5-HTP:5-Hydroxytryptophan.:Introduction and Its Benefit Applications.

Common Benefits of 5-Hydroxytryptophan.

5-HTP:5-Hydroxytryptophan CAS 56-69-9 EINECS ELINCS No 200-284-8 photo picture image Main Benefits: The benefits of 5-HTP are virtually the same as those of tryptophan, being:

The support of feelings of well-being, calm, serenity, relaxation, and concentration.
Natural anti-depressant effects.
Augments light therapy for depression.
A natural sleep aid.
An anti-anxiety agent.
Helpful in agitated or mild manic states.
May inhibit aggressive behavior.
Reduces carbohydrate cravings, thus aiding blood sugar control and weight loss.
Reduces symptoms of PMS.
With fibromyalgia, reduces the number of tender points, anxiety, pain intensity and improves quality of sleep.
Aids in general chronic pain syndromes.
Equivalency to tryptophan: 500 mg tryptophan equals 100 mg 5-HTP.

Metabolism:

5-Hydroxytryptophan is decarboxylated to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) by the enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase with the help of Vitamin B6.

This reaction occurs both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier, while 5-HT does not. Excess 5-HTP, especially when administered with Vitamin B6, is thought to be metabolized and excreted.

Pharmacology:

The psychoactive action of 5-HTP is thought to derive from its effect on serotonin synthesis in central nervous system tissue. It is believed that an artificially high supply of 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to increase production. Increased serotonin production then leads to increased serotonin release and generally improved mood.

Research shows that co-administration with carbidopa greatly increases plasma 5-HTP levels.[6] However, several studies have reported that 5-HTP is effective even without a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (e.g. carbidopa).Other studies have indicated the risk of a scleroderma-like condition resulting from the combination of 5-HTP and carbidopa.

As a therapeutic supplement:

5-HTP, which is found in minute amounts in certain foods like cheese and the white meat of poultry,[citation needed] is often sold as an over-the-counter therapeutic supplement. In this case, it is usually sourced from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP in supplement form is typically sold in 50 mg or 100 mg gelatin or vegetarian capsules.

Research:

5-HTP has been studied and shown to be of benefit in the following conditions: Primary fibromyalgia syndrome, Friedreich's ataxia, LSD-induced psychosis, chronic headaches (primary or otherwise), depression, binge eating associated with obesity, and insomnia.

J Int Med Res. 1990 May-Jun;18(3):201-9. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. Arch Neurol. 1995 May;52(5):456-60. Levorotatory form of 5-hydroxytryptophan in Friedreich's ataxia. Results of a double-blind drug-placebo cooperative study. Am J Psychiatry. 1983 Apr;140(4):456-8. L-5-hydroxytryptophan for LSD-induced psychosis. J Neurosurg Sci. 1985 Jul-Sep;29(3):239-48. Serotonin precursors in chronic primary headache. A double-blind cross-over study with L-5-hydroxytryptophan vs. placebo. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80.5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor.

A recent (2001) meta-analysis found that of 108 studies on 5-HTP published between 1966 and 2000, only two met the authors' quality standards for inclusion. The two studies that were deemed of sufficient quality did not deal with 5-HTP exclusively, instead combining results for 5-HTP and tryptophan, so the results may not be completely applicable for 5-HTP alone. While the combined analysis of the two 5-HTP and tryptophan studies showed significant effectiveness over placebo in treating depression, the authors state that overall "the evidence was of insufficient quality to be conclusive." They also state that "because alternative antidepressants exist which have been proven to be effective and safe the clinical usefulness of 5-HTP and tryptophan is limited at present."