5-HTP is a derived from the conversion of the amino acid L-tryptophan. It plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin which an important neurotransmitter. It helps in improving the mood, and alleviating depression. It helps control appetite irregularities, impulsive behaviour, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders. It also helps alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 5-HTP also helps alleviate headaches, and helps in the treatment of crebellar ataxia. It also helps in weight loss because 5-HTP suppresses appetite and reduces cravings by giving a sense of fullness. It aids in controlling the appetite and prevent impulsive binge eating. It helps prevent fibromyalgia.