5-Hydroxytryptophan
Description
5-Hydroxytryptophan (CAS 56-69-9), commercially known as 5-HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid intermediate derived primarily from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia. In dietary supplement and nutraceutical manufacturing, it functions as a direct precursor to serotonin.
This makes it a target active ingredient for mood, sleep, and appetite-related formulations. Supplement manufacturers use 5-HTP as the primary active in capsule, tablet, and softgel formats targeting sleep support and stress management.
It is also utilized in weight management categories. In functional food and beverage development, it is incorporated into products where serotonin-pathway support is the intended positioning for the final consumer product.
Cosmetic and personal care formulators apply it in anti-aging and skin-tone products. Its antioxidant activity supports formulation stability and skin conditioning claims across various topical applications and beauty-from-within solutions.
Pharmaceutical-grade material is used in clinical research and as a reference standard in analytical method development. 5-HTP is supplied as a fine white to off-white powder with high solubility characteristics for diverse manufacturing needs.
It is available in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications, with purity levels typically at 98% or higher confirmed by HPLC. Packaging ranges from small research quantities to bulk commercial volumes for global distribution.
Material is commonly sourced to USP or BP-aligned quality standards to ensure safety and efficacy. Our supply chain ensures consistent potency and rigorous testing for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants in every batch.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 298 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 361.16°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.484 |
| Color | Off-White to Pale Beige |
| Form | solid |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water (4 mg/ml at 25°C), methanol. |
| Refractive Index | 1.5200 (estimate) |
| Log P | -0.292 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
5-HTP|DL-5-HTP|Tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-|9181P3OI6N|5-Hydroxytryptophane|Griffonia simplicifolia
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