5-HTP

1. 5-HTP as a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), more L-5-hydroxytryptophan [Synonym: (S)-5-hydroxytryptophan], is a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid with a lipophilic aromatic SeitenkeL-5-hydroxytryptophan is like L-tryptophan and serotonin in different varieties of bananas before, also tte in the seeds of the African Black Bean (Griffonia simplicifolia). It is an intermediate in the synthesis of serotonin from L-tryptophan in OrganismeDie effect of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (as well as of L-tryptophan) is often described as a mood, calm and weight loss. The mood-effect of 5-HTP will presumably be based on the fact that it is converted to serotonin in the human body. It is assumed that brightened up by increased levels of serotonin, the mood and depression can be alleviated könnenn

5-hydroxytryptophan does not have its own biological function in the human body, but is in the human body (for the serotonin synthesis and, consequently, also used for melatonin synthesis). It has, in contrast to its chemical precursor L-tryptophan, no significant other metabolic pathways, will be fully implemented for serotonin. In addition, the reaction of L-5-HTP to serotonin runs much faster than that of L-tryptophan to 5-HTP. For both these reasons, the effect of L-5-HTP on the serotonin budget is faster and stronger than that of L-tryptophan.

Most of the absorbed through diet L-5-HTP is metabolized in the liver and released as serotonin in the blood, where some of platelets, is partly absorbed by intestinal cells, some quickly degraded by the monoamine oxidase system of the lungs is. Another portion passes through the blood-brain barrier into the brain, where it is used by the serotonergic neurons for serotonin synthesis.

Especially here is still the special type of cell located in the intestinal enterochromaffin cells of the call, leading to an intermediate form between nerve cells and intestinal cells represent a simple and serotonin are also used for signal transmission. As these cells although the enzyme

2. What is 5-Hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP or 5-HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan (LT), which appears as an intermediate in the conversion of L-tryptophan to serotonin. In the application of 5-HTP, the conversion of L-tryptophan to 5-HTP by the enzyme Tryptophanhydrolase - and is bridged so that the geschwindigkeitslimitierende step in serotonin synthesis -. The human body uses include 5-HTP for the production of melatonin.

The Tryptophanhydrolase can be inhibited by numerous factors, including stress, insulin resistance, vitamin B6 deficiency and inadequate intake of magnesium. At the same time the same factors, the conversion of L-tryptophan in kynurenine under catalysis of Tryptophanoxygenase may increase and thus to reduce the time available for the serotonin production of L-tryptophan-set.

3. 5-HTP acts as an antioxidant

5-HTP acts as an antioxidant, whereas L-tryptophan oxidative damage may even intensify. In the commercial production of 5-HTP is obtained by extraction from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan is a more aromatic amino acid that occurs in humans, animals and plants and is produced from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (LT). Of 5-HTP, the body forms in the brain, the neurotransmitter (neurohormone), serotonin (5-HT = 5-hydroxytryptamine), which in the regulation of pain perception, mood, the sleep-wake cycle is involved, food intake and body temperature.

Thus serotonin in the brain sufficiently educated and therefore as pain perception and mood can be positively influenced by the amino acid tryptophan is needed. The body can not make itself, it is essential and must be taken with protein-rich foods (eg milk - and whole grains, legumes, nuts, oilseeds, meat and fish, turkey and milk contain tryptophan, a great deal).

4. 5-HTP and effects

Excessive protein intake (about 10-15% more than the effect of 5-HTP is mainly due to the increase in the serotonin levels in the central nervous system. It was demonstrated that after oral administration of 5-HTP, and the concentrations of other neurotransmitters and centrally increase active substances such as melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and beta-endorphin. the total energy) for a long time is unhealthy. Recommended at the same time the supply of "healthy" carbohydrates from whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, vegetables and dairy products. (About 55% of total energy) Vegetarians should supplement your protein intake by dairy products strictly to educate, not because of the essential amino acid deficiencies.

Since tryptophan and serotonin do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier without transport protein, it is pointless and rather dangerous to take one or the other in the form of food for themselves. 5-HTP, however, which is formed in the intestine from tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and is therefore used as a supplement and for treatment of various diseases.

Most of the commercially available 5-HTP supplements are of vegetable origin and are usually obtained from seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

In medicine, 5 HTP for over 30 years to increase serotonin production is used.

The effect of 5-HTP is essentially based on increasing levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters (neuro-hormones), such as melatonin and dopamine in the brain.

The brain is an incredibly complex network of approximately 10 000 000 000 000 nerve cells divided into different parts of the brain such as cerebrum, cerebellum, midbrain, diencephalon

The cerebrum contains e.g. the Gedächnis, cerebellum coordinates motor function and the basic brain stem reflexes. The lower part of the midbrain called the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is the control of the autonomic nervous and hormonal systems. It is also part of the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions. The hypothalamus also plays an essential role for the maintenance of the internal environment.

Nerve cells are specialized cells of the body for transmission of information. All nerve cells are connected vebunden. Nerve cells or neurons as Infomationen guided by a sense organ to the brain and from there into a muscle. A contact point between 2 nerve cells or nerve cell and a muscle called a synapse. A nerve cell may be up to 10 000 other cells in contact.

To transfer information from one nerve cell to another to be messengers, distributed neurotransmitters. Most cells use acetylcholine as a transmitter substance, but there are currently in the hypothalamus and other such serotonin or dopamine.

The cell bodies of neurons with serotonin as a neurotransmitter found in the raphe nuclei as part of the brainstem and diencephalon. They are also with the limbic system (amygdala and hippocampus) and connected to the cerebrum and the cerebellum. Other nerve fibers with serotonin as a messenger running down into the spinal cord and control muscle activity.

Serotonin is also involved in a variety of body functions and services that affect the brain, memory, learning, hormone, the function of internal organs and muscle function. This is not only in humans but also in such animals.

We now know 14 types of 5-HT receptors. The various institutions which have lead to serotonin neurons different receptors. The 5-HT1B receptor is for example present in muscle cells of the endothelium of blood vessels. These play in migraine and the fight against drugs through a role.

About this synapse can now be influenced by the stimulating interneuron lasting serotonin transmission of information on sensory neuron of the skin and create a learning process. The serotonin neuron has 2 membrane receptors to stop the serotonin effect:

Not penetrate as 5 HTP tryptophan and serotonin, the blood-brain barrier without transport protein, it is pointless and rather dangerous to take one or the other in the form of food for themselves. 5 HTP, however, which is formed in the intestine from tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier easily and is therefore used as a supplement and for treatment of various diseases.

The Tryptophanhydrolase, the enzyme that forms in the nerve cell from Tryptophan 5-HTP, can be inhibited by numerous factors, including stress, insulin resistance, vitamin B6 deficiency and inadequate intake of magnesium. At the same time the same factors, the conversion of L-tryptophan in kynurenine under catalysis of Tryptophanoxygenase may increase and thus to reduce the time available for the serotonin production of L-tryptophan-set.

This enzymatic process is the geschwindgkeitsbestimmende step of serotonin synthesis. The administration of 5-HTP bypasses this process. The absorption into the blood occurs with oral administration of 70% and is not disturbed by other amino acids from the meal. 5-HTP in the blood acts as an antioxidant, whereas L-tryptophan oxidative damage may even intensify.

The serotonin levels in the brain is highly dependent on the 5 HTP levels. Other neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, melatonin and example increase beta-endorphin.

5-HTP is well absorbed after oral administration. In about 70 percent of the administered dose reaches the bloodstream. Due to the presence of other amino acids, the absorption of 5-HTP is not impeded. 5 HTP can therefore be taken with food, without its effectiveness is compromised. In contrast to L-Tryptophan 5 HTP can be no other metabolic-physiological functions, such as the formation of niacin or protein page.

Of serotonin in the brain depends greatly on the 5-HTP and L-tryptophan from the mirror from the central nervous system (CNS). 5 HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier easily, without relying on the involvement of a transport molecule. L-tryptophan, however, can only reach with the help of a transport molecule in the CNS. Since this transport molecule is also taken by several other amino acids in the claim, the presence of these competing amino acids, the L-tryptophan delaying transport into the brain.

Obesity: Low serotonin levels in obese patients with binge eating cravings for carbohydrates and the corresponding (Binge Eating Disorder) are associated. In three studies on the effect of 5 HTP in obese patients, the study medication resulted in decreased food intake with resultant weight loss.

Depression: Studies in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression were able to show that doses of lead 50-300 mg three times daily within two to four weeks to a significant clinical improvement.

In fibromyalgia patients decreased serotonin levels were measured. In three clinical studies to after administration of 5-HTP, a significant improvement in symptoms such as Pain, morning stiffness, anxiety and fatigue are observed.

Sleep disorders: 5-HTP is effective for insomnia. In particular, it improves the quality of sleep by the percentage of REM sleep increased.

Chronic headaches: 5 HTP is used successfully for the prevention of chronic headaches of various types, eg Migraine, tension headache and chronic headache in adolescents.

5. 5-HTP and Research

Much of the research on 5 HTP has been made in connection with the administration in depression. Since the 70s, there are more than 10 clinical studies on the effect of 5-HTP for depression (see (3). This insgamt 511 patients were examined with different depression. Was at 285 (56%), a significant improvement in the problem after the administration of 50-300 mg of 5-HTP, often after less than 2 weeks. With modern PET-CT has been shown that depressives have a shortage of 5 HTP in comparison to healthy individuals (3).

In comparison with conventional antidepressants such as imipramine and trizklische Chlomipramin or reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, see Figure 6) Fluvoxamine average 5-HTP at least as well off with typically less side effects.

6. 5-HTP for pain

The primary Ffibromyalgie syndrome is characterized by general muscle pain. These are different "tender points" to monitor fatigue, morning stiffness and sleep disturbance. In fibromyalgia patients, it also has low serotonin and tryptophan levels are found in some studies were significant Verbersserungen by administering ttricyklischen and SSRI Anntidepressiva (3). Some studies have actually found that 5-HTP, many of these symptoms significantly improved. E.g. were about 30 days for 50 patients administered 3 times daily 100 mg of 5 HTP and it could be observed significant improvements.

Even with long-term studies over 90 days, these improvements were achieved with low side effects in 30% of patients.

Even in trials of 200 fibromyalgia patients over 1 years who suffered from migraine additionally significant improvements in symptoms could be achieved. The side effects were negligible. (3) this dose was 400 mg / day respectively) in combination with MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors were = 200 mg / day is most effective. (9, 10)

7. 5-HTP and fat loss

While a diet reduced the serum tryptophan and serotonin levels in the brain significantly. (3)

In various studies, the relationship between decreased food intake, weight loss and 5-HTP been studied dietary supplement.

These were for example 20 obese women with a BMI of 30 to 40 the 1200-Cal diet with 300 mg of 5-HTP three times daily support. It was found within 6 weeks a significant Gewichstverlust, who stood in relation to carbohydrate utilization.

8. 5-HTP for chronic headaches and migraines

Chronic headaches and migraines are brought by many scientists with too low in relation Serotinispiegel due to increased degradation of serotonin by monoamine oxidase. These low serotonin levels decrease the pain threshold. For most types of headaches were achieved with 5 HTP significant improvements. this has been shown in many studies. With 600 mg daily for 6 months were at 75% of patients migraine attacks are either completely prevented or significantly reduced their number.

9. Effect of isolated 5-HTP

To understand the effect of 5-HTP should know: The effects of mood-5-HTP, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan in the core due to the fact that it is through enzymatic

Wasserstoffanlagerung (= "hydroxylation") in the human body turned into a happiness hormone serotonin. First the enzyme distributed thereby provide energy for the increase of serotonin levels and thus in the central nervous system for the main effect of 5-HTP. It could be shown that after taking 5-HTP-affine substances also

Neurotransmitter concentration and other centrally acting substances such as melatonin (hormones increase, effective promotional sleep), which is a rhythm more regular sleep-wake results in mood swings and can compensate.

10. How does 5-HTP benefit headache sufferers?

For chronic headache sufferers have low serotonin in their tissues, some researchers refer to migraine and chronic headaches as "Low Serotonin Syndrome" (15). There have been several clinical studies with 5-HTP in headaches, including migraine headaches and tension headaches, have shown that excellent results (15-20).

In particular, the use of 5-HTP in the prevention of migraine headache offers considerable advantages over drug therapy. Although a number of drugs have proven to be useful in the prevention of migraine headaches, all of them with significant side effects. In contrast, 5-HTP is very safe.

11. 5-HTP Appetite Suppression

One of the most common uses of 5-HTP is as an appetite suppression. 5-HTP administration to humans and animals decreases food intake [3-4]. When the rats in large quantities, 5-HTP reduced food intake from 68.9% [5]. Four clinical trials in overweight or obese people have found 5-HTP to decrease food intake and consequently lead to weight loss [6-7]. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled

Study led by researchers at the University of Rome, 20 obese women were given 300 mg 5-HTP or placebo three times daily for six weeks after the full diet, followed by six weeks to rely, in which subjects were to consume 1200 calories a day. The 5-HTP group experienced significant weight loss during the two periods, and caloric intake was reduced significantly (1879 versus 3220 calories during spontaneous eating, with a further reduction of 1268 calories in the second period) [7]. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 20 obese type II diabetic patients, subjects given 5-HTP had significant reductions in energy intake and body weight compared to plaecbo [6]. Although these doses are large, it is likely that lower doses of 5-HTP is also suppress appetite, although not as dramatically.

12. 5-HTP for insomnia

The insomnia can also be successfully treated with 5-HTP, especially dei quality of sleep, REM sleep is positively influenced. At doses of 600 mg in the evening in 2 divided doses of 200mg at 21.15 clock and 400 mg at 23.15 clock showed a significant improvement in REM sleep, however, with strong steilweise dreams. Even with smaller doses of tangible successes have been achieved. (3)

From time to time, especially with immediate administration of high doses sometimes occurs a slight nausea. Even the common side effects associated with taking 5 HTP and other antidepressants possible (= serotonin syndrome are: Bludruckschwankungen, confusion, etc.)

Possible side effects and the joint use with other antidepressants () even with false income should be discussed with a physician.