Tryptophan

An Amino Acid

Description:

Tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid that is metabolized into niacin, serotonin and melatonin. It is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in these metabolic processes. 5-Hydroxytryptophan can also be manufactured from the seed of Griffonia simplicifolia, an African plant. Most research concludes that approximately 1-3% of oral tryptophan is converted to serotonin compared to 70% of 5-HTP and it is generally accepted that about 1% or less of dietary/supplementary tryptophan ever enters the brain. As an antidepressant, some studies have shown better results using 200 - 300 mg 5-HTP per day as opposed to using 2000 - 3000 mg or more of tryptophan during the same period.

The information on this page is for the amino acid, tryptophan. In the treatment of diseases/health conditions, 5-hydroxytryptophan is used instead of tryptophan.

Plants/Foods:

Cheese
Dairy
Eggs
Fish
Nuts
Turkey
Griffonia simplicifolia - source for 5-hydroxytryptophan

Physiologic Functions:

Essential in the synthesis of nicotinic acid
Large doses increases prolactin and growth hormone
Precursor to serotonin

Clinical Indications:

Anorexia nervosa
Attention deficit disorder
Bipolar disorder
Cataract prevention
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Insomnia
Multiple sclerosis
Obesity
Parkinson's disease
PMS
Affective disorder
Alcoholism
Alleviation of pain
Alzheimer's disease
Bulimia
Down's syndrome
Eating disorder
Hypokinetic and psychotic syndromes
Insomnia
Migraines
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Panic disorder
Phenylketonuria
Reduced immune function as seen in AIDS
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Sexual function
Suicidal behavior

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency:

Aggressive behavior
Craving for carbohydrate
Indigestion
Insomnia
Pellagra
Psychiatric symptoms

Causes of Deficiencies:

Alcoholism
Diets high in corn
Drug addiction
HIV

Contraindications:

Bronchial asthma
Cataracts
Pregnancy
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Toxicity and Side Effects:

Dosage equivalent to 8 grams a day for humans was teratogenic in animals
Dosage larger than 100 mg/kg of 5-hydroxytryptophan may cause gastric irritation, vomiting and head twitching (Note: approximately 1-3% of oral tryptophan enters the brain compared to 70% of oral 5-HTP)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) increase the effects of tryptophan