Hydroxytryptophan is also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. It is not found in adequate amounts in food, so to be used as a dietary supplement it is made from the seeds of "Griffonia simplicifolia," which is a plant native to Africa. The 5-HTP is then added to nutritional supplements, or put in a supplement form by itself.
Converts to Serotonin
5-HTP is a product of the amino acid, tryptophan. The body takes the 5-HTP and converts it to serotonin, which, according to "SpineUniverse," is a chemical necessary for proper brain function. Serotonin also is necessary for proper regulation of sleep, pain, body temperature and appetite.
Highly Available In Body
5-HTP easily passes the barrier from the blood to the brain. A report in the August, 1998 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review" states that because of its ability to cross the barrier, it is easily able to be converted into serotonin.
Antidepressant
The National Cancer Institute states that 5-HTP has antidepressant properties, which are attributed to its role in its conversion to serotonin, or by binding itself to serotonin receptors. These receptors are within the central nervous system, and therefore have an affect on anxiety levels.
Weight Loss Aid
5-HTP is also used as a weight loss aid. Baptist Health Systems has issued a report on 5-HTP that explains a study from a 1992 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." This study reports that patients who took 5-HTP lost more weight than those who did not use 5-HTP. It also states that when taking 5-HTP, patients felt full, faster.
Possible Interactions
The University of Maryland Medical Center makes it clear that if you are currently taking medication for depression, you should not take 5-HTP supplements. This can cause what is called "serotonin syndrome," which involves hot flashes, rapid blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate changes, mental changes, and even possible coma.
