries; a later review by industry-linked authors disputes this. It is not settled.

^{8 6 4}

Does it help sleep?

Possibly a little for poor sleepers, based on one 30-person trial with no placebo. Drowsiness is a listed effect, so be careful when driving.

^{15 21}

Does it help fibromyalgia, weight or migraine?

Each rests on one or a few old, small trials. A 1990 fibromyalgia trial and a two-week appetite trial reported benefit; migraine studies disagree. None is strong evidence.

^{2 1 16 11}

What are the side effects?

Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and drowsiness are the ones reported. In a single-dose trial 19.6% on 5-HTP had fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

^{5 21}

Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Avoid it unless a professional agrees. Health Canada contraindicates the weight-management use in pregnancy and asks for professional advice for other uses and for breastfeeding. No safety trials were found.

²¹

Is it approved by regulators?

Health Canada has a 5-HTP natural health product monograph but declined to approve 5-HTP as an added food ingredient in 2024. We found no European Medicines Agency monograph and no NCCIH or LiverTox page; that is 'not found', not proof of safety. FDA was not checked.

^{21 20 25}

How much should I take?

This page does not give amounts. Ask a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take any medicine.

²¹

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary was available, we say so.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.

Sources 25

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Cangiano C, Laviano A, Del Ben M, et al.. Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1998. PMID 9705024. DOI 10.1038/sj.ijo.0800642. (abstract)
Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, et al.. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. 1990. PMID 2193835. DOI 10.1177/030006059001800304. (abstract)
Cunningham AB, Brinckmann JA, Harter DEV. From forest to pharmacy: Should we be depressed about a sustainable Griffonia simplicifolia (Fabaceae) seed supply chain?. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021. PMID 33991640. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114202. (abstract)
Das YT, Bagchi M, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. Toxicol Lett. 2004. PMID 15068828. DOI 10.1016/j.toxlet.2003.12.070. (abstract)
Jackson E, Riley T, Overton PG. The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a serotonin precursor, on adults with high levels of ADHD traits: A randomised, controlled trial. PLoS One. 2026. PMID 42160304. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0349512. (abstract)
Klarskov K, Johnson KL, Benson LM, et al.. Structural characterization of a case-implicated contaminant, 'Peak X,' in commercial preparations of 5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol. 2003. PMID 12508395. (abstract)
Maffei ME. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. Int J Mol Sci. 2020. PMID 33375373. DOI 10.3390/ijms22010181. (abstract)
Michelson D, Page SW, Casey R, et al.. An eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome related disorder associated with exposure to L-5-hydroxytryptophan. J Rheumatol. 1994. PMID 7699627. (abstract)
Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. L-5-hydroxytryptophan can prevent nociceptive disorders in man. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999. PMID 10721054. DOI 10.1007/978-1-4615-4709-9_23. (abstract)
Ostabal Artigas MI. Serotoninergic syndrome due to interaction between linezolid and 5-hydroxytryptophan (Spanish). Med Clin (Barc). 2015. PMID 25978918. DOI 10.1016/j.medcli.2015.03.010. (title-only)
Santucci M, Cortelli P, Rossi PG, et al.. L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in childhood migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind crossover study. Cephalalgia. 1986. PMID 3533271. DOI 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1986.0603155.x. (abstract)
Schlemmer AJ, Hammer S, Fandler-Hofler S, et al.. The Effect of Griffonia simplicifolia on Pain Intensity, Central and Peripheral Sensitization, and Pain Modulation in Healthy Volunteers. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 42197069. DOI 10.3390/nu18101609. (abstract)
Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002. PMID 11869656. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD003198. (abstract)
Sternberg EM, Van Woert MH, Young SN, et al.. Development of a scleroderma-like illness during therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidopa. N Engl J Med. 1980. PMID 6997735. DOI 10.1056/NEJM198010023031403. (abstract)
Sutanto CN, Xia X, Heng CW, et al.. The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2024. PMID 38309227. DOI 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.01.010. (abstract)
Titus F, Davalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 1986. PMID 3536521. DOI 10.1159/000116030. (abstract)
Turner EH, Loftis JM, Blackwell AD. Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacol Ther. 2006. PMID 16023217. DOI 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.06.004. (abstract)
Vigliante I, Mannino G, Maffei ME. Chemical Characterization and DNA Fingerprinting of Griffonia simplicifolia Baill.. Molecules. 2019. PMID 30875930. DOI 10.3390/molecules24061032. (abstract)
. GBIF species match and record: Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill. (usageKey 5349428). . 2026. (full-text)
. Health Canada: Decision on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a supplemental ingredient in foods. . 2024. (summary-via-fetch)
. Health Canada Natural Health Products Ingredients Database: 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) monograph. . 2026. (summary-via-fetch)
. MedlinePlus (Natural Medicines) 5-HTP monograph. . 2016. (summary-only)
. NCBI Taxonomy search: Griffonia simplicifolia (taxid 3850). . 2026. (search-result-only)
. PubChem compound records: oxitriptan (5-HTP) CID 439280, serotonin CID 5202, carbidopa CID 34359. . 2026. (full-text)
. Regulator searches with no 5-HTP or Griffonia entry found (EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed, FDA, WHO). . 2026. (not-found)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.