Serotonin dosage

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) measurement allows the quantification of this naturally occurring neurotransmitter in plant matrices or nutraceutical formulations.
A bioactive molecule derived from tryptophan , serotonin plays a major role in the regulation of mood, sleep, appetite and general well-being . In the field of natural health products, its measurement is essential for assessing the content of active compounds responsible for the relaxing or anti-stress effects claimed by finished products.

Principle and analytical methods

Serotonin assay is based on high sensitivity chromatographic techniques , suitable for the detection of amino compounds at low concentrations.

HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)

• Allows the separation and quantification of serotonin from plant extracts, foods or formulations.
• Electrochemical or fluorimetric detection is preferred for its high sensitivity.
• This method is particularly suitable for matrices rich in secondary metabolites (griffonia, cocoa, banana, etc.).

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS (Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry)

• Provides optimal specificity and sensitivity, even at trace levels.
• Allows the distinction between free and conjugated serotonin , as well as the simultaneous detection of its precursors and metabolites (tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid).
• Reference technique for quality control analyses, research and standardization of active ingredients.

Industrial and scientific applications

Serotonin testing applies to a wide range of products and industries :

• Nutraceuticals and food supplements : evaluation of serotonin or precursor content to validate the desired physiological effects (mood, relaxation, sleep).
• Botany and phytochemistry : characterization of natural contents in plants rich in 5-HT, such as Griffonia simplicifolia , cocoa , banana or ginseng .
• Cosmetics : analysis of plant serotonin used for its neurocosmetic and relaxing effects on the skin.
• Research in microbiology and biotransformation : monitoring the production of serotonin by certain bacterial strains or yeasts.

functional formulation or phytochemical traceability studies , in order to ensure consistency between biological efficacy and actual composition of the product.

Examples of analyzed matrices

• Dry or hydroalcoholic extracts of griffonia, cocoa, banana, St. John's wort, ginseng.
• Plant powders used in capsules or tablets.
• Beverages, functional bars or fortified food preparations.
• Nutraceutical formulations for relaxing or adaptogenic purposes.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete assessment of the bioactive profile, serotonin measurement can be combined with:

• Tryptophan dosage : amino acid precursor of serotonin.
• Tryptamine dosage : alkaloid derived from tryptophan, present in many plants.
• Tyramine dosage : another biogenic amine involved in neurotransmission.
• Free theanine dosage : relaxing molecule present in green tea, often combined with serotonin in wellness formulations.
• Analysis of the polyphenolic profile by HPLC : to evaluate the antioxidants co-present in plant extracts.

These cross-analyses make it possible to obtain a complete characterization of the neuroactive and antioxidant profile of nutraceutical products.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited partner laboratories , specialized in analytical chemistry, chromatography and mass spectrometry applied to plant matrices.
Our experts adapt the analytical method according to the nature of the sample (extract, powder, liquid) and your objectives (quality control, claims validation, research) .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests , track your samples in real time and receive your test reports with ease.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting nutraceutical and natural ingredient manufacturers in the analytical qualification of their plant-based active ingredients .

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.