Serotonin assay

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels are measured to quantify this naturally occurring neurotransmitter in plant-based matrices or nutraceutical formulations.
A bioactive molecule derived from tryptophan , serotonin plays a major role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and overall 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 stress-relieving effects claimed by finished products.

Principle and analytical methods

Serotonin measurement relies on highly sensitive chromatographic techniques , adapted to the detection of amino compounds at low concentrations.

HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)

• Enables 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…).

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry)

• Offers 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 is applicable to a wide range of products and sectors of activity :

• 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 5-HT content in plants rich in plants, 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 serotonin production by certain bacterial or yeast strains.

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

Examples of analyzed matrices

• Dry or hydroalcoholic extracts of griffonia, cocoa, banana, St. John's wort, ginseng.
• Plant powders used in capsules or tablets.
• Fortified drinks, functional bars or food preparations.
• Nutraceutical formulations with a relaxing or adaptogenic purpose.

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 : an alkaloid derived from tryptophan, present in many plants.
• Tyramine assay : another biogenic amine involved in neurotransmission.
• Free theanine dosage : a 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 allow for a complete characterization of the neuroactive and antioxidant profile of nutraceutical products.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC , specializing 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 easily
receive your test reports Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting nutraceutical and natural ingredients manufacturers in the analytical qualification of their plant-based active ingredients .

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