5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that influences mood, sleep, and appetite. The supplement is extracted from the seeds of the African plant *Griffonia simplicifolia*.
People use 5-HTP to help balance mood and get deeper sleep, especially when trouble falling asleep ties back to low serotonin. Some take it to curb appetite or to settle a restless mind.
A common daily amount is 50 to 300 mg, often taken as a single dose before bed to aid sleep. Begin with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts.
Cautions: Do not mix 5-HTP with antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonin-boosting drugs. The combination can lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious condition. Nausea or stomach upset can happen, particularly with larger doses. Skip it if you are pregnant or nursing. Check with a doctor before use if you have a medical condition or take any medication.