• Promotes serotonin and melatonin production
• Regulation of the circadian rhythm
• Curbs cravings for carbohydrates
• Positive effect on sleep quality
• Helps stabilise mood
• Aids in fighting insomnia
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• May reduce symptoms of IBS
• Helps control appetite
• Suitable for vegans

Apollo’s Hegemony 5-HTP is a dietary supplement with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) – a compound which is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. One vegetable capsule provides 200 mg of 5-HTP.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan which is found naturally in the body. It is a direct precursor for the synthesis of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), formed in carboxylation in the presence of 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase. 5-HTP is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and thus may have a direct impact on serotonin levels in brain structures.

Tryptophan is an indispensable amino acid. This means that the human body cannot synthesise it and it must be supplied in your diet. Tryptophan is hydrolysed in the body to form 5-HTP and then serotonin. Only 1-2% of tryptophan from food is used for serotonin synthesis. A stressful lifestyle, overconsumption of alcohol and unhealthy diet increase requirements for this amino acid and lead to its deficiency, which may be manifested as mood disorders and even depression.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter with a huge impact on mood. The basic role of this compound is neurotransmission. It is involved in sleep processes and regulation of mood, pain, appetite, sexual function, learning skills and memory. Serotonin deficiency in the central nervous system is one of the major causes of depression. Restoring normal serotonin levels in the brain promotes well-being and helps maintain emotional stability. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain is a mechanism of action of antidepressants of the SSRI class. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter in the enteric nervous system.

5-HTP helps maintain normal body mass and reduce appetite. 5-HTP has been shown to reduce cravings for carbohydrates and promote satiety by increasing serotonin levels. Consequently, it helps limit calorie intake and lose weight. Studies on women have demonstrated a reduction in episodes of binge eating in a group who was given 5-HTP. The ingestion of simple carbohydrates like sweets, especially in stressful situations, causes a temporary increase in serotonin and endorphin levels which is experienced as an improvement in mood. However, such behaviour may contribute to obesity and worsen mood disorders.

5-HTP is also a precursor to melatonin – the sleep hormone. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) is a hormone which is secreted in a circadian rhythm, regulating behaviour and many physiological functions. It is an important modulator of sleep, mood and sexual behaviour. Melatonin helps fall asleep and influences beneficially sleep quality. It has also strong antioxidant properties, thereby exerting a protective effect on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. One study showed that the combination of 5-HTP and GABA was effective especially in shortening the time needed for falling asleep and improving sleep quality.

Restoring optimal serotonin levels may be helpful in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has been shown that patients with IBS with constipation have usually low urine concentrations of a serotonin metabolite. The deficiency of serotonin secreted in the digestive tract is often observed in this type of TBS. An increase in serotonin levels results in stimulation of gastrointestinal motility and consequently reduces intestinal discomfort.

To sum up, Apollo’s Hegemony 5-HTP is a multi-purpose dietary supplement. As an effective precursor to serotonin and melatonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan helps fight insomnia and improve sleep quality, promotes well-being, contributes to mood stabilisation and aids in curbing cravings for sweet and consequently maintaining normal body mass. It is recommended especially for sleep disorders, chronic stress, weight loss and bad mood.