5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Characteristics and uses of this substance
This amino acid is often marketed in supplement form.
5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP is an important precursor for the human body to form serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. This compound increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, in turn, plays a fundamental role in the body by transporting signals between neurons in the nervous system.
In this article we will see what exactly is 5-hydroxytryptophan, and we will know its uses, side effects and efficacy.
5-Hydroxytryptophan: characteristics
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is also known as oxitriptan (INN). It is a a natural amino acid and chemical compound precursor and intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan.
As we have seen, 5-hydroxytryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain. increases the levels of serotonin in the brain and improves the symptoms of some pathologies such as depression.
As for its sale, 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and Canada, with actions as an antidepressant, anorectic (appetite suppressant) and an aid in falling and staying asleep.
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 efficacy in the treatment of depression, several double-blind clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of 5-Hydroxytryptophan. However, the quality of these studies has been questioned.
Uses
The 5-Hydroxytryptophan is used as a therapeutic supplement. This substance is not found in food in significant quantities. Specifically, it is an intermediate involved in the metabolism of tryptophan.
Tryptophan is also an essential amino acid in human nutrition, which is found in some foods such as turkey. 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 vegetable or gelatin capsules of 50 mg or 100 mg.
Efficacy
Several researches have shown the beneficial effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan o 5-HTP in pathologies such as primary fibromyalgia, Friedreich's ataxia, chronic headaches (primary or otherwise), depression, anxiety, binge eating associated with obesity, and insomnia.
Risks and side effects
Although 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been researched, it has not been studied in depth in a clinical setting.The possible side effects and interactions with other drugs are not well known.
On the other hand, 5-Hydroxytryptophan has been shown 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 to serotonin could cause the same cardiac damage.
In addition, orally administered 5-Hydroxytryptophan can cause an increase in urinary 5-HIAA. This is a metabolite of serotonin, and indicates that 5-Hydroxytryptophan is peripherally metabolized to serotonin, and then metabolized to 5-HIAA.
This can lead to a false positive in tests for carcinoid syndrome.. This syndrome is primarily caused by endogenous secretion of serotonin and kallikrein, and involves a set of signs and symptoms that occur secondary to a carcinoid tumor. In addition, 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 may decrease when 5-Hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan are compared with a placebo. On the other hand, also involve certain side effects (which will be discussed in detail below), including symptoms such as dizziness, nausea (which we will see in detail below), and which include symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea.
In addition, in some cases, tryptophan has been reported to be associated with the development of a fatal disease. However, more evidence is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these products before firm and meaningful conclusions can be drawn.
At present, in terms of pharmacological treatment, antidepressants remain the mainstay of treatment, antidepressants remain the first choice for treating depression..
Clearly, the most recommended are those without known life-threatening side effects.
Bibliographic references:
- Shaw, K., Turner, J. and Del Mar, C. (2002). Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane.
- Stahl, S.M. (2002). Essential psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific basis and clinical applications. Barcelona: Ariel.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)