Chemical definition:

Assay: Between 99,0 and 101,0% (perchloric acid titration)

Product Origins: Linnea L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a natural extract from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia tree found principally in the West African countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Togo. Traditional African uses for the plant include the use of the stem and roots as chewing sticks, leaves to aid in the healing of wounds, whilst the leaf juice is used as an enema and for the treatment of kidney ailments. A decoction of the steams and leaves is also used to stop vomiting, to treat congestion of the pelvis and as an aphrodisiac. The bark-pulp is applied as a plaster to soft chancres.

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From the 1960Õs chemical investigations on Griffonia simplicifolia seed resulted in the detection and isolation of several indole derivatives including 5Ðhydroxy-L-tryptophan, indole-3-acetylaspartic acid and 5-hyrdroxy indole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA). Research also showed 5-HTP to possess antidepressant activity. 5-HTP was found to be more effective than the tricyclic synthetic drugs which were considered the standard of care at that time. As a consequence during the 1980Õs a number of medicinal specialities containing 5-HTP as the active ingredient were registered and launched on the market.

Pharmacological Activities: L-5-Hydroxytryptophan is decarboxylated "in vivo" to yield serotin, a neurohormonal transmitter released by neurones in the brain, spinal cord and symphatetic ganglia.

Therapeutic Applications: L-5-Hydroxytryptophan is reported to be of greatest benefit in psychiatric and neurological disorders where there is a deficiency of neurol serotonin. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan is also indicated for its uses in alleviating the symptoms of a number of common syndromes such as anxiety and depression. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan is also cited as a natural relaxant, to help alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep, for the treatment of migraine and headaches and to aid in the control of cravings such as in eating disorders. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan is also thought to assist and strengthen the immune system and may help to reduce the risk of artery and heart spasms. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan has also been cited in the management of ParkinsonÕs disease (PD) and epilepsy.

Therapeutical Categories: Antidepressant, Antiepileptic

Synonyms: Oxitriptan, L-5-HTP, 5HTP