An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor of indole alkaloids in plants. It is a precursor of serotonin (hence its use as an antidepressant and sleep aid). It can be a precursor to niacin, albeit inefficiently, in mammals. [PubChem]
Indication
Tryptophan may be useful in increasing serotonin production, promoting healthy sleep, managing depression by enhancing mental and emotional well-being, managing pain tolerance, and managing weight.
Pharmacology
Tryptophan is critical for the production of the body's proteins, enzymes and muscle tissue. It is also essential for the production of niacin, the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan supplements can be used as natural relaxants to help relieve insomnia. Tryptophan can also reduce anxiety and depression and has been shown to reduce the intensity of migraine headaches. Other promising indications include the relief of chronic pain, reduction of impulsivity or mania and the treatment of obsessive or compulsive disorders. Tryptophan also appears to help the immune system and can reduce the risk of cardiac spasms. Tryptophan deficiencies may lead to coronary artery spasms. Tryptophan is used as an essential nutrient in infant formulas and intravenous feeding. Tryptophan is marketed as a prescription drug (Tryptan) for those who do not seem to respond well to conventional antidepressants. It may also be used to treat those afflicted with seasonal affective disorder (a winter-onset depression). Tryptopan serves as the precursor for the synthesis of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine).
Toxicity
Oral rat LD50: > 16 gm/kg. Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector. Symptoms of overdose include agitation, confusion, diarrhea, fever, overactive reflexes, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, twitching, and vomiting.
Analysis Note This certified reference material (CRM) is produced and certified in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO Guide 34. This CRM is traceable to NIST SRM. General description Certified content by quantitative NMR incl. uncertainty and expiry are given in the certificate.Download your certificate at: http://www.sigma-aldrich.com. Other Notes Amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin Legal Information TraceCERT is a registered trademark of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC
Other Notes Amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin In tryptophan-substituted Sephadex® and Sepharose® for the improved chromatographic separation of cellulases1; As spacer in isotachophoresis of serum proteins2; Growth requirement of various microorganisms3. Tandem Mass Spectrometry data independently generated by Scripps Center for Metabolomics is available to view or download in PDF. 93659.pdf Tested metabolites are featured on Scripps Center for Metabolomics METLIN Metabolite Database. To learn more, visit sigma.com/metlin. Legal Information Sephadex is a registered trademark of GE Healthcare Sepharose is a registered trademark of GE Healthcare
