How Do I Use 5 HTP for Insomnia?

5-Hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid substance. It can be used as a precursor of serotonin in the human body, so it is considered to help increase serotonin levels, but its regulatory effect on sleep and its therapeutic effect on depression remain controversial in the academic community.

5-hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid substance. It can be used as a precursor of serotonin in the human body, so it is considered to help increase serotonin levels, but its regulatory effect on sleep and its therapeutic effect on depression remain controversial in the academic community.

Chinese name

5-hydroxytryptophan

Foreign name

5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP

CAS No

56-69-9; 4350-09-8

Molecular formula

C11H12N2O3

Molecular weight

220.23

Alias

Ghana Seed Extract

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP) is an amino acid substance. It can be used as a precursor of serotonin (serotonin, 5-HT) in the human body (and then as a precursor of melatonin). Some double-blind studies have shown that 5-HTP can increase the concentration of serotonin in the brain, improve depression and promote the formation of melatonin, improve sleep quality, and suppress appetite, but these studies have problems. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm whether 5-HTP has these physiological effects. ^[1]

5-hydroxytryptophan

Solubility: not easily soluble in water, soluble

R21 Harmful in contact with skin.

R22 Harmful if swallowed.

R37 stimulates the respiratory system. ^[4]

Taking 5-HTP can be converted into serotonin in the body, but serotonin cannot enter the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, 5-HTP must first pass through the blood-brain barrier and then be converted into serotonin in the brain to truly exert stability. The role of mood and sleep quality. After oral 5-HTP, only about one-third to one-half can be converted into serotonin in the brain, and most of it will be converted before entering the blood circulation of the brain. Into serotonin, this part is a physiological effect without positive significance.
Many studies have pointed out that 5-HTP has certain physiological effects. According to clinical research, 5-HTP can significantly improve the mood of patients with depression. In addition, 5-HTP can also promote sleep quality and improve mild insomnia. In addition, there is evidence from clinical research that 5-HTP has analgesic effect and can improve the discomfort of some patients with myofibrosis. It also has an effect on the improvement of chronic stress headache. Clinical studies have found that taking 5-HTP can cause frequent headaches. The frequency of seizures decreases, increasing the concentration of enkephalin in the body, which is a natural analgesic and happy substance secreted by the body. The increase in the concentration of enkephalin can make the body feel comfortable and happy. Animal tests have also found that 5-HTP can increase the blood concentration of leptin, improve appetite control, and avoid overeating. A clinical study of 19 obese women found that 8 mg per kilogram of body weight was taken daily. (mg) of 5-HTP for five weeks. Without dietary prescription, the average weight loss was 5%. Similar results also appeared in other longer-term and non-retinin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In the clinical research report of patients, 5-HTP can indeed be used as an aid to appetite control in obese people. However, it is worth noting that the evidence is not strong enough, and the physiological role of 5-HTP is still controversial. ^[2]

As 5-HTP studies are not thorough enough, the possible side effects and drug cross effects are not clear. However, since no serious adverse reactions have been reported at present, it can be considered that 5-HTP will not cause serious adverse reactions at a certain dose. On the other hand, due to the rapid formation of serotonin in the upper intestine, diarrhea and vomiting are more common adverse reactions. ^{[5-7] It} has been reported that 5-HTP can cause eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) and is more severe, leading to extreme muscle tenderness, myalgia and blood abnormalities. However, there is evidence that EMS is caused by 5-HTP supplement contaminants. ^[8] In addition, the drug cross effects that have been reported so far are as follows:

When combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or SSRI antidepressants, 5-HTP can cause acute serotonin syndrome. ^[9]

When combined with carbidopa (as used in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease), 5-HTP is prone to nausea and vomiting; however, this can be alleviated by taking granisetron.