5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Clinical trial

Non-protein amino acid / Serotonin precursor

Mechanism of Action

Direct precursor to serotonin (5-HT); crosses the blood-brain barrier via the large neutral amino acid transporter (LAT1) and undergoes decarboxylation to serotonin by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), bypassing the rate-limiting tryptophan hydroxylase step. Peripheral serotonin produced simultaneously; co-administration of AADC inhibitors like carbidopa redirects more 5-HTP to the CNS.

Research Notes

GriffoniaAfrican

Multiple randomised controlled trials demonstrate efficacy of 5-HTP in mild-to-moderate depression comparable to some SSRIs, with significant improvements in sleep architecture (increased REM latency and slow-wave sleep), fibromyalgia pain scores, and satiety signalling. Evidence base is moderate but limited by small trial sizes; head-to-head trials versus modern antidepressants are lacking.

Found In 1 Herb

Griffonia

African

3D Molecular Structure

Non-protein amino acid / Serotonin precursor

Drag to rotate · Click atoms to explore

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Non-protein amino acid / Serotonin precursorBioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₄H₂NO

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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