Seratonin vs 5HTP

[superbabydoc]

^^It will if you order from www.healthy.co.nz - 5 business days to ship to Aus. So order nownownow!

 

[phase_dancer]

If you’re wondering why serotonin can’t get through the blood brain barrier, here’s Shulgin’s explanation
From Tihkal # 5 [Speaking of 5-HT (serotonin)]

Although this specific neurotransmitter is a big item in the brain, if you feed it to a person, or put it into him via the blood or tissue, it can't get there. It has no way of moving this specific molecule from the outside of the brain (the periphery) into the brain itself (the central Kingdom).
Two obstacles effectively prohibit this availability. Serotonin has a free hydroxy group (the 5-hydroxy which is the H of 5-HT). This is a big polar water-loving pimple which denies it any passage across the brain's defensive Maginot Line, the blood-brain barrier. And there is the second problem. There is a exposed amino group, the amine of T of 5-HT, the tryptamine, which is immediately removed by the body's monoamine oxidase enzyme. In short, it is blocked from entry into the brain because it is both too polar and too metabolically fragile.
Applying that same reasoning, wouldn’t tryptophan with no “pimple” be more likely to cross the BB barrier, than 5HTP with the same polarizing OH on the 5th position as with serotonin? I’m not denying carrier mediated transport which obviously happens with 5HTP, but I believe many underestimate the amazing potential of tryptophan. It is one of natures most versatile molecules, and is used to synthesize many compounds.
From Shulgin # 53

Look at this fabulous story that unfolded some twenty years ago. It is completely coherent, and it is totally exciting. Let me try to distill the human information given above, into a logical flow. Tryptophan, a natural and nutritionally essential amino-acid, is a centrally active intoxicant and sleep-provider in man. It is converted metabolically to tryptamine which is a little bit psychedelic. When administered with methionine (another amino-acid known to methylate things) it produces methylated tryptamines, the two best studied being N-methyltryptamine (NMT) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The effects that result are hard to categorize, reflecting the diagnostic status of the patient. But something happens. In short, tryptophan, alone or in combination with MAO inhibitors or methyl donors, is a fabulous tool for exploring brain function. And it was an easily available research tool, openly explored by many private individuals. It was meeting a broad curiosity as to meeting a large number of human inadequacies.
Biscuit apologies for not getting back to you – post term buildup of work has to take precedence over other things atm. Hopefully this week.

 

[BigTrancer]

All the people I know who've spent money on SAMe have, after trying it, considered the purchase a waste of money. Reactions ranged from 'no effect' to 'negative effects'.
BigTrancer

 

[fairnymph]

^^^
I concur.

 

[payaya]

everybody if ya didnt know you can buy 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP) in australia! But for you lucky queenslanders only! Go here and check it out! http://www.vitaminsaustralia.com.au/prod1653.htm
[ 03 July 2002: Message edited by: payaya ]

 

[bunny]

Apparently there is a natural substitute for 5HTP that is also a precurser for seratonin
Yes there is.
Turkey, Pineapple and any other foods high in Tryptophan

We often hear of the relationships that occur between food and the human mind. To the body, food is chemistry - causing biochemical reactions that release enzymes, trigger hormones and stimulate neurotransmitter activity.
Every November, a common discussion arises involving the relationship of turkey and drowsiness. Turkey happens to be high in an amino acid called tryptophan which acts as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. As tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is converted to serotonin with the assistance of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. As serotonin levels increase, food cravings are curbed, pain tolerance increases, mood improves and the feeling of sleepiness sets in.
The effect tryptophan has on sleepiness is well-known. The assumption that the tryptophan found in turkey is responsible for the desperate desire to take a nap after a holiday meal is, however, unfounded. According to Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and author of the book Food and Mood, protein-rich foods contain high levels of many amino acids that compete for access into the brain. As a result, relatively low levels of tryptophan cross the blood-brain barrier and only moderate amounts of serotonin are created when foods high in protein are consumed. While isolated tryptophan can act as a sleep aid, tryptophan packaged with other amino acids does not have the same effect.
Carbohydrate-rich foods, on the other hand, stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. As a result, blood levels of amino acids that compete with tryptophan enter muscle cells - causing a relative rise in tryptophan concentration and, eventually, serotonin secretion. Ironically, eating foods higher in carbohydrate has a more significant impact on sleepiness than only eating foods rich in protein.
Can the food you eat cause drowsiness? Absolutely. Don't blame your turkey, however. While the turkey does supply your body with tryptophan, your need to nap is more than likely the result of a gross over consumption of stuffing, cranberries, bread, carrots and pumpkin pie. You probably needed the nap anyway....
Hope this helps too. Just because you dont have 5-Htp in your hands doesnt mean you cant help the seretonin war. Just eat! <---- Sounds bloody good to me