Biological Activity:
5-Hydroxytryptophan(5-HTP) is decarboxylated to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) by the enzyme aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase with the help of Vitamin B6.This reaction occurs both in nervous tissue and in the liver. 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier，while 5-HT does not. Excess 5-HTP, especially when administered with Vitamin B6, is thought to be metabolized and excreted. The psychoactive action of 5-HTP is derived from its effect on the production of serotonin in central nervous system tissue. More specifically, 5-HTP increases the production of serotonin. Thus, it has been used to treat diseases, e.g. depression, for which the lack of serotonin is thought to be a contributing factor. [1] |