Does tryptophan lower blood pressure? (5+ side effects)
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 lowers blood pressure. Furthermore, we will talk about the related research findings, dosage recommendations, benefits of tryptophan-rich diets in lowering blood pressure, its side effects, and what to do if tryptophan does not help your blood pressure.
Does tryptophan lower blood pressure?
Tryptophan can lower the blood pressure, especially in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Tryptophan may impact blood pressure due to its effect on serotonin. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is not synthesized by the human body (1).
Tryptophan is also known as a precursor of serotonin, as it converts into serotonin in the body. Serotonin helps to regulate sleep, mood, appetite, emotions, and the body’s response in stressful situations (2). Along with serotonin, tryptophan is also associated with melatonin production (1).
What does research suggest about tryptophan and blood pressure?
According to a research study, tryptophan supplements may help to lower high blood pressure even after a single dose. However, tryptophan may not have any significant effect on people with normal blood pressure.
The mechanism behind tryptophan lowering blood pressure is believed to be that tryptophan increases the serotonin levels in the brain by being directly involved in its synthesis (3).
Another research study indicated that tryptophan when given to patients with mild to moderate high blood pressure may help to lower the blood pressure. This is because tryptophan helps to make more serotonin in the body and also does not cause any significant side effects (4).
What is the recommended dose of tryptophan for lowering blood pressure?
The recommended dose for tryptophan for lowering blood pressure is decided according to your body weight by your healthcare provider. Dose recommendations of tryptophan may also be impacted if you are taking a tryptophan-rich diet along with supplements.
According to clinical trial data, a higher dose of tryptophan 100mg/kg can lower blood pressure by 30 to 35 mm. Lower doses of tryptophan may have the opposite effect of raising blood pressure.
The effects of tryptophan may start showing after half an hour of the treatment; full effects may be shown after approximately an hour (5). However, people may have variations in their response to tryptophan in lowering blood pressure because everyone differs in their genetic makeup and physiological responses.
Does a tryptophan-rich diet reduce blood pressure?
Tryptophan-rich diet may reduce blood pressure in some individuals. Research studies indicate that when tryptophan-rich diets are given for at least three weeks consistently, they may help to lower high blood pressure.
This effect of reducing blood pressure due to tryptophan-rich diet may continue for about 3 months of treatment. The mechanism behind this effect is found to be tryptophan’s effect on certain neurotransmitters in the brain including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (6).
However, it is important to note the effect of a tryptophan-rich diet may vary from person to person and the increased levels of tryptophan may pose some side effects. Therefore always consult your healthcare provider before taking a tryptophan-rich diet for longer periods.
What side effects can tryptophan cause when used for blood pressure?
Tryptophan supplements used for lowering blood pressure may cause some side effects including:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches (7)
If you experience any of these side effects and they persist or become bothersome, please reach out to yout healthcare provider. Tryptophan-rich diets or supplements should be used with caution with other medicines such as Luvox, Celexa, or others which can affect serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin due to combination of certain medications may pose a rare but life-threatening risk of serotonin syndrome.
What to do if tryptophan does not lower blood pressure?
If tryptophan supplements does not lower your blood pressure, you may need some antihypertensive medications. Please consult your healthecare provider and only take antihypertensives if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
In my perspective, tryptophan may lower blood pressure when used as supplements or through tryptophan-rich diets. However, lower doses of tryptophan might be associated with increasing the blood pressure and higher doses with lowering blood pressure. Always consult your healthcare provider before using tryptophan-rich diets or supplements for extended periods.
Was this helpful?
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.-
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.-
Feltkamp H, Meurer KA, Godehardt E. Tryptophan-induced lowering of blood pressure and changes of serotonin uptake by platelets in patients with essential hypertension. Klin Wochenschr. 1984 Dec 3;62(23):1115-9. doi: 10.1007/BF01782468. PMID: 6521359. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6521359/
4.-
Cade JR, Fregly MJ, Privette M. Effect of tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan on the blood pressure of patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Amino Acids. 1992 Feb;2(1-2):133-42. doi: 10.1007/BF00806084. PMID: 24194281. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24194281/
5.-
Wolf WA, Kuhn DM. Effects of L-tryptophan on blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1984 Aug;230(2):324-9. PMID: 6205137. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6205137/
6.-
Fregly MJ, Sumners C, Cade JR. Effect of chronic dietary treatment with L-tryptophan on the maintenance of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1989 Jun;67(6):656-62. doi: 10.1139/y89-105. PMID: 2776081. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2776081/
7.-
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
