5-HTP is a chemical compound that is naturally produced in the body when it creates serotonin. 5-HTP is also found in some plant sources in nature. Supplements of 5-HTP are usually made from processing seeds of griffonia simplicifolia, which is a shrub that grows in West Africa. Many scientists think that 5-HTP is the most powerful natural appetite suppressant.

When your body processes tryptophan, it first converts it into 5-HTP. Once your body has then created the 5-HTP, it will convert it into serotonin. Serotonin is the one of the body’s most powerful feel-good chemicals. Serotonin helps to improve your mood, curbs your appetite and may help to prevent the body from gaining weight.

Taking serotonin supplements is not as effective as taking 5-HTP capsules. This is because 5-HTP can get into the brain from the bloodstream, but the brain blocks serotonin from gaining access from the bloodstream.