5-HTP for Depression
Direct metabolic precursor to serotonin, derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, bypassing the rate-limiting step in serotonin synthesis; must not be combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or other serotonergic drugs due to serotonin syndrome risk.
5-HTP for Depression
3 of 4 results reported a benefit, from 2 published studies.
2 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 3 reported a benefit
- 1 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Depression symptomsLarge effectmuch better than the comparison group1 review of trials2 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗
- Depression remission rate65 in 100 of participants responded1 review of trials2020 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (1)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Apathy symptomsNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo effect on apathy symptoms was seen with 5-HTP vs placebo in 25 people over 4 weeks.1 randomised trial2020 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Major depression, persistent low mood and related conditions.
Also known as: 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Griffonia simplicifolia
5-HTP × Depression: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
5-HTP / Depression: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 3 |
| No benefit | 1 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Meta-analysis | 2 |
| Randomised trial | 2 |
- Studies
- 2
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 31504850) | depression remission rate | 0.65 | 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.78 | Not reported |
| Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID 31504850) | Hedges' g for depression symptoms | 1.11 | 95%CI, 0.53-1.69 | Not reported |
| Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding. (PMID 32067288) | Apathy symptoms (AS) | Not reported | Not reported | 4 weeks |
| Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding. (PMID 32067288) | Depressive symptoms (HDRS) | Not reported | Not reported | 4 weeks |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 31504850 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 13Duration: Not reported | depression remission rate | 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.78) | Benefit |
| PMID 31504850 2020 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): 7Duration: Not reported | Hedges' g for depression symptoms | 1.11 (95%CI, 0.53-1.69) | Benefit |
| PMID 32067288 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 25Duration: 4 weeks | Apathy symptoms (AS) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 32067288 2020 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 25Duration: 4 weeks | Depressive symptoms (HDRS) | Not reported | Benefit |
5-HTP × Depression: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsShafiee A, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025PMID 38913392 ↗02Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisUrata M, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2025PMID 40014460 ↗03Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisCheng YC, et al. · Psychological medicine · 2025PMID 40314175 ↗04New horizons for the study of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active ingredients in the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence and mechanismsHan S, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2024PMID 38424688 ↗05Nutraceuticals in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic ReviewBozzatello P, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2024PMID 38732043 ↗06A systematic review on the impact of nutrition and possible supplementation on the deficiency of vitamin complexes, iron, omega-3-fatty acids, and lycopene in relation to increased morbidity in women after menopauseWylenzek F, et al. · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2024PMID 38935105 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.