5-HTP Enhances Mood and More

Maylin Rodriguez-Paez RN

5-HTP is a natural precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, appetite, and sleep. As such, it has been proposed as a natural treatment for mood-related disorders.

5-HTP has been used by itself and in combination with psychiatric drugs for treating depression and other health conditions.

So how well does it work? Below we’ll explore the research we have to date.

5-HTP Alleviates Depression

In one clinical study, 5-HTP was compared to the effect of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), the traditional class of drugs used to treat depression. For six weeks participants were given 300 …read more