5- HTP- Myth or Miracle? :: Chemistry Chemical Papers

5- HTP- Myth or Miracle? The neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP)is a compound created in the luggage compartment which is used to regulate serotonin levels in brain and central anxious system. (www.medquestpharmacy.com). According to the web come ins used, a supplement of 5-HTP is s aid to regulate moods, serve up treat anxiety and aid in weight loss (www.biosynergy.com/5htp.htm). They too stated that 5-HTP helps with insomnia and set out the risk of bone marrow indisposition. The risk of heart disease is supposed to be lowered as a result of less(prenominal) anxiety and a more peaceful state of mind (www.biosynergy.com/5htp.htm). However, harmonize to medical journals and reviews it is only proven that 5- HTP helps improve moods of depressed patients and may aid in weight loss, improve peace patterns and help panic attacks. In the medical articles which were read, it was indicated that more research should be conducted on 5-HTP before any(prenominal) claims were made regarding the effects on sleep patterns or weight loss. in spite of appearance these articles there was little to no mention of the effects of 5-HTP on heart disease. However, in a clinical trial Schwarcz, Young, and Brown (1989) performed, there was yard to show that 5-HTP combined with a diet high in carbohydrates does lower blood pressure. How 5-HTP Works Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is responsible for mood, hunger sleep (www.herbsnow.com/sotm.htm). The website, medquest pharmacy claims that 5-HTP works by increasing the amount of serotonin produced in the brain. And in point, according to Gastpar and Wakelin (1998), 5-HTP is a known precursor to serotonin which has been proven in many studies. Serotonin levels are supposed to have a direct effect on a persons mood (www.medquwestpharmacy.com/5-htp.htm). In fact antidepressant drugs approved by the FDA, such as Prozac, are verbalize to work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to the brain(www.biosyenrgy.com/5htp.htm). authorization of Treatment It is said on medquest pharmacys web site that when 100mg of 5-HTP is taken three times a day for an extended issue of time showed a 50 % improvement in depressed patients. In addition the patients are said to have had no side effects(www.