Our 5-HTP is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to support their mood or sleep cycle naturally. 5-HTP is the immediate amino acid precursor to serotonin and is derived from tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in food, principally in meat and dairy products, but only about 3% of oral tryptophan is converted into serotonin. 70% of oral 5-HTP, on the other hand, is converted into serotonin, but is not found in food. Instead, our supplemental 5-HTP is naturally sourced from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia.