Mood

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced naturally by the body from the essential amino acids L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP is produced commercially by extraction from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia or other plant sources. In the central nervous system serotonin is involved in controlling the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour and pain sensation.

Other cells outside the brain such as platelets make and use serotonin, the brain can only use that which is produced in the brain, as serotonin cannot pass the blood brain barrier. The transport of L-Tryptophan across the brain barrier can be inhibited by stress and lack of vitamin B6. 5-HTP is the active intermediate metabolite between L-Tryptophan (sourced as an amino acid in protein) and serotonin. About 70% of oral dosing penetrates the blood stream and it can be taken with food (unlike L-Tryptophan). 5-HTP readily crosses the blood brain barrier, not requiring a transport molecule as does L-Tryptophan. 5-HTP may increase other neurotransmitters. The availability of melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and beta-endorphin may be increased with oral administration. This provides 5-HTP with some unique brain chemistry normalising ability. Standard medication may be required to help control conditions such as sleep loss, anxiety and depression. The long term use of some pharmaceutical medication brings untoward side effects, dependency and, in many cases, depletion of essential nutrients that are required for normal function and the protection from disease processes.

Depression, low mood, low self esteem and lack of motivation are all symptoms that humans at some time in their lives experience. There are many causes that contribute to these symptoms and individuals may be exposed to one of several contributing factors, including low nutrient status, dealing with chronic pain and disease, work and family related stress, loss of a loved one, and undiagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism and hypoadrenalism (often caused by long-term stress). For women it may be hormonal changes at childbirth and menopause that are contributing factors. For men, it may be hormonal (testosterone) changes at andropause.

Standard medical treatment for low moods is the use of MAO inhibiters and tricyclic antidepressants. These retard the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine thus increasing their concentration in the central nervous system.