5-Hydroxytryptophan Capsules. May Be Useful In Promoting Mental Health. As a precursor to serotonin. 100 mg Naturally Extracted 5-HTP. From Griffonia simplicifolia. Melatonin Precursor: May Promote Sleep. Jarrow Formulas 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an extract of Griffonia simplicifolia seeds from coastal West Africa. Purity is assured by HPLC. 5-HTP is the direct metabolic precursor of serotonin and is important for the production of melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that aids biorhythm regulation.