5-HTP (5-Hydroxtryptophan) is an amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. 5-HTP is also known as oxitriptan and it is extracted from the seeds of woody climbing shrub native to West Africa, called the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Let’s we know more what is 5-HTP?
5-HTP or “hydroxyl L –tryptophan” (5-Hydroxtryptophan) produce serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan. Vitamin B16 helps 5-HTP that is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). This happens both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier (while 5-HT does not). Supplementation with 5-HTP therefore increases production of serotonin.
5-HTP health benefits
5-HTP use to help with obesity (dieting), PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and addictive behaviour. Using 5-HTP increases production of serotonin. Serotonin takes responsibility for feeling of wellbeing, stratification and for normal sleep pattern. Low serotonin have been associated with obesity, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and addictive behaviour. Serotonin plays an important role in controlling anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, appetite, and metabolism, as well as stimulating vomiting.
Modern hectic lifestyle such as stress and bad eating habits may influence lower serotonin levels in the body. It is known that irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety and worrying cause the body to release serotonin. This hormone then needs to be got by the body from the food you eat. But serotonin is not found in large quantities in most diets so the body has to makes it itself from foods which contain L-tryptophan, such as chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, chicken, sesame, chickpeas, and peanuts.
Help with 5-HTP for depression and anxiety
Studies has been done into 5-HTP and shows it has potential to help with depression and possibly anxiety, panic disorder, sleep disorders and obesity. 5-HTP seems to have the same effects as SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) antidepressants. The right prescription drug that raise serotonins levels are prescribed for all of these problems.