5htp!

5-HTP health benefits

The assistance in production of serotonin and melatonin makes 5-HTP extremely useful for the treatment of various problems. Apart from its practical uses, there are numerous theoretical benefits which are under scientific consideration.

Some of the areas where 5-HTP can be effective include:

Depression: The use of 5-HTP as the sole therapeutic substance to cure depression is a controversial concept. Although the serotonin production functions of 5-HTP make it theoretically possible for it to act as a cure for depression, the practical evidence is insufficient to effectively prove the theory.

This was the verdict of a 2002 study by the Cochrane Collaboration. After a thorough review of 108 patient trials, they agreed that 5-HTP was better than placebo drugs in curing depression. However, the evidence gained from the endeavor was deemed insufficient as conclusive proof. 

Obesity and weight loss: Many research reports have attempted to study the relationship between the use of 5-HTP and the reduction of hunger and weight loss. One such study was conducted using extracts of griffonia simplicifolia, which are a source of 5-HTP.

In the study, 20 overweight or obese females were required to consume 5-HTP through oral spray in three hits five times a day. After an observation for four weeks, it was noted that the women experienced a significant reduction in the tendency to binge eat and a significant increase in satiation after meals. These factors led to weight loss in the experimental group. 

Other studies suggest a correlation between 5-HTP use and weight loss as well. 

So it can be safely assumed that regular use of 5-HTP products can lead to a reduction in hunger which can help with weight loss.

Sleep disorders: The administration of 5-HTP products can also assist in combating the effects of sleep disorders such as insomnia and irregular sleep pattern. The release of serotonin triggered by the consumption of 5-HTP is one of the leading causes of its effectiveness in improving the quality of sleep.

At least one scientific study attests to this fact. In the study, a combination of downer neurotransmitters and 5-HTP was administered to those suffering from irregular sleep. The administration of these products was noted to substantially reduce the average time required to fall asleep. It also led to an improvement in the quality and duration of sleep as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). 

Other uses: 5-HTP is also found to be effective in reducing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It may help reduce anxiety and panic attacks.

It is also found to be effective in improving pain, fatigue, tenderness, and anxiety in people suffering from fibromyalgia.

In case of Parkinson’s disease, lower doses of 5-HTP seem to reduce shaking, but the effects only seem to last for around 5 months. Some 5-HTP products may lead to improvement in symptoms of schizophrenia among young men.