5HTP is indicated in:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Chronic headache
• Fibromyalgia

Medicinal Part: Brownish-grey powdered seeds with a characteristic pepper-like odor.

Botanical Description: A robust, woody climbing shrub that grows up to approximately 3 meters in height, bearing greenish flowers and inflated black pods.

Habitat: Found mainly in West and Central Africa, commonly growing in thickets associated with termite mounds of Macrotermes species, as well as on plains, in forests, secondary vegetation, and abandoned farmland. It is an evergreen, vigorous plant with broad environmental adaptability. Commercial 5HTP is extracted from its seeds.

Valerian: Valerian is a medicinal herb commonly available in various commercial formulations and widely used as a natural sleep aid. Valeriana officinalis extract is obtained from a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia and also found in North America. The plant contains more than 150 chemical constituents, many of which possess physiological activity. Valerian root extract is prepared from the fresh or carefully dried underground parts of Valeriana officinalis L., including the rhizome, roots, and stolons.

Each vegetable capsule contains:

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia): 100 mg
• Powdered Valerian Extract (Valeriana officinalis): 100 mg

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) is converted in vivo by decarboxylation into serotonin, an important neurohormonal neurotransmitter released by neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and sympathetic ganglia. The seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia naturally contain 5HTP as their active constituent. 5HTP is an aromatic amino acid produced naturally in the body from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan and is commercially extracted from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

Valerian extract is effective in managing mild-to-moderate sleep disorders without adversely affecting REM sleep or causing significant next-day hangover effects. It exhibits sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and antispasmodic properties.

5HTP primarily acts within the central nervous system by increasing serotonin levels. Oral administration of 5HTP has also been shown to elevate the levels of other neurotransmitters and neurochemicals, including melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphin.

Valepotriates interact with dopamine receptors, while valerenic acid appears to inhibit enzyme systems involved in the central metabolism of GABA, thereby increasing GABA concentrations and reducing central nervous system activity.

Valerian extracts containing amino acids and valerenic acid bind to GABA-A receptors in the cerebral cortex. In addition, Valerian extract inhibits GABA reuptake and promotes its release, resulting in increased GABA concentrations within synaptic clefts. Valerenic acid may also inhibit enzymes responsible for GABA degradation, thereby enhancing GABA levels and producing central nervous system depressant effects.

1 or 2 vegetable capsules daily, or as per the instruction of a registered physician.

Carbidopa: Concurrent administration with 5HTP may increase the risk of developing scleroderma-like illness in susceptible individuals.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) & Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Simultaneous use may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, and changes in mental status. Combining 5HTP with SSRIs may also increase the likelihood of serotonergic adverse effects. In addition, Valerian may enhance the sedative effects of barbiturates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Valerian should not be used in children under 12 years of age without medical supervision.

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Decreased interest in sexual activity

The safety of 5HTP during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through controlled clinical studies. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy.

Herbal and nutraceutical preparation.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.