As stress exists in all lives, despite one's financial / wealth status, enjoying a brighter or stable mood will certainly elevate a sense of quality of life, which is what we all want to feel. A naturally occurring substance called 5-hyroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a highly attractive dietary supple-ment for those who want to improve their outlook -- and their mood -- elevating a more peaceful sense of inborn contentment.

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter, that when in healthy circulating supply, helps regulate sound and stable mood, including shifts of mood in normal parameters. Serotonin relies upon 5-HTP for its production, as 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin. The US FDA approved 5-HTP for sale as a dietary supplement in 1995, to much delight in the industry and by consumers who do not want pharmaceuticals to help them achieve a moderately steady healthy mood.

The beauty of 5-HTP is that it freely crosses the blood-brain barrier, and converts to serotonin, catalyzed by the enzyme L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD).

5-HTP is not recommended for anyone exhibiting disease symptoms associated with inadequate serotonin levels or serotonin transmission insufficiencies; therefore, it is not allowed by FDA to be marketed for "depression." According to M. Hinz, et al, " Administration of 5-HTP alone is contraindicated for

for depression and any process involving a catecholamine component due to its ability to facilitate depletion of these neurotransmitters. 5-HTP should be administered carefully in patients because depletion of dopamine and norepinephrine may exacerbate existing disease processes or precipitate onset of catecholamine-related problems. Administering serotonin or dopamine amino acid precursors should never involve administration of only one amino acid. Improperly balanced amino acid precursors are associated with decreased efficacy, increased side effects, and depletion of the non-dominant system."

Other studies have shown that 5-HTP has positive effects to manage mood during weight loss, helps manage carbohydrate cravings, and may help ease headaches. As such, 5-HTP is also quite suitable for formulas addressing the management of PMS symptoms (that usually include carb cravings, irritability and in some, headaches).

Why Work with Cactus Botanics?
Cactus Botanics now offers 5-HTP for your formulas. By means of advanced production methods, we are able to supply Griffonia simplicifolia extract 5-HTP of various concentrations including 25%, 50% and 98%. We can also produce other special-made types to fully satisfy your particular specifications. For more details, email info@cactusbotanics.com.

1. Hinz M, et al, "5-HTP efficacy and contraindications." Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012; 8: 323–328.

2. Hinz M. Depression. In: Kohlstadt I, editor. Food and Nutrients in Disease Management. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2009. pp. 465–481.

3. Trachte G, Uncini T, Hinz M. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of dietary 5-hydroxytryptophan and tyrosine are found on urinary excretion of serotonin and dopamine in a large human population. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2009;5:227–235.

4. Mendels J, Stinnett JL, Burns D, Frazer A. Amine precursors and depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1975;32(1):22–30.

5. d'Elia G, Hanson L, Raotma H. L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan in the treatment of depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1978;57(3):239–252.

We do hope to better serve our esteemed customers with our Finest Quality Products.

We will submit Issues 15th per month.

Issue 10:(July 15,2012):The Allure of Allicin:Supporting Healthy Immunity and More!

Issue 9:(July 15,2012):SupplySide West Invitation

Issue 8:(July 15,2012):The Burgeoning Cost of Brown Seaweed

Issue 7:(July 15,2012):Cactus Botanics Attends US Nutrition Market Quick Start Program

Issue 6:(June 15,2012):Grape Seed Extract: Super Antioxidant for Skin... and More!

Issue 5:(May 15,2012):Vitafoods Europe 2012: Cordially Inviting Your Coming!

Issue 4:(Apr 15, 2012): Cactus Botanics Promotes a New Specification of Myricetin

Issue 3:(Mar 15, 2012): Cactus Botanics will exhibit at Vitafoods Europe 2012

Issue 2:(Feb 15, 2012): Milk Thistle Extract—Silymarin

Issue 1:(Jan 15, 2012): 2011 Cactus Botanics Activities Lead to Predicted Further

Success for Customers in 2012

Click below the links for the issues of previous years:

2011 Issues package