5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, NSC-92523), also known as oxitriptan (INN), is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor for the treatment of depression. In vitro
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (LT) in the biosynthesis of serotonin. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. Therapeutic administration of 5-HTP has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including depression, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia. Clinical available evidence suggests 5-Hydroxytryptophan is better than placebo at alleviating depression.
In vivo
LD50: Mice 1800mg/kg (i.g.); Rats 300mg/kg (i.g.) Cell Data
cell lines:Leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, colon cancer, central nervous system cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, renal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer