5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Characteristics And Uses Of This Substance
5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP It is an important precursor for the human body to form serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. This compound increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, for its part, plays a fundamental role in the body by transporting signals between the neurons of the nervous system.
In this article we will see what exactly 5-hydroxytryptophan is, and we will learn about its uses, side effects and effectiveness.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is also known as oxitriptan (INN). Is about a natural amino acid and chemical compound precursor and intermediary of the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.
As we have seen, 5-hydroxytryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain and improves the symptoms of some pathologies such as depression.
Regarding its sale, 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and Canada, with actions such as antidepressant, anoretic (appetite suppressant) and help to fall and maintain sleep.
It is also sold in many European countries as an antidepressant, under the following trade names: Cincofarm, Levothym, Levotonine, Oxyfan, Telesol, Tript-OH and Triptum.
Regarding its effectiveness for the treatment of depression, several double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of 5-Hydroxytryptophan. However, the quality of these studies has been questioned.
Applications
5-Hydroxytryptophan used as a therapeutic supplement This substance is not found in foods in significant quantities. Specifically, it is an intermediate that participates in the metabolism of tryptophan.
Likewise, tryptophan is an essential amino acid in human nutrition, which It is found in some foods such as turkey, milk, potatoes, pumpkin and various vegetables
5-Hydroxytryptophan is often sold as a dietary supplement, and is obtained from the seeds of the legume Griffonia simplicifolia (an African plant). It is usually sold in 50 mg or 100 mg vegetable or gelatin capsules.
Effectiveness
Various investigations have shown the beneficial effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP in pathologies such as primary fibromyalgia, Friedreich’s ataxia, chronic headaches (primary or other), depression, anxiety, compulsive eating associated with obesity, and insomnia.
Risks and side effects
Although 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been investigated, has not been studied in depth in a clinical setting ; This means that the possible side effects and interactions with other drugs are not well known.
On the other hand, 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been seen in experimental animals to increase the risk of heart valve disease. Although 5-Hydroxytryptophan has not been subjected to a similar experimental protocol, it is known that its conversion into serotonin could cause the same cardiac damage.
Additionally, orally administered 5-Hydroxytryptophan may cause an increase in urinary 5-HIAA. This is a metabolite of serotonin, and indicates that 5-Hydroxytryptophan is peripherally metabolized to serotonin, and is then metabolized to 5-HIAA.
This can cause a false positive test for carcinoid syndrome This syndrome is caused mainly by the endogenous secretion of serotonin and kallikrein, and involves a set of signs and symptoms that occur secondary to a carcinoid tumor. Additionally, it includes flushing, diarrhea and, less frequently, heart failure and bronchospasm.
Research
Some research has attempted to analyze the efficacy, safety and acceptability of 5-Hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan for the treatment of unipolar depression in adults.
The results of some of them have shown that depressive symptoms can be reduced when 5-Hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan are compared with a placebo. On the other hand also involve certain side effects (which we will see in detail later), and which include symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.
Furthermore, in some cases the association of tryptophan with the onset of a fatal disease was reported. However, more evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these products before firm and meaningful conclusions can be drawn.
Currently, regarding pharmacological treatment, Antidepressants remain the first option to treat depression
Obviously, the most recommended are those that do not present known potentially fatal side effects.
