5- HTP- Myth or Miracle? :: Chemistry Chemical Papers

5- HTP- Myth or Miracle? The neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP)is a compound created in the body which is used to regulate serotonin levels in brain and central nervous system. (www.medquestpharmacy.com). According to the web sites used, a supplement of 5-HTP is said to regulate moods, help treat anxiety and aid in weight loss (www.biosynergy.com/5htp.htm). They also stated that 5-HTP helps with insomnia and lower the risk of heart disease. The risk of heart disease is supposed to be lowered as a result of less anxiety and a more peaceful state of mind (www.biosynergy.com/5htp.htm). However, according to medical journals and reviews it is only proven that 5- HTP helps improve moods of depressed patients and may aid in weight loss, improve sleep patterns and help panic attacks. In the medical articles which were read, it was indicated that more research should be conducted on 5-HTP before any claims were made regarding the effects on sleep patterns or weight loss. Within these articles there was little to no mention of the effects of 5-HTP on heart disease. However, in a clinical trial Schwarcz, Young, and Brown (1989) performed, there was evidence to show that 5-HTP combined with a diet high in carbohydrates does lower blood pressure. How 5-HTP Works: Serotonin is a "neurotransmitter which is responsible for mood, hunger sleep" (www.herbsnow.com/sotm.htm). The website, medquest pharmacy claims that 5-HTP works by increasing the amount of serotonin produced in the brain. And in fact, according to Gastpar and Wakelin (1998), 5-HTP is a known precursor to serotonin which has been proven in many studies. Serotonin levels are supposed to have a direct effect on a persons mood (www.medquwestpharmacy.com/5-htp.htm). In fact antidepressant drugs approved by the FDA, such as Prozac, are said to work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to the brain(www.biosyenrgy.com/5htp.htm). Effectiveness of Treatment: It is said on medquest pharmacy’s web site that when 100mg of 5-HTP is taken three times a day for an extended period of time showed a 50 % improvement in depressed patients. In addition the patients are said to have had no side effects(www.