summary
Mood: 5-HTP is helpful to managing depression and anxiety. SSRIs plug the serotonin leak, while 5-HTP and tryptophan helps fill the tank. While an increase in synaptic serotonin can be achieved with SSRIs, either increasing serotonin synthesis, or identifying postsynaptic serotonin receptor agonist are additional anxiolytic strategies. In this regard, dietary supplementation with tryptophan and 5-HTP, which crosses the blood-brain barrier, increases brain serotonin… and produces anxiolytic effects.
additional information
Dietary supplements are widely used for desired effects on memory, insomnia, mood and anxiety. This review focuses on supplements which have anxiolytic or mild relaxation properties and enhance mood. For example, Kava (Piper methysticum) is reported to have anaxiolytic actions and to reduce tension through skeletal muscle relaxation. Dried passion flower (genus Passiflora) is reported to reduce insomnia and hysteria. Skullcap (genus Scutellaria), hops (Humulus lupulus), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root are all herbs reported as anaxiolytic calming agents. Further, extracts of Magnolia and Phellondendron bark are mild sedatives. Supplements such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), theanine, tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are reported to promote relaxation. In general, these supplements appear to act as GABA receptor agonists or to boost GABA levels, although Kava inhibits both norephinephrine uptake and sodium and potassium channels and 5-HTP may act through elevation of serotonin. While questions remain in the literature regarding the medicinal value of these supplements in treating mood and anxiety disorders, based on cellular and animal studies as well as human clinical trials the literature supports a role for these preparations as useful alternatives in the management of the stress and anxiety of everyday life.
LINK - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19865069