• Raises the level of serotonin
• Has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties
• Improves mood
• Helps during weight lossing
• Reduces cravings for sweets
• Improves the quality of sleep and supports regeneration
• Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
• Lowers blood pressure

Doctor's best 5-HTP is a dietary supplement containing 5-HTP extracted from a high-quality extract from the seeds of the African plant – Griffonia simplicifolia.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an aromatic amino acid naturally produced by the organism from exogenous (essential) amino acid – L-Tryptophan. It has been used clinically for over 30 years due to its ability to increase production of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), it is one of the three main monoamine neurotransmitters, standing in a row next to dopamine and norepinephrine. In the organism, it is being produced from one of the essential amino acids – L-Tryptophan. In the central nervous system, serotonin is being involved in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

5-HTP is an intermediate metabolite of L-Tryptophan in the production of serotonin. Therapeutic use of 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which is an activity limiting speed of serotonin synthesis. Tryptophan hydroxylase may be inhibited by many factors: stress, insulin resistance, a deficiency of vitamin B6 and magnesium.

5-HTP is well absorbed by oral application, because 70% of ingested dose gets into the bloodstream. Absorption of 5-HTP is independent of the presence of other amino acids. Therefore, it may be taken together with meals without reducing its effectiveness. In contrast to L-Tryptophan it is not "stolen" for the production of niacin and protein synthesis, and therefore, fully utilized for the synthesis of serotonin.

The level of serotonin in the brain is strongly dependent on the concentration of 5-HTP in the central nervous system (OUN). 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and, in contrast to L-Tryptophan, does not require the transport of proteins and does not compete with other amino acids for access to these molecules. All this makes that 5-HTP very quickly and with no problem gets into the bloodstream, and then to the OUN.

The mechanism of action of 5-HTP is mainly based on increasing a level of serotonin in the central nervous system. However, studies have shown that oral aplication of 5-HTP also increases the quantity of melatonin of dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphin.

Depression: numerous studies have shown that 5-HTP shows a fairly strong antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, comparable to the effectiveness of antidepressants such as fluoxetine (popular Prozac). Interestingly, the 5-HTP rapidly forms a therapeutic effect, which in the case of antidepressants require longer treatment. The dosage of 5-HTP in states of depression or anxiety ranges from 50 mg to 300 mg per day.

Fibromyalgia: numerous studies have also shown that 5-HTP may be an effective formulation in treating this disease. 5-HTP showed analgesic, anxiolytic properties, eliminated morning stiffness and constant fatigue, and counteracted sleep disorders.

Obesity: clinical trials on obese patients showed that taking 5-HTP results in a reduction in food intake (appetite), and thus there was a reduction in body weight. 5-HTP seems to be very useful during restrictive diets, when both the amount of tryptophan and serotonin decreases rapidly, resulting in increasing desire carbohydrates (including confectionery) and, consequently, excessive caloric intake or gorging. 5-HTP counteracts the desire for carbohydrates, including sweets and helps reduce appetite and calorie intake.

Migraine, chronic headaches: many scientists believe that chronic headaches, including migraine, may be caused by a low serotonin level due to increased its decomposition by the enzyme of monoamine oxidase. 5-HTP increases the level of serotonin, and is very effective in the prevention of chronic headache types. At doses of 600 mg per day it is comparable with a strength of methysergide – one of the most common migraine drugs – except that, the 5-HTP at the same time showed no side effects.

Insomnia: 5-HTP has proved to be effective in treating insomnia, especially in the case of improving the quality of sleep by increasing the length of REM sleep. It is recommended to take 100 mg 2 hours before bedtime, and then 100 mg half an hour before bedtime. If it does not work, you can increase the dose before bedtime to 200-300 mg.

Recent studies indicate that 5-HTP may reduce rheumatic inflammations and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. It was also proved that it reduces the occurrence of asthma and allergies symptoms, lowers blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties. 5-HTP may also help regulate blood glucose level.

In summary, the Doctor's best 5-HTP is a supplement for comprehensive action based on solid scientific evidences, including clinical trials. It is especially recommended to improve the quality of sleep and processes associated with regeneration. It seems also to be necessary during weight loss because it reduces cravings for carbohydrates, improves mood and self-confidence. People with hypertension, arthralgia and people suffering from asthma and allergies – also should take this natural product with broad health benefits.