L-Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino-acid. It is a precursor for the mood-regulating ‘serotonin’ (the brain neurotransmitter), melatonin (a neurohormone), and niacin (vitamin B3). The serotonin deficiency syndrome has been shown to manifest as a broad array of emotional and behavioral problems, ranging from depression, PMS, anxiety, alcoholism, insomnia, violence, aggression, suicide, and compulsive gambling. L-Tryptophan is a natural anti-depressant. It is used to alleviate depression, support alcohol withdrawal and to aid weight loss. It plays an important role in our diets, and aging individuals are often in need of it as a supplement. It has been used to treat sleep problems (insomnia), anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome, attention deficit disorder, and for smoking cessation and other conditions.
L-Tryptophan's primary mechanism of action is its role as the metabolic precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Other neurotransmitters and central nervous system (CNS) chemicals, such as melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphin, have also been shown to increase following oral administration of L-Tryptophan. Research has shown that tryptophan/ serotonin is effective for more than depression. Various forms of defective impulse control and obsessive compulsive disorders are also strongly affected by serotonin nerve activity. Suicidal behavior; compulsive gambling; irrationally dangerous thrill seeking behavior; and pyromania have been shown to be correlated with low serotonin neural activity.
References:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_1_11/ai_n16126569/pg_2
International Antiaging Systems. http://www.antiaging-systems.com/a2z/ltryptophan.htm
Drugs.Com. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/l-tryptophan.html
http://www.smart-drugs.net/ias-tryptophan-article.htm
