L-5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) assay

The L-5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, assay allows for the measurement of the concentration of this natural amino acid, a direct precursor of serotonin. Extracted primarily from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia , L-5-HTP is used in nutraceutical and food formulations for its effects on regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

This analysis is essential for manufacturers of food supplements and functional foods wishing to guarantee the quality, safety and compliance of their products containing L-5-HTP.

L-5-HTP: a key amino acid in serotonin metabolism

L-5-HTP (CAS No. 56-69-9) is a metabolic intermediate formed from L-tryptophan by the action of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. It is then converted into serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of well-being, sleep, and eating behavior.

In nutraceutical formulations, L-5-HTP is often used as an active ingredient to support:

• mood regulation and stress management,
• sleep quality,
• appetite and body weight control,
• the modulation of circadian rhythms.

The dosage of L-5-HTP in plant extracts and finished products is therefore an essential step to guarantee the efficacy and safety of formulations, particularly in the face of the risk of oxidation or degradation of the compound during manufacturing.

Dosage objectives and parameters

The analysis of L-5-HTP aims to:

• Griffonia simplicifolia extracts or food supplements,
• verify that the batches conform to the expected concentration
• to control the stability of L-5-HTP in finished products,
• detect any impurities or degradation compounds,
• to ensure analytical traceability for regulatory compliance.

This approach ensures reliable standardization of formulations, particularly for supplements intended to regulate well-being and sleep.

Analytical methods used

The measurement of L-5-HTP relies on advanced chromatographic techniques, recognized for their precision and selectivity:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : allows the separation and quantification of L-5-HTP from its UV absorption spectrum. This method is suitable for routine testing of extracts and finished products.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) : offers superior sensitivity, allowing the detection of L-5-HTP at very low concentrations and the distinction of possible isomers or related compounds.

The selection of the method depends on the matrix being studied (crude extract, formulated supplement, food or feed matrix) and the level of precision required.

YesWeLab also offers complementary services for the study of amino acids and their derivatives, such as tryptophan and serotonin assays , and complete amino acid profiling . These analyses allow for the linking of L-5-HTP to its precursors and metabolites within a comprehensive biochemical context.

Industrial and scientific applications

The L-5-HTP dosage primarily concerns the following sectors:

• Nutraceuticals and well-being Griffonia simplicifolia extracts used for the formulation of supplements promoting relaxation, sleep and emotional balance.
• Animal nutrition : characterization of L-5-HTP content in functional ingredients or enriched formulations for the modulation of animal behavior and stress.
• Research in neurobiology and metabolism : evaluation of the role of 5-HTP as a biomarker of tryptophan and serotonin metabolism.
• Quality control : verification of the stability of 5-HTP in products subjected to temperature, pH or oxidation constraints.

This analysis can be combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalogue, such as melatonin assay , to explore the complete metabolic cascade of tryptophan, from its precursor to its hormonal derivatives.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in chromatography and metabolomics, capable of performing L-5-HTP assays with maximum precision. These laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art HPLC and LC-MS/MS equipment, enabling reproducible measurements that comply with traceability requirements.

Most of these laboratories are certified or accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard and the COFRAC reference framework, guaranteeing the reliability and quality of the results.

Our scientific team assists manufacturers in selecting the most suitable method for their needs: batch validation, stability studies, raw material quality control, or labeling verification. Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, managing analyses is quick and easy: online quotes, sample tracking, and secure report delivery.

Since 2020, many players in nutraceuticals, animal nutrition and functional ingredients have trusted YesWeLab for the characterization and control of their plant extracts and formulations enriched with bioactive compounds.

Technical data

• CAS No.: 56-69-9
• Methods: HPLC, LC-MS/MS
• Expertise: Physicochemical, nutritional
• Business sectors: Nutraceuticals, animal nutrition, plants
• Measured parameters: L-5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your plant extracts and formulations.