5HTP

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
5HTP
2
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 8:27pm
Hello everyone~ I was just wondering what 5 HTP is? I am looking for an alternative to treating my depression, and was considering St Johns Wort, so I am curious, what is this 5 HTP?

Thanks

Annette
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2003
In reply to: annette19
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 3:03pm
Hello Annette,

I trust that the following information maybe of some help.

5-HTP is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia, a West African medicinal plant.

5-HTP is the direct precursor to serotonin and is taken among other things to Improve Mood, as a Treatment for Anxiety, and beneficial in Weight Loss.

Scientific studies from around the world have shown 5-HTP to, in addition to the treatment of Depression, be effective in:

Suppressing Appetite

Enhancing Sleep

Relieving Anxiety

Relieving symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Cognitive Enhancement

Relief From and Prevention of Migraine Headaches

Reduction of the rate of Heart Disease as a result of Lowering Anxiety and Depression.



I am currently on 5-HTP and St. John's Wart and they are working great for me. It is important that people wanting to use alternative medicines be mindful that it may take sometime for the herbs to kick in but with that said it is to my understanding that this is true of medications too. I take both 5-HTP and St. John¡¦s Wort under the supervision of my naturopath. He is able to get higher strength herbs then you are able to over the counter. I also take a high potency multi-vitamin that I also get though him. I have notice that if I miss taking the supplements several times in a row that I came feel the effects right away. This proves to me the supplements really do work for me.

Before starting the 5-HTP and St. John's Wort I was in a whole so deep and so dark the I thought I would never get out of there but now as long as I am vigilant about taking my supplements I do fine. Good luck in your quest and if you have Naturopaths or any alternative doctors in you area, you may wish to investigate them and see if they can help.

If you have more questions you can always fine me here at the board, it may take a few days for me to respond or you can e-mail me at rainydaysargon@hotmail.com

Warm Regards,

RainydaysArgon

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
In reply to: annette19
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 8:33pm

IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian