5-HTP (Griffonia extract)

5-HTP (5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, also called oxitriptan; CAS 4350-09-8, C11H12N2O3, molecular weight 220.22) sits one metabolic step past L-tryptophan on the route to serotonin. The hydroxylation that tryptophan hydroxylase performs in the body is already done, which is the practical reason formulators reach for it instead of tryptophan itself. Thovek's material is extracted from the seed of Griffonia simplicifolia, a woody climbing shrub native to West and Central Africa whose seeds carry between roughly 6 and 20 percent 5-HTP — the richest natural source identified. The seed is milled, solvent-extracted and purified to a fine off-white to pale grey powder standardised at 98% minimum 5-HTP by HPLC; 99% material and lower-strength standardised grades in the 10-20% range are made to order. Identity is confirmed by specific rotation of -35.0 to -30.0 degrees (c = 1 in water) alongside the HPLC profile, with melting above 270 C accompanied by decomposition. Because the route is botanical extraction rather than fermentation or chemical synthesis, the product supports plant-derived, vegan and non-GMO label positioning. A fermentation-derived 5-HTP also exists in the market, so state the origin you require on the purchase order. Two commercial points matter on this ingredient. First, classification: at 98% and above the material is a separate chemically defined organic compound and belongs in Chapter 29 under 29339900, while lower-strength standardised extract still held in its plant matrix moves as a vegetable extract under 13021919 — declare by the grade actually shipped. Second, regulatory status varies widely by destination, from an openly permitted supplement ingredient in some markets to a prescription-controlled substance in others, so confirm the position in your importing country before contracting. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis covering HPLC assay, heavy metals, microbiology and residual solvents, plus botanical identity and country-of-origin documentation for the seed.