Does tryptophan decrease libido? (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 explore whether tryptophan decreases libido. We will also discuss the role of tryptophan in the body, the link between tryptophan and libido, other factors affecting libido, and what to do if tryptophan decreases libido.
Does tryptophan decrease libido?
Tryptophan may or may not decrease libido. Due to differences in the genetic makeup of individuals, people may respond differently. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which can not be synthesized in the body and has to be taken through diet or supplements (1).
Tryptophan is involved in the production of serotonin, melatonin, and other compounds, which are essential for the normal functioning of the body. Tryptophan is commonly found in some food sources such as oats, bread, chicken, turkey, cheese, milk, tuna fish, peanuts, bananas, and chocolates etc (2).
Libido refers to the sexual desire. Some medications or supplements can affect the libido by lowering or increasing it, however, some other factors can also affect its levels (3).
What role does tryptophan have in the body?
Tryptophan plays a significant role in the human body by being involved in the production of serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan can also be used as a supplement in the treatment of depression, anxiety, or insomnia.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, emotions, and the body’s stress response. Melatonin is involved in inducing sleep. Reduced levels of serotonin or melatonin may disrupt normal cognitive functions of the human body (1).
What is the link between tryptophan and libido?
The link between tryptophan and libido is the synthesis of serotonin in the body. When tryptophan is taken either in the form of a tryptophan-rich diet or through supplements, it increases the production of serotonin in the body which directly impacts the behaviour and mood.
According to a research study, increased serotonin levels may cause problems with sexual activity in people taking a tryptophan-rich diet for longer periods or tryptophan supplements along with other medicines which may increase serotonin levels such as Celexa, and Luvox (4).
What other factors affect libido?
The other factors affecting libido may include:
- Environmental factors including stress, depression, or anxiety can impact sex desire in both genders.
- Relationship problems with your spouse may also affect your libido.
- Side effects of certain medications such as Abilify, Pristiq etc.
- Underlying health conditions or lifestyle such as lack of exercise and unhealthy diet may affect your sex desire.
- Libido may decrease with age due to hormonal changes.
- Alterations in hormonal levels such as estrogen, and testosterone during different phases (5).
What side effects can tryptophan cause other than decreased libido?
The common side effects of tryptophan may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headaches (6)
If you experience any of these side effects while taking tryptophan, and they become bothersome, please inform your healthcare provider.
What to do if tryptophan decreases libido?
If you suspect that tryptophan supplements decrease your libido, and it is causing discomfort and affecting your daily life, you should consult your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your overall health conditions.
Open and honest communication with your doctor helps to diagnose and treat your condition effectively. Your doctor will limit your intake of tryptophan if it is causing decreased libido. If needed they will prescribe you other antidepressants which best suit your needs.
In my opinion, tryptophan may or may not cause decreased libido in patients taking it as a supplement for anxiety, depression, or insomnia. The levels of tryptophan should be maintained and dose of supplements should be carefully adjusted in the patients using tryptophan-rich diets or antidepressants that affect serotonin levels. Libido may also be affected by other factors such as environmental factors, health, and age.
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References
1.-
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/
2.-
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/
3.-
Canale D, Pistoia S. Libido and hormones. CNS Spectr. 2000 Aug;5(8):21-3. doi: 10.1017/s1092852900007501. PMID: 18192936. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18192936/
4.-
Croft HA. Understanding the Role of Serotonin in Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Treatment Options. J Sex Med. 2017 Dec;14(12):1575-1584. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.10.068. PMID: 29198512. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29198512/
5.-
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Ricca V, Jannini EA, Vignozzi L, Monami M, Sforza A, Forti G, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Risk factors associated with primary and secondary reduced libido in male patients with sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2013 Apr;10(4):1074-89. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12043. Epub 2013 Jan 24. PMID: 23347078. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23347078/
6.-
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
