What is 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and other physiological functions. It is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan and is commonly used as a dietary supplement to improve mood, alleviate depression, and aid in weight loss. Other names include: 2-Amino-3-(5-Hydroxy-1H-Indol-3-yl) Propanoic Acid, 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophan, 5 Hydroxy-Tryptophane, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5-Hydroxytryptophane, 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophane, 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan, 5-L-Hydroxytryptophan, L-5 HTP, L-5-Hydroxytryptophan, L-5-Hydroxytryptophane, Oxitriptan.
Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Uses
Depression and Mood Disorders
5-HTP has been studied for its potential to treat depression and mood disorders. It is considered a natural alternative to traditional antidepressants. Some studies suggest that 5-HTP is more effective than a placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms, although the quality of evidence is not yet conclusive1 8. The supplementation of 5-HTP increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and emotional well-being.
Sleep Disorders
5-HTP is also involved in the production of melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. Clinical trials have shown that 5-HTP can improve sleep quality and stability, particularly in patients with Parkinson’s disease who suffer from REM sleep behavior disorder10.
Weight Loss and Appetite Control
Research has indicated that 5-HTP can reduce food intake and promote weight loss in obese individuals. It appears to induce early satiety and decrease carbohydrate consumption, making it a potential aid in dietary adherence and weight management3.
Other Health Benefits
5-HTP has been explored for its effects on various other conditions, including anxiety, panic disorders, and myoclonus. It also shows promise in improving intestinal immune function and reducing abdominal fat deposits in animal studies4 6.
Safety and Toxicity
While 5-HTP is generally well-tolerated, there are concerns about its safety, particularly regarding the potential for eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) and serotonin syndrome. These conditions are rare but serious, and further research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with 5-HTP supplementation1 8.
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5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Biosynthesis and Mechanism of Action
5-HTP is synthesized from tryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which exists in two isoforms: TPH1 and TPH2. This conversion represents the rate-limiting step in the production of serotonin (5-HT) and melatonin, a hormone involved in sleep regulation2. Once synthesized, 5-HTP is decarboxylated to serotonin by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase2.
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Adverse Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Mental and Behavioral Disturbances
5-HTP can cause abnormal mental functions and behavioral disturbances, including intolerance and severe side effects such as hyperthermia, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide upregulation1.
Cellular Toxicity
5-HTP inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell death in embryonic stem cells and fibroblasts by blocking the S-phase of the cell cycle and increasing apoptotic and necrotic cell death2.
Nausea and Vomiting
Dose-dependent nausea and vomiting are common side effects, with higher doses (above 100 mg) leading to increased frequency and severity of these symptoms4 9.
Neurological and Physiological Effects
5-HTP can lead to breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, brain edema, and cellular injuries, contributing to neurotoxicity1.
It can also cause a rise in plasma human growth hormone (HGH), ACTH, and cortisol levels7.
Impact on Lactation and Cell Apoptosis
In mammary epithelial cells, 5-HTP inhibits Ξ²-casein synthesis and promotes apoptosis through the JAK2/STAT5a axis and HTR7 receptor6.
Sedative Effects
5-HTP has been observed to produce sedative effects in certain clinical conditions, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome8.
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How has 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Improved Patient Outcomes?
Depression and Mood Disorders
5-HTP has shown antidepressant effects comparable to fluoxetine, with significant reductions in depression scores observed within two weeks of treatment5 8.
Evidence suggests that 5-HTP is more effective than placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms, although the quality of evidence is limited5.
Sleep Disorders
In patients with Parkinson’s disease, 5-HTP improved sleep stability and increased the total percentage of REM sleep without increasing REM sleep behavior disorder episodes2.
5-HTP has been found to improve global sleep quality in Parkinson’s disease patients2.
Neurological Conditions
5-HTP significantly reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease patients, indicating potential benefits for motor complications7.
In a case of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, 5-HTP reduced athetoid movements but did not improve mood or reduce self-mutilation1.
Obesity and Eating Behavior
5-HTP led to significant weight loss, reduced carbohydrate intake, and early satiety in obese patients, suggesting its potential use in obesity treatment4.
Fibromyalgia
Patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome experienced significant improvements in clinical parameters with 5-HTP treatment, with only mild and transient side effects reported10.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Fatigue
Despite increasing serum 5-HTP and serotonin levels, 5-HTP did not significantly reduce fatigue or improve depression, anxiety, and stress scores in patients with inactive IBD3.
Gut Microbiota and Depression
5-HTP restored gut microbiota dysbiosis in a mouse model of depression, indicating potential benefits for gut-brain axis-related conditions9.
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Common Complaints Associated with 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Use
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the most frequently reported side effects of 5-HTP, occurring in a dose-dependent manner. Higher doses lead to increased incidence of these symptoms, with significant dropout rates at doses above 100 mg1.
Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Disturbances
5-HTP can cause severe side effects, including abnormal mental functions and behavioral disturbances. These effects are linked to increased serotonin levels, which can lead to blood-brain barrier breakdown, brain edema, and neuronal injuries5.
Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS)
There is a potential association between 5-HTP use and the potentially fatal Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome, although this link has not been conclusively established2 6.
Serotonin Syndrome
The use of 5-HTP can lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of serotonin in the body, which can be life-threatening4 6.
Gastrointestinal Issues
In addition to nausea and vomiting, other gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea and stomach cramps have been reported with 5-HTP use1 4.
Sleep Disturbances
While 5-HTP is used to improve sleep quality, it can also cause sleep disturbances in some individuals, including changes in REM sleep patterns7.
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Disclaimer
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