Other Names:5HTP, 5 HTP, 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan, 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophane, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-Hydroxytryptophane, 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophane, 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxy Tryptophane, 5-L-Hydroxytryptophan, L-5 HTP, L-5 hydroxytryptophan, L-5 Hydroxytryptophane, Oxitriptan<br>
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.<br>See also : [[serotonin]]
== Sources of 5-HTP ==
5-HTP is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. It is found in health food stores, online, and at some drug stores.
==Special Precautions of 5-HTP==
*Potential side effects of 5-HTP include nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting, drowsiness, sexual problems, and muscle problems. Rarely, allergic reaction to the supplement may occur.*The safety of 5-HTP in pregnant or nursing women and people with liver or kidney disease has not been established.*Children with Down's syndrome should not take 5-HTP.*Peak X : In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported having detected a chemical compound known as "peak x" in some 5-HTP products. Peak x had been previously associated with the supplement tryptophan, which is made into 5-HTP in the body.*Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome : Tryptophan was taken off the market when thousands of people developed a severe blood disorder called Eosinophilia - Myalgia Syndrome (EMS). The cause was later traced to a contaminant found only in batches of tryptophan manufactured by one Japanese company, Showa Denko.* In addition, taking 5-HTP in combination with certain medications may produce harmful effects. These medications include antidepressant drugs (such as Prozac and Zoloft), dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, and others), and meperidine (Demerol). 5-HTP may also interact with a number of herbal supplements, including St. John's wort and S-adenosylmethionine.*Showa Denko, the source of up to 60% of all the tryptophan sold in the United States, had used an untested manufacturing process that reduced the amount of activated charcoal used to filter fermented raw tryptophan. Some reports suggest that purity may be a potential problem for 5-HTP as well. No cases of EMS resulting from 5-HTP use have been reported, however.
The safety of 5-HTP in pregnant or nursing women and people with liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Children with Down's syndrome should not take 5-HTP.
Peak X
In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported having detected a chemical compound known as "peak x" in some 5-HTP products. Peak x had been previously associated with the supplement tryptophan, which is made into 5-HTP in the body.
Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome
Tryptophan was taken off the market when thousands of people developed a severe blood disorder called Eosinophilia - Myalgia Syndrome (EMS). The cause was later traced to a contaminant found only in batches of tryptophan manufactured by one Japanese company, Showa Denko.
Showa Denko, the source of up to 60% of all the tryptophan sold in the United States, had used an untested manufacturing process that reduced the amount of activated charcoal used to filter fermented raw tryptophan. Some reports suggest that purity may be a potential problem for 5-HTP as well. No cases of EMS resulting from 5-HTP use have been reported, however.
==The benefits of 5-HTP are==
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. *5-HTP supplements have become popular because it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP in pill form can boost the body's serotonin levels, similar to the antidepressants that are thought to increase the amount of serotonin available to the brain. Sources of 5-HTP 5-HTP is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. It is found in health food stores, online, and at some drug stores. Why Do People Take 5-HTP? *For DepressionAnxietyInsomniaFibromyalgiaMigraineWeight Loss: 5-HTP is most commonly used for depression. Because it is thought to work like serotonin antidepressants, 5-HTP has also been used for other conditions for which these antidepressants are prescribed, such as anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and migraine. What is the Evidence for 5-HTP? DepressionSeveral small clinical trials have found that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressants. * For example, in a six week clinical trial, 63 people were given either 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day) or an antidepressant (fluvoxamine, 50 mg three times a day). The 5-HTP was found to be as effective as the antidepressant, with fewer side effects.Anxiety However* for Insomnia : Serotonin is converted into melatonin, a 2002 systematic review of studies published between 1966 hormone need to 2000 found that only one out of 108 studies met the quality standards. The small study that did meet the quality criteria found that 5regulate sleep-HTP worked better than placebo at alleviating depressionwake cycles. MigraineSome research indicates that Because 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, however large randomized controlled trials are needed. In one study, 124 people were given 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide. After 6 months, 5-HTP was found is thought to be as effective as methysergide in reducing the severity and duration of migraines. Another study looked at 5-HTP or the drug propranolol for 4 months. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of migraines. Howeverincrease serotonin levels, the propranolol group fared better, with a reduction in the duration of episodes it may increase melatonin and the number of analgesics used for the treatment of episodeshelp normalize sleep patterns. *For Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and multiple tender points. A double-blind, placebo controlled study looked at 5-HTP or placebo in 50 people with fibromyalgia. After four weeks, there was improvement in pain, stiffness, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep. Side effects were mild and transient. * For Migraine : Some research indicates that 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, however large randomized controlled trials are needed.InsomniaSerotonin is converted into melatonin* For Weight Loss : According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a hormone need there is not yet enough scientific evidence to regulate sleeprate the effectiveness of taking 5-wake cyclesHTP supplements for weight loss or obesity. Because However, the NIH notes that some preliminary research indicates that 5-HTP is thought to increase serotonin levels, it may increase melatonin and help normalize sleep patternscurb appetite, decrease caloric intake, and reduce weight in obese people.==Recommended Products==[[File:Dr. Emil Nutrition 200 MG 5-HTP.png|200px|link=https://www.dremilnutrition.com/product/200mg-5-htp-plus]][[Category:Treatments]][[Category:herbal medicine]]