Does tryptophan cause depression? (5 factors)
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 will discuss whether tryptophan causes depression. Furthermore, we will talk about the related research findings, the effect of a tryptophan-rich diet or supplements on mood, factors affecting tryptophan and depression and what to do if tryptophan causes depression.
Does tryptophan cause depression?
Tryptophan does not cause depression. Tryptophan supplements are used to treat depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it can not be synthesized by the human body itself.
Tryptophan can be consumed from other sources such as diet or supplements. The levels of plasma tryptophan can also be used by health practitioners in the diagnosis of certain disorders. Tryptophan when consumed, passes through enzymatic metabolism and is converted into serotonin, melatonin, niacin, or other important compounds (1).
Depression is a mood disorder in which patients do not feel happiness in anything they do or experience. In depression, patients feel sadness, irritable mood, and cognitive issues such as memory or concentration problems. Due to these changes, depressed patients may not function normally in their daily lives (2).
What does research suggest about tryptophan’s effect on depression?
According to a research study, tryptophan when given to depressed patients, exhibited an antidepressant effect and patients experienced improvement in their symptoms (3). Another study suggested that when tryptophan is given in a dose of 0.14 to 3gm per day, along with tryptophan-rich foods, it may improve mood and decrease stress, anxiety, or depression in patients (4).
So far research studies have suggested that serotonin, produced by tryptophan is the main reason behind depression. However, another study indicated that sometimes stress hormones may cause tryptophan to be converted into a harmful compound quinolinic acid instead of serotonin which might cause depression in susceptible individuals (5).
Tryptophan deficiency may lead to depression. When tryptophan is not consumed at sufficient levels, it can cause low serotonin levels in the synaptic regions of the brain. These low levels of serotonin impact cognitive functions such as mood, behaviour, irritability, anxiety, stress, aggression, or depression (6).
What is the impact of tryptophan-rich diet and supplements on mood?
The impact of tryptophan-rich diets or supplements on mood has been of utmost importance. Tryptophan can be sourced from tryptophan-rich diets or supplements. Foods such as chicken, turkey, tuna fish, bread, cheese, eggs, nuts, lentils, or chocolates are common sources of tryptophan.
Tryptophan supplements are also available to overcome tryptophan deficiency in susceptible individuals. The usual adult dose of tryptophan supplements is 60mg taken for 3 months. The safety of tryptophan supplements beyond this duration and in pregnant women or nursing mothers has not been developed yet (7).
Which factors influence tryptophan levels and depression risk?
The factors which might influence tryptophan levels and depression risk may include the following:
- Low tryptophan levels caused by intake of low dietary tryptophan, may cause an increased risk of depression (8).
- Genetic variations among individuals such as the genes responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, may also increase depression susceptibility (9).
- Stress hormones can shift the metabolism of tryptophan to harmful compounds instead of serotonin, causing depression (5).
- Certain antidepressants such as Celexa, Prozac or Trintellex when used along with tryptophan supplements or diet, may also reduce tryptophan levels (10).
- Inflammatory conditions may also cause reduced availability of tryptophan causing depression (11).
- Medical conditions such as neurologic or psychiatric disorders may also cause alteration in tryptophan metabolism, hence causing depression (12).
What to do if tryptophan causes depression?
Tryptophan does not cause depression, however, if you experience depression, please watch out for your symptoms and consult your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your current condition, family, medical history, dose, and duration of tryptophan. You may experience depression due to a lack of tryptophan or other factors.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend alternative antidepressants which might suit you best, such as Wellbutrin, Luvox, Celexa, or others. Antidepressant treatment is a trial-and-error therapy, one medicine suitable for one individual might not be appropriate for another individual.
In my opinion, tryptophan does not cause depression, however, tryptophan supplements are used to treat depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders. Lack of tryptophan may cause certain cognitive problems in susceptible individuals.
There are certain factors which may influence tryptophan levels and ultimately increase the risk of depression such as genetic factors, a low tryptophan diet, antidepressants, inflammatory conditions, and other underlying health conditions.
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References
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L-Tryptophan-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last reviewed – 05/12/2023]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/326.html
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