5-HTP

Calming effect
Antidepressant properties
Sleep physiology regulation
Appetite control
Analgesic effect in migraines

Swanson 5-HTP is a dietary supplement with natural ingredients. It contains a Griffonia simplicifolia extract rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan, an amino acid and a precursor of a major neurotransmitter – serotonin, and a hormone – melatonin.

The preparation is one of the agents used to aid the treatment mood disorders. Using it also affects sleep quality. An extract of the pericarp of that West-African plant also supports weight loss. Moreover, it can be used as a herbal agent for alleviating migraine headaches.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) – an amino acid of the tryptamine family; it is exogenous, which means that synthesising it in the organism is impossible. Therefore, it is recommended to supply 5-HTP with food or supplements.

Serotonin precursor
5-HTP occurs naturally in, for example, Griffonia simplicifolia seeds. It is an indirect compound of the metabolic pathway of serotonin and melatonin. Its presence

in the plasma activates the enzyme decarboxylase, which transforms 5-hydroxytryptophan into the above-mentioned serotonin in the process of decarboxylation. Serotonin,
on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter whose role in the human organism consists in controlling emotions and behaviours, appetite, and regulating sleep.

Biological role of serotonin
Low serotonin levels are typical of various mental disorders whose medical signs are mood, appetite and sleep disorders. The reason why it happens is because serotonin is an important substance for the nervous system. The neurotransmitter affects the functioning of serotonergic neurons, which are responsible for developing various behaviours, like aggression, impulsiveness, depression, anxiety.

Calmness and positive mood
High serotonin levels help to restore the energy reserves of the brain and improve sleep quality by making the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep longer. It supports the process of relaxation in states of excessive excitability, anxiety, and aggression. It helps to maintain a good mood.

Appetite reduction
Serotonin has a positive effect on eating hygiene. Long-lasting stress reduces serotonin levels in the organism. That, in turn, leads to increased appetite, excessive eating, and, consequently, weight gain. Serotonin’s role as a neurotransmitter includes controlling appetite, particularly when it comes to carbohydrates. That is how it supports the process of weight loss.

Preventing migraines
The pathomechanism of migraine headaches is greatly affected by vasomotor disorders. Excessive relaxation of cerebral vessels is responsible for their occurrence. Serotonin helps to maintain the right tension of cerebral vessels, thanks to which it supports the treatment of the ailment.

Sleep-wake regulation
Serotonin undergoes a number of biochemical transformations in the pineal gland, eventually adopting the form of N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine. The hormone regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Its concentration decreases with age, which is why the elderly often experience circadian cycle disorders. Melatonin also has antioxidant properties. It regulates the immune system and lipid metabolism.

To sum up, tryptophan, whose derivative can be found in Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, is a very important exogenous amino acid. It participates in the synthesis of biologically active substances that are necessary for the normal functioning of the organism, such as serotonin and melatonin.

Normal concentrations of the neurohormones are responsible for maintaining a good mood, they help to eliminate the consequences of chronic stress, and support the functioning of the brain. They take part in regulating appetite, that way supporting the process of weight loss. Their high levels provide the right amount and quality of sleep. By affecting the tension of cerebral vessels, it helps to treat migraine headaches.