Does tryptophan increase serotonin? (5+ benefits)
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 increases serotonin. Furthermore, we will also discuss related research findings, sources of tryptophan, the benefits of increased serotonin levels, and precautions to be considered while using tryptophan.
Does tryptophan increase serotonin?
Yes, tryptophan increases serotonin. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can not be synthesized by the human body, but it is an important constituent of the human diet. Tryptophan can be obtained through tryptophan-rich diets or supplements.
Tryptophan is converted primarily to serotonin and melatonin when taken through diets or supplements. The levels of tryptophan can also be used in clinical settings to diagnose various cognitive disorders by healthcare professionals.
Tryptophan supplements are used to treat anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders (1). Serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter found in the synaptic regions of the brain regulates sleep, mood, behaviour, appetite, emotions, and the body’s response in stressful conditions (2).
What does research suggest about tryptophan’s effect on serotonin?
According to a research study, it was found that tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin is directly associated with anxiety and depression. When tryptophan was administered to depressed patients in a dose of 0.14 to 3gm, along with tryptophan-rich foods, it improved the mood and decreased anxiety in the research participants (3).
Another research study suggested that the availability of tryptophan is directly linked to serotonin synthesis. When there is a deficiency of tryptophan in plasma levels, patients may experience cognitive issues. Tryptophan can also be used to treat various psychological disorders especially when used in combination with other medications (4).
What are the sources of tryptophan?
Tryptophan is available in tryptophan-rich diets or supplements. The common food sources of tryptophan may include oats, bread, cheese, eggs, chicken, turkey, tuna fish, nuts, bananas, chocolate, and milk (4).
Tryptophan is also available in the form of supplements that can be used to treat cognitive issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The usual adult dose of tryptophan is 60mg taken for 3 months. However, your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable dose and duration as per your specific needs (5).
If you are taking tryptophan-rich foods along with supplements, be careful that you do not exceed the recommended limits, because higher levels of tryptophan may cause some gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain (5).
If you are taking tryptophan supplements along with other medications that may increase serotonin, such as Celexa, Luvox etc., they may increase serotonin levels excessively. These high levels of serotonin may pose a risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition. If you have any concerns regarding your supplements, please contact your healthcare provider (6).
What are the benefits of increased serotonin levels caused by tryptophan?
The benefits of increased serotonin levels are mentioned below:
- Increased serotonin levels caused by tryptophan, improve the sleep-wake cycle and promote quality sleep.
- Higher serotonin levels may enhance the mood and behaviours of depressed individuals.
- Serotonin when available at sufficient levels, relieves the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Serotonin may also play a role in cognitive functions, therefore its increased levels may cause improved memory, concentration, or learning.
- Appetite control is another function of increased levels of serotonin.
- Serotonin may also affect various other biological processes in the human body (2).
What precautions should be taken while using tryptophan supplements?
The precautions that should be taken while consuming tryptophan supplements may include:
- You should only take tryptophan supplements after consulting your healthcare provider.
- Your doctor should be aware of your family or medical history, and any underlying health condition.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
- Tryptophan supplements should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers (5).
In my opinion, tryptophan increases serotonin, as it is directly linked to serotonin synthesis in the human body. Tryptophan can not be synthesized in the human body, therefore, it has to be taken through tryptophan-rich food sources or supplements. Increased serotonin levels are associatd with overall improved cognitive functions.
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References
1.-
Young SN. How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2007 Nov;32(6):394-9. PMID: 18043762; PMCID: PMC2077351. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077351/
2.-
Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. 2023 Jul 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31424752. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424752/
3.-
Kikuchi AM, Tanabe A, Iwahori Y. A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on mood and emotional functioning. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(3):316-333. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1746725. Epub 2020 Apr 10. PMID: 32272859. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32272859/
4.-
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/
5.-
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
6.-
Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J. Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity). Can Fam Physician. 2018 Oct;64(10):720-727. PMID: 30315014; PMCID: PMC6184959. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6184959/
