5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, which are essential for various bodily functions.

Serotonin, often called the "happiness hormone," is crucial for maintaining mood balance and promoting a sense of well-being. It also helps regulate appetite and supports healthier eating habits by curbing cravings. Meanwhile, melatonin, the "sleep hormone," regulates the sleep-wake cycle, ensuring restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Equil’s 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, grown in Ghana. By supporting healthy 5-HTP levels, our product aids in improving sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It also helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, fostering a more peaceful and balanced state of mind.

Our product undergoes third-party testing for active compounds using the HPLC method to ensure a high potency product. Many leading 5-HTP products advertise 200mg doses, but with only a 10% concentration, this delivers just 20mg of actual 5-HTP. Equil 5-HTP, on the other hand, offers 100mg with over 99% purity, providing a significantly more potent and effective dose. We also don't use any fillers, binders or flow-aids - just the active ingredient!

We test for heavy metals and pesticide residues, ensuring a clean and effective supplement.

Equil Plant 5-HTP is a natural product, and is not synthetic.

5-HTP can come in two different enantiomeric forms: L and D.

L-5-HTP is the natural form of the compound that the body can biologically use, and is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, and is used as a precursor to serotonin. This means the body can convert L-5-HTP into serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite control.

D-5-HTP is the ‘inactive’ form, which means the body cannot convert it into serotonin. This form of 5-HTP is not biologically useful to humans, and its presence in a 5-HTP supplement would essentially reduce the effectiveness of the product, as it does not contribute to increasing serotonin levels. (This synthetic 5-HTP can contain a racemic mixture, which means a mix of both L and D forms). Concerns about synthetic 5-HTP include lower potency and potential impurities from the manufacturing process.

We recommend taking Equil’s Plant 5-HTP with water, on an empty stomach. If you feel nauseous, then taking it with food is advised. Some people prefer to dip their toes in – only taking one capsule a day, and usually at night.

Side effects are rare but can include nausea, drowsiness, or mild digestive issues. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.

Our 5-HTP is derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, a natural source from Ghana that undergoes careful processing to ensure purity and potency. The 5-HTP is extracted using a water extraction process – not alcohol.

Some people may notice improvements in mood or sleep within a few days, while others may take a few weeks to experience the full benefits. We offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t thrilled with your purchase.

We want to stress that this shouldn’t be taken by those on anti-depressants, sleeping or Parkinson’s medication. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions regarding 5-HTP and your current medication.

5-HTP has not been extensively studied in children or pregnant women. We recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before giving 5-HTP to children or using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

5-HTP is absorbed in the gut, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is then converted into serotonin in the brain. This serotonin can have different effects depending on when it is produced and how much is circulating.

No, 5-HTP doesn’t directly cause drowsiness like a sleep aid would. Instead, it helps increase serotonin levels, which can improve overall sleep quality and mood regulation. The following explains why this is the case:

Taking 5-HTP in the Morning: 

Serotonin Production: 

• When you take 5-HTP in the morning, it boosts serotonin levels throughout the day. Serotonin is associated with feelings of well-being, calmness, and stable mood. By increasing serotonin during the day, you might feel happier, more focused, and less stressed. 

Mood and Stress Regulation: 

• Serotonin’s role in regulating mood helps balance emotions and reduces stress. For people dealing with anxiety or mood fluctuations, taking 5-HTP in the morning can help stabilize their emotional state and improve resilience to daily stressors. 

Gut-Brain Axis: 

• Since around 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, 5-HTP influences gut health and digestion. Morning supplementation can also promote a sense of satiety, potentially curbing emotional eating throughout the day. 

Conversion to Melatonin: 

• Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. However, melatonin production is triggered by darkness, so when 5-HTP is taken in the morning, serotonin levels increase, but it doesn’t convert into melatonin right away. This means you’ll get the mood-enhancing benefits of serotonin during daylight hours without feeling sleepy. 

Taking 5-HTP at Night: 

Serotonin and Melatonin Production: 

• When you take 5-HTP at night, you still experience an increase in serotonin. However, because serotonin is converted into melatonin in response to darkness, taking 5-HTP in the evening can support your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin promotes sleep by signaling to your brain that it’s time to rest. 

Improving Sleep Quality: 

• Increased melatonin production from 5-HTP at night helps initiate and maintain deep, restful sleep. Unlike traditional sleep aids, which may cause grogginess, 5-HTP helps optimize your natural sleep process. This makes you feel refreshed in the morning without that "hangover" effect from sleep medications. 

Circadian Rhythm Alignment: 

• Taking 5-HTP at night helps to align your circadian rhythm, supporting your body’s natural processes of serotonin production in the morning (for alertness and mood) and melatonin production at night (for sleep). 

Brain and Gut Rest: 

• At night, serotonin also helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and preparing the gut for overnight rest. This can lead to better digestion and an overall sense of calm. 

Key Differences: 

• Morning Dosing: Primarily supports mood and stress regulation during the day. You won’t feel sleepy because serotonin won’t convert to melatonin until your body detects darkness. 
• Night Dosing: Supports serotonin production first, which is then converted into melatonin for improved sleep. This can enhance sleep quality without causing sleepiness during the day. 

In summary, taking 5-HTP in the morning increases serotonin levels for mood and stress regulation, while taking it at night boosts serotonin and melatonin production, enhancing sleep without daytime grogginess. The timing depends on what benefits you’re seeking—daytime mood and stress management, or nighttime sleep improvement.

Yes! Magnesium and vitamin B6 can actually help support serotonin production, working well alongside 5-HTP. However, always check with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for your specific needs.

To maximize the benefits of Equil’s Plant 5-HTP supplement, it’s important to combine it with healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some tips: 

Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, especially those containing tryptophan (like turkey, eggs, nuts, and seeds), can complement 5-HTP supplementation by supporting serotonin production. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can negatively affect mood and energy levels. 

Regular Exercise: Exercise, particularly aerobic activities like walking, running, or cycling, has been shown to naturally boost serotonin levels. Incorporating regular physical activity can enhance the mood-lifting effects of 5-HTP. 

Consistent Sleep Schedule: Since 5-HTP supports sleep by increasing serotonin and melatonin, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can amplify these effects. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to regulate your body’s natural rhythms. 

Stress Management: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress and support the effectiveness of 5-HTP by keeping your body and mind balanced. Lowering stress may help optimize serotonin production. 

Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including brain function. Ensure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to support optimal neurotransmitter function. 

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine can interfere with serotonin levels. Limiting your intake of these substances can help you get the most out of your 5-HTP supplementation. 

By combining Equil’s 5-HTP with a healthy diet, exercise, and good lifestyle habits, you can maximize its benefits for mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Our 5-HTP is free from artificial additives, flow agents, binders and fillers. We focus on delivering a pure, high-quality product – just the active ingredient!