5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan is also known as L-5-HTP, L-5-hydroxytryptophan, oxitriptan and L-2-amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1-H-indol-3-yl) propionic acid derived biochemically from L-tryptophan and is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. 5-HTP is derived primarily from the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia and is available naturally in bananas, plums, walnuts, pineapples, tomatoes, eggplant and avocados.

The proposed anti-depressant activity of 5-HTP is its conversion to serotonin due to low serotonin levels producing symptoms of depression, chronic fatigue, low self esteem, sleeplessness, lack of concentration, and low libido, with prolonged stress noted as a major depleter of serotonin levels. 5-HTP is generally recognized as safe, however, very high levels of serotonin (serotonin syndrome) can produce cognitive effects, including mental confusion, hypomania, hallucinations, agitation, headache, coma and death with autonomic effects reported of shivering, sweating, hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, diarrhea, and also somatic effects such as myoclonus (muscle twitching), hyperreflexia (manifested by clonus), tremor. Blood tests are available and should be used if 5-HTP does not work or produces any of the symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome and see your physician immediately.

5-HTP usage should be limited to symptoms associated with serotonin deficiencies, primarily depression, although its usefulness with obesity, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and tension headaches is reported in the literature. Consult with your physician if you are taking MAO inhibitors, 5-HT antagonists, Carbidopa, Methyldopa, Phenoxybenzamine, or SSRI’s. Vitamin B6 and St. John’s wort can enhance the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin, therefore, physician consultation is advised.
© 2009 W.G. Morrow, PhD, DC