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5 HTPSerotonin is an important brain chemical, which has an impact on mood levels, weight control, and sleep patterns, for example. It has been suggested that modern life style leads to low serotonin levels in the body, which has a linkage to depression, obesity, and insomnia, all detrimental conditions to the body. As a remedy for these conditions, some studies are undergoing and done to raise serotonin levels in the body with supplements such as 5 HTP and L-Tryptophan. As a compound one step closer to the chemical serotonin, many researchers are recommending using 5 HTP instead of L-Tryptophan. Also, 5 HTP is derived from natural source - a seed from an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia), while L-Tryptophan is produced with the help of bacterial fermentation. In addition to using the supplement as an individual supplement, some doctors are recommending looking into using he compound together with St. John's wort extract. Also notable from anti aging perspective is the fact that 5 HTP has antioxidant qualities. According to research, the OH group which is added to tryptophan in the formation of 5-HTP gives 5-HTP antioxidant properties. (Compounds such as vitamin E and flavonoids derive their free-radical fighting ability from OH groups, which donate electrons to oxidants.) 5-HTP can fight a variety of free-radicals. 5 HTP - StudiesPike, R.L., Brown, M.L. Nutrition: An Integrated Approach. NY: Macmillan Pub. Co.; 1986:626-28. Peters, J.C. Tryptophan nutrition and metabolism: An overview. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1991;294:345-349. van Pragg, H.M. Central monoamine metabolism in depressions. I. Serotonin and related compounds. Comprehensive Psychiatry 1980;21(1):30-43. Magnussen, I., Neilsen-Kudsk, F. Bioavailability and related pharmacokinetics in man of orally administered L-5-hydroxytryptophan in steady state. Acta pharmacol. et toxicol. 1980;46:257-62. Magnussen, I., Jensen, T.S., Rand, J.H., Van Woert, M.H. Plasma accumulation and metabolism of orally administered single dose L-5-hydroxytryptophan in man. Acta pharmacol. et toxicol. 1981;49:184-89. van Pragg, H.M. Korf, J. 5-hydroxytryptophan as an antidepressant. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 1974;158(5):331-37. van Pragg, H.M. Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biological Psychiatry 1981;16(3):291-310. Byerley, W.F. et. al. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: A review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 1987;7(3):127-37. Zmilacher, K. Battegay, R., Gastpar, M. L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression. Neuropsychobiology 1988;20:28-35. Pöldinger, W., Calanchini, B., Schwarz, W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: Serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81. Zarcone, V.P. Hoddes, E., Smythe, H. Oral 5-hydroxytryptophan effects on sleep. in Serotonin and Behavior, edited by Barchas, J., Usidin, E., NY: Academic Press; 1973:499-505. Wyatt, R.J., et. al. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 1971;30:505-09. Simic, M.G. Al-Sheikhly, M. Jovanovic, S.V. Inhibition of free radical processes by antioxidants-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytrytophan. Bibl Nutra Dieta 1989;43:288-96.
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