Does collagen reduce tryptophan? (3 researches)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we aim to answer the query: “Does collagen reduce tryptophan?” Furthermore, we will discuss the related research findings, the importance of tryptophan in the body, the effect of tryptophan deficiency, and collagen dose recommendations for tryptophan regulation.
Does collagen reduce tryptophan?
Collagen may reduce tryptophan. Collagen supplements contain amino acids such as glycine (in higher amounts), methionine (in low amounts), or hydroxyproline, but these supplements lack tryptophan and hence do not provide tryptophan to the body.
Collagen is an important protein in our bodies that is found in the extracellular matrix of our skin and cartilage. Collagen is also available in the form of supplements, which are made from the remains of animals such as bones or skin (1).
Tryptophan, on the other hand, is an essential amino acid, which means it can not be synthesized by the human body and has to be taken through foods like chicken, eggs, turkey, tuna fish, cheese, etc.
Tryptophan supplements are also available that can be used to treat depression or anxiety. Tryptophan is directly linked with the production of serotonin and melatonin in the body, and both of these compounds are involved in the regulation of various biological processes of the body (2).
What does research suggest on collagen’s effect on tryptophan?
Research data on collagen’s effect on tryptophan is quite limited. However, according to a clinical study, it was suggested that collagen may reduce human plasma tryptophan levels by 74% as it lacks tryptophan and contains glycine, methionine, and hydroxyproline (3).
Another study was conducted to evaluate the effects of temporarily reduced serotonin synthesis on the human body. Researchers administered mixtures of collagen peptides with and without tryptophan and found that a mixture without tryptophan significantly reduced tryptophan plasma levels in the body (4).
What is the importance of tryptophan in the body?
Tryptophan is a significant component of the human diet but it is not synthesized in our bodies. Therefore, tryptophan has to be consumed through diet or supplements. Tryptophan levels can also be used by health practitioners to diagnose various cognitive disorders.
Tryptophan when consumed, is then converted by some enzymes to serotonin, melatonin, niacin, and other important compounds in the body. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the synaptic regions of the brain, is involved in the regulation of various biological processes of the body such as mood, sleep, behaviour, emotions, appetite, and the body’s stress response.
Melatonin, another significant compound, regulates the sleep-wake cycle of the body. Tryptophan is considered an essential component of the human diet due to its strong association with serotonin and melatonin (2,5).
How does tryptophan deficiency impact overall health?
Lack of tryptophan may cause cognitive issues in some individuals because low tryptophan represents low serotonin levels. Serotonin has a significant role in regulating the cognitive functions in the human body and its low levels are associated with increased irritability, stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other issues.
Reduced tryptophan also affects our social behaviours, and disturbs mental and physical health. People may not find happiness in anything they do or experience. Raising serotonin levels through tryptophan-rich diets or supplements may affect overall mental and physical health positively by making people less depressed and socially active, hence improving overall life quality (6).
What are collagen dose recommendations for tryptophan regulation?
There are no specific dosage recommendations for collagen for tryptophan regulation. If you are concerned about the use of collagen supplements, you should first consult your healthcare provider as low and high levels of tryptophan, both pose some adverse effects on the human body.
Higher levels of tryptophan may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation. If tryptophan levels are excessively increased when used in combination with certain medications which raise serotonin levels, such as Luvox, Celexa etc., they may cause an increased risk of a rare but life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome (7).
As a pharmacist, I conclude that collagen may indirectly reduce tryptophan levels in the human body. This is because collagen contains amino acids such as methionine, and glycine, but lacks tryptophan. Before using any kind of supplement, it is better to consult about the dose and duration of these supplements, as low or high levels of tryptophan may cause some side effects.
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References
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Campos LD, Santos Junior VA, Pimentel JD, Carregã GLF, Cazarin CBB. Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature. Heliyon. 2023 Mar 28;9(4):e14961. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14961. PMID: 37064452; PMCID: PMC10102402. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10102402/
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Kałużna-Czaplińska J, Gątarek P, Chirumbolo S, Chartrand MS, Bjørklund G. How important is tryptophan in human health? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(1):72-88. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1357534. Epub 2017 Sep 1. PMID: 28799778. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28799778/
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Young SN. Acute tryptophan depletion in humans: a review of theoretical, practical and ethical aspects. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2013 Sep;38(5):294-305. doi: 10.1503/jpn.120209. PMID: 23428157; PMCID: PMC3756112. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3756112/
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Stenbæk DS, Einarsdottir HS, Goregliad-Fjaellingsdal T, Knudsen GM, Frokjaer VG, Hasselbalch SG. Evaluation of acute tryptophan depletion and sham depletion with a gelatin-based collagen peptide protein mixture. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2016 Jan;26(1):147-149. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.11.010. Epub 2015 Nov 26. PMID: 26655163. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26655163/
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Dawn M Richard, Michael A Dawes, Charles W Mathias, Ashley Acheson, Nathalie Hill-Kapturczak, and Donald M Dougherty. L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications. PMCID: PMC2908021. NIHMSID: NIHMS104762. PMID: 20651948. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908021/
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Young SN. The effect of raising and lowering tryptophan levels on human mood and social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2013 Feb 25;368(1615):20110375. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0375. PMID: 23440461; PMCID: PMC3638380. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3638380/
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Wong PT, Ong YP. Acute antidepressant-like and antianxiety-like effects of tryptophan in mice. Pharmacology. 2001;62(3):151-6. doi: 10.1159/000056088. PMID: 11287816. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11287816/
