Description

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

 High Purity Chemical Reagent | CAS 56-69-9

Product Specifications

• Chemical name:  5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

• Synonyms:  Oxitriptan; L-5-HTP; 2-amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid

• CAS number:  56-69-9

• Molecular formula:  C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₃

• Molar mass:  220.23 g·mol⁻¹

• Purity:  ≥ 99.00%

• Net weight per package:  1000 mg

• Appearance:  White to cream, fine crystalline powder

• Packaging: Sealed aluminum foil zip-lock bag.

Comprehensive Chemical and Biological Profile

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an extremely important monoamine compound that holds a key position in human biochemistry as the direct precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT). It is biosynthesized endogenously from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in serotonin synthesis. This conversion is a fundamental bottleneck in the production of serotonin and, consequently, its metabolite, the sleep-regulating melatonin.

Although it occurs in trace amounts in some foods (e.g., turkey, bananas), the primary commercial source for extracting high-quality 5-HTP is the seeds of the African shrub Griffonia simplicifolia. The 5-HTP molecule is characterized by an indole ring system with a hydroxyl group at the 5-position and an alanine side chain, making it a polar, water-soluble compound.

A key pharmacokinetic property of 5-HTP is its ability to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike serotonin itself. Upon reaching the central nervous system, it is rapidly decarboxylated to serotonin by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), a process that requires vitamin B6 as a cofactor. This direct biosynthetic pathway underlies its profound effects on serotonergic systems in research settings.

Research Applications and Potential Mechanisms

This high-purity 5-HTP is intended for controlled in vitro and animal model studies designed to study the broad serotonergic system. Its scientific applications are multifaceted:

• Neuropharmacological Research:  Used to study the biosynthesis, release, reuptake, and receptor interactions of serotonin (5-HT₁ to 5-HT₇ receptor families). Research explores its potential role in modulating mood, anxiety, reward processing, learning, and memory via serotonergic pathways.

• Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Research:  As a precursor to melatonin, 5-HTP is a key tool for studying the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and disorders such as insomnia.

• Metabolism and Appetite Regulation Research:  Research is using 5-HTP to investigate the role of serotonin in satiety signaling, eating behavior, and energy homeostasis, which has implications for understanding obesity.

• Models of Pain Perception and Fibromyalgia:  Preliminary studies in animal models suggest potential modulatory effects on pain pathways, providing a basis for studying conditions such as fibromyalgia.

• Drug Interaction and Toxicology Studies:  Essential for investigating pharmacokinetic interactions, particularly the risk of serotonin toxicity in combination with other serotonergic agents.

Analytical Methods and Quality Assurance

Our product undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure ≥99.00% purity and the absence of significant impurities such as L-tryptophan, which has historically been linked to eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Advanced analytical techniques are used:

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)  coupled with diode array detectors (DAD) or mass spectrometers (MS) for precise quantification.

• Raman Spectroscopy:  Identifies characteristic peaks (e.g., ~1356 cm⁻¹) for structural verification and purity assessment.

• Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS):  A non-destructive method used to detect specific THz absorption fingerprints (e.g., 1.14 THz for 5-HTP) and identify potential contaminants.

All batches are tested for heavy metals and microbiological contamination, ensuring that rigorous quality standards for research reagents are met.

Critical Safety and Handling Information

❗ THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED FOR LABORATORY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTIC, THERAPEUTIC, OR RECREATIONAL USE IN HUMANS OR ANIMALS. IT IS NOT A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT AND SHOULD NEVER BE CONSUMED.

The most serious risk associated with the pharmacological use of 5-HTP is  Serotonin Syndrome (SS) , a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.

Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome include:

• Agitation, anxiety, confusion

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and hypertension

• Hyperthermia (high body temperature)

• Excessive reflex response (hyperreflexia) and muscle stiffness

• Tremors, myoclonus (muscle jerks)

• Diarrhea

• In severe cases: convulsions, loss of consciousness and death.

Potentially Dangerous Interactions:  Extreme caution should be used to avoid concomitant exposure with other serotonergic agents, including:

• Antidepressants:  SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine), SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs.

• Other compounds:  Tryptophan, St. John’s wort, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), some opioids (e.g., tramadol), antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron), and illegal substances (e.g., MDMA, DMT).

Note to Researchers:  Administration of high doses of 5-HTP in rodent models elicits a head-twitch response (a behavioral indicator of psychedelic effects), potentially mediated by the 5-HT₂A receptor following metabolic conversion to active metabolites. This highlights the complex psychopharmacology of 5-HTP and the need for controlled laboratory studies.

Storage and Processing

• Storage:  Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Store in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. For maximum shelf life, long-term storage at -20°C is recommended.

• Handling:  Personnel must wear appropriate protective clothing (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat. Avoid inhaling dust. Use only in a fume hood or well-ventilated area.

• Disposal:  Dispose of waste in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations regarding chemical waste.

Selected Scientific References

1. Turner, E. H., Loftis, J. M., & Blackwell, A. D. (2006). Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 109(3), 325–338.

2. Jangid, P., Malik, P., Singh, P., Sharma, M., & Gulia, A. K. (2013). Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 6(1), 29–34.

3. Ceci, F., Cangiano, C., Cairella, M., Cascino, A., Del Ben, M., Muscaritoli, M., … & Rossi Fanelli, F. (1989). The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. Journal of Neural Transmission, 76(2), 109–117.

4. Birdsall, T. C. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(4), 271–280.

5. Shaw, K., Turner, J., & Del Mar, C. (2002). Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), CD003198.

Legal Disclaimer

This product is sold for laboratory research and development purposes only. It is not classified or intended for use as a drug, food additive, dietary supplement, or for any form of human consumption. The buyer assumes full responsibility for safe handling, storage, and disposal in accordance with their institution’s guidelines and all applicable laws. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.