5 HTP

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5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia tree found principally in the West African countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. Unlike many other supplements, it is not produced via bacterial fermentation or chemically synthesized. A standardized extract of Griffonia simplicifolia typically contains greater than 99% pure 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).5-HTP not found at any significant level in a normal diet (unless your diet involves chewing seeds of the griffonia tree!- see above), where as tryptophan is found in a wide variety of protein foods.

5-HTP is generally well tolerated by those taking prescription medications and should not cause any adverse reactions. 5-HTP is free of side effects, and is an effective substitute for anti-depressants.

5-HTP is an amino acid that works as the middle step between the amino acid tryptophan and the creation of the important brain chemical serotonin.   It is manufactured naturally in the body from the amino acid L-Tryptophan and is used to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin.5-HTP is converted in the brain to serotonin, a neurotransmitter substance found at the junctions (synapses) between neurons. 5-HTP is the immediate precursor in the biosynthesis of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan.  The inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin is secreted in response to mood or emotion swings. Therefore 5-HTP can be highly effective at controlling mood. 5-HTP is believed to work in a similar way to many antidepressants such as Prozac, by keeping serotonin flowing between brain cells

5-HTP is often combined with drugs that raise serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (e.g., Prozac), other antidepressants, or the pain medication tramadol.  Unlike some "mood" supplements, 5-HTP has been shown to maintains its efficacy for at least a  90-day period of treatment and as a compound has over 30 years of safety and effectiveness in clinical use. 5-HTP is as safe as any other dietary supplement on the market, and can be used as prevention or enhancement as well as treatment. ( It is safe to use in children at low doses of 1 mg to 20 mg daily and can be an excellent way to help children relieve tension, stress and nervousness). 5-HTP is taken, with or without food, and other supplements can be taken at the same time,

In addition to usage for mood control, 5-HTP is effective for some people when used for insomnia because it increases the length of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which improves sleep quality. 5-HTP is being evaluated or used for Parkinson's, myoclonus, depression, Alzheimer's, anxiety disorders, autism, dementia, and more.

5-HTP is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free-radical damage, reducing the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer. It is also effective for some people by helping to reduce cravings for sweets and starches, which may help contribute to healthier overall eating habits.

Over use of 5-HTP can cause a blood overload of this compound producing what is referred to as the "serotonin syndrome" - characterized by confusion, fever, shivering, sweating, diarrhea, and muscle spasms.  At this time, the FDA is unaware of any recent illnesses associated with the 5-HTP products being sold as dietary supplements.5-HTP is available both by prescription from a compounding pharmacy and over the counter in many drug stores in the US, and on the Web from MyHealthMyWorld.

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