
5-HTP, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contains
50 mg of natural L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) extracted from seeds of the
Griffonia plant in each vegetarian capsule. Serotonin, an important brain neurotransmitter, is
key in the regulation of appetite, mood, and melatonin production. The presence
of serotonin in the brain is associated with a balanced emotional state. This is
achieved in part by decreasing the activity of certain excitatory hormones,
including dopamine and noradrenaline. Serotonin also acts as a satiety signal in
the brain, thereby naturally regulating food intake. Additionally, as a
precursor of melatonin, serotonin is involved in regulating sleep patterns.
Serotonin is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier and is therefore
synthesized in the brain. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is a precursor
for the synthesis of serotonin. Tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier and
is converted to L-5- Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted into
serotonin. Unfortunately, tryptophan faces many obstacles during its journey
into brain tissue. First, dietary intake directly affects body levels of
tryptophan, as the body can not produce it endogenously. High protein diets
often provide greater amounts of tryptophan, yet higher carbohydrate diets
appear to enhance tryptophan uptake into the brain. Secondly, tryptophan must
compete with other amino acids for entry into the brain. Finally, tryptophan may
be taken up by other tissues for protein or niacin synthesis, and thus is not
exclusively for use by the brain. As a metabolic intermediate in the conversion
of tryptophan into serotonin, 5-HTP can also serve as a precursor of serotonin.
5-HTP offers a number of advantages over tryptophan. 5-HTP is derived naturally
from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, unlike tryptophan which is produced
synthetically or through bacterial fermentation. 5-HTP crosses into the brain
more readily than tryptophan as it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier
without competition for uptake. 5-HTP is significantly more effective than
tryptophan; one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP is roughly equivalent to 500 mg of
tryptophan. Finally, research studies have shown 5-HTP to be safe at levels as
high as 900 mg. As a result, 5-HTP is a safe and effective means of increasing
brain serotonin levels. 5-HTP capsules may be a useful nutritional
supplement for individuals wishing to obtain the benefits of this
well-documented plant extract. One to two capsules per day, between meals or as
directed by a physician. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the conversion of 5-HTP to
serotonin; thus, to derive optimal benefits of 5-HTP, one must ensure an
adequate intake of vitamin B6. No adverse effects have been reported. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct
light. Keep out of reach of children. Agren H, Reibring L, Hartvig P, et al. Low brain uptake of
L- [11C]5-hydroxytryptophan in major depression: a positron emission
tomography study on patients and healthy volunteers. Acta Psychiatr Scand
1991;83(6):449-455. Babal K. The fall and rise of tryptophan. Nutrition Science
News 1998;3(2):60-64. Blundell JE. Serotonin and appetite. Neuropharmacology
1984;23(12B):1537-1551 Byerley WF, Risch SC. Depression and serotonin metabolism:
rationale for neurotransmitter precursor treatment. J Clin Psychopharmacol
1985;5(4):191-206. Cahill GM, Besharse JC. Circadian regulation of melatonin in
the retina of Xenopus laevis: limitation by serotonin availability. J
Neurochem 1990;54(2):716-719. Cowley G, Underwood, A. A little help from serotonin.
Newsweek Dec. 29, 1997/Jan. 5, 1998;78-81. Goldbloom DS, Garfinkel, PE, Katz, R, Brown, GM. The
hormonal response to intravenous 5- hydroxytryptophan in bulimia nervosa. J
Psychosom Res 1996;40(3):289-297. Ju CY, Tsai CT. Serotonergic mechanisms involved in the
suppression of feeding by 5-HTP in rats. Chin J Physiol 1995;38(4):235-240.
Namboodiri MA, Sugden D, Klein DC, Mefford IN. 5-
hydroxytryptophan elevates serum melatonin. Science 1983;221(4611):659-661.
Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. Fibromyalgia and migraine, two faces
of the same mechanism. Serotonin as the common clue for pathogenesis and
therapy. Adv Exp Med Biol 1996;398:373-379. Nolen WA, van de Putte JJ, Dijken WA, Kamp JS. L-5HTP in
depression resistant to re-uptake inhibitors. An open comparative study with
tranylcypromine. Br j Psychiatry 1985;147:16-22. Richter-Levin G, Segal M. Serotonin, aging, and cognitive
functions of the hippocampus. Rev Neurosci 1996;7(2):103-113. van Praag HM.
Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry
1981;16(3):291-310. van Praag HM, Kahn RS. L-5-hydroxytryptophan in depression
and anxiety. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 1988;77(34A):40-46. van Praag HM. Serotonin precursors in the treatment of
depression. Adv Biochem Psychopharmacol 1982;34:259-286. van Vliet IM, Slaap BR, Westenberg HG, Den Boer JA.
Behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical effects of different doses of
5-HTP in panic disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 1996;6(2):103-110. Zmilacher K, Battegay R, Gastpar M. L-5-hydroxytryptophan
alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the
treatment of depression. Neuropsychobiology 1988;20 (1) :28-35. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or
prevent any disease.
Description
Functions
Indications
Suggested Use
Side Effects/Warnings
Storage
References:
Each vegetarian
capsule contains:
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan
50 mg
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