Cissus quadrangularis Side Effects and Benefits

Cissus quadrangularis (devil’s backbone) is a perennial plant of the  grape  family. Also known as Veld Grape, it has been used for centuries as a traditional tonic for a different health problems. The leaves and stems are indicated as the main sources for C. quadrangularis healing and restorative activities. Lab experiments and research in animal-based, demonstrate that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. C. quadrangularis includes plant steroids named ketosterones, which accelerate bone healing by acting as glucocorticoid antagonists.

Cissus quadrangularis Benefits

Cissus-quadrangularisThis plant helps to speed recovery from bone fracture, relieve gastric problems, as an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. Recent researches has shown the effect of Cissus to speed up bone healing by acting as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.

Researches has focused on C. quadrangularis capability to speed bone healing by showing it acts as a glucocorticoid antagonist. Since anabolic and androgenic substances are well known to effect as antagonists to the glucocorticoid receptor promote bone growth and fracture healing, it has been postulated that Cissus quadrangularis possesses anabolic and androgenic activities.

C. quadrangularis is the frequently used effective Ayurvedic remedy for the purpose of bone fractures.  In clinical studies, C. quadrangularis has led to a fracture healing time in the order of 55 to 33% of that of controls. C. quadrangularis extract, in vitro, has been  to boost Insulin-Like Growth Factor signalling in bone cells treated with Cissus. In vitro other study found that, cissus quadrangularis extract was able to induce stem cell production into osteoblasts. A study was undertaken to analyze the effect of methanolic extract of Cissus on the healing process of experimentally fractured radius-ulna of dog. Cissus quadrangularis treated animals revealed faster initiation of healing process than the control animals on radiological and histopathological examinations. Improvement was nearly complete on 21st day of fracture in the treated animals and remained incomplete in the control animals.

Developing research demonstrate that taking a specific Cissus quadrangularis combination product (Cylaris or CQR-300)  decreases weight in obese and overweight people. A weight loss supplement (Cylaris) containing Cissus quadrangularis and other ingredients including soy albumin, green tea, niacin-bound chromium, selenium, and vitamins B-6 and B-12, and folic acid was evaluated in an 8-week study. The supplement helped decrease body weight by 4-8% a clinically noteworthy weight loss. (2.4% in the placebo group)

Scientific researches have shown Cissus relieve ulcers by strengthening the gastric mucosa, the stomach’s protective lining. The ulcer-protective effect of a methanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was comparable to that of the reference medication sucralfate. Some of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin reason gastric ulcer. The experimental results suggests that Cissus quadrangularis  promotes ulcer protection by the reduce in ulcer index, gastric secretions and increase in the glycoprotein level, gastric mucin content and NPSH (non-protein sulfhydryls) concentration. In addition, gastric juice and mucosal studies demonstrated that Cissus at a dose of 500 mg/kg given for ten days significantly increased the mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion, mucosal cell proliferation, glycoproteins and life span of cells.

Dosage

The recommended daily dosage of C. quadrangularis extract is between 100 and 500 milligrams. Cissus extract can safely be taken in dosages of up to 500 milligrams per day.

Cissus quadrangularis Side Effects

Animal toxicological experiments demonstrate that no signs of toxicity or adverse effects were observed in rats fed up to 2500 milligrams Cissus extract/kg body weight/day for 90 days. This amount, is the equivalent of 200 g for an 80 kg man. However, some people have reported insomnia, headache and diarrhea with long-term use of Cissus extract .

Psyllium Benefits and Dosage

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is a soluble fibre obtained from the plant genus Plantago. This herb is native to North Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The seed and the outer covering of the seed are used to make drug. Psyllium husk includes a high amount of hemicellulose, composed of a xylan backbone linked with arabinose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid units. Each herb can produce up to 15000 tiny, gel coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived. Every 100 g of psyllium provides 71 g of soluble fiber.

Psyllium Benefits

PsylliumPsyllium is used in human with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, constipation, ulcerative colitis,  irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure and diabetes. Some researches demonstrate psyllium can reduce total cholesterol by approximately 9 percent, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by percent.

Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common condition. Constipation, is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. The stool can be dry and hard. Constipation may be caused by not eating sufficient fibre, or not drinking sufficient fluids. It can also be a adverse effect of certain drugs, or related to an underlying disease.

Psyllium is a hydrophilic mucilloid compound made of plant fiber. Seeds contain 10–30 percent mucilage. The laxative effects of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This increases the size of stool and helps it pass more  readily through the intestines. When psyllium is combined with water, it expands by 8 to 16 times its normal weight. As a result, they become soft and bulky as they pass through the intestinal tract.

In a clinical trial, two weeks of psyllium (3.6 grams 3 times daily) provided a important greater development in symptoms over placebo. Randomized, double-blind study followed 170 person with chronic constipation. The study compared psyllium herb and other laxative and found in favor of psyllium for better stool softening. (In the Journal of Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1998). In a clinical trial of 149 people with chronic constipation, the consumption of 15-30 g daily of a psyllium seed preparation provided bowel relief in 85 % of patients who had no known pathological cause for their constipation.

Hemorrhoids

Since Plantago ovata is known to help soften stool, it is an effectual way to decrease the pain and problems associated with hemorrhoids. This plant, fiber absorbs water and expands, softening the movements and making them easier to pass. Thus reduce hemorrhoid problem. A double-blind study showed that 7 g of psyllium, taken three times daily decreased the bleeding and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Fifty participant with internal bleeding hemorrhoids were given  a placebo  or 11.6 g of psyllium (Metamucil) daily for forty days. Patients in the Metamucil group had important development in reduction of bleeding and a noteworthy reduction of congested hemorrhoidal cushions.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a illness that causes ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon. The important symptom of active disease is generally constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset. Other symptoms may include, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bleeding from the rectum,  anemia, and joint pain. Also, individuals who have had extensive ulcerative colitis for many years are at an increased risk to develop large bowel cancer. This disease is the result of an abnormal response by your body’s immune system. In a study of patients with ulcerative colitis, psyllium seeds were as shown to be as effectual as the prescription medication mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) in decreasing recurrences of the illness. This activity may probably be due to increased levels of butyric acid with psyllium supplementation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome  is one of the most common disease of the bowel. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. You may also have mucus in your stools. Women are more often affected. Some researches have found that soluble fiber including psyllium helps to regulate stool frequency and consistency in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Psyllium provided positive effects in IBS patients in a research that was reported in the August 2009 edition of the British Medical Journal. Recuperation at the end of the experiment was 45% better in the psyllium group.

Hypercholesterolemia

Soluble fibers, including those from psyllium husk, have been shown to increase the cholesterol-lowering effects of a low-fat diet in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Plantago ovata is well tolerated and safe when used adjunctive to a low-fat diet in people  with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. Some findings demonstrate that psyllium seed might be more effectual than the seed husk for reduce cholesterol.

An analysis of double-blind studies in 1997 concluded that a daily amount of 10 g psyllium reduced cholesterol levels by 5 percent and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 9 percent. There is some research findings that taking psyllium for high cholesterol makes it possible to reduce the dose of specific drugs used to lower cholesterol. Taking 15 g of psyllium along with 10 mg of simvastatin daily seems to lower cholesterol about as well as taking a higher dose  of simvastatin daily. Research reported in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” concludes that the use of soluble-fiber cereals is an effectual and well-tolerated part of a diet for the therapy of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

As proof of this, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) authorized the use of health claims on food products containing soluble fiber from  psyllium that state that they are associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

“3 to 12 grams of soluble fiber from psyllium seed husk when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease”.

Diabetes

The Journal of Diabetes and its Complications edition September 1998 have published a study investigating the benefits of psyllium in type II diabetes and its effects in the glucose and blood lipid levels. The findings of the study indicated that participants given 5 g of psyllium husk 3 times a day for 2 weeks demonstrated significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose. In a clinical study, patients with type 2 diabetes who took 5.1 g of psyllium per day for 8 weeks reduced their blood glucose levels by 11 to 19.2 percent.

Psyllium Dosage

The recommended dosage for psyllium ranges from 10-30 grams daily, in divided doses. Some physicians recommend taking 5 grams of psyllium husks or 7.5 grams of psyllium seeds, mixed with water or juice, one to two times per day. For Constipation; According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), dosages of psyllium for constipation can range between 7 grams and 40 grams daily taken in up to four divided doses. (As a laxative, psyllium is generally taken in the early evening to stimulate a bowel movement the following morning). For Cholesterol; According to researches 5 g of psyllium husk taken three times a day demonstrated a significant reduction of total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. For Diabetes; In an comment published in 1998 in the Journal of Diabetes Complications showed that an therapeutic dosage of psyllium is 5 grams before each meal. Psyllium should be taken with a minimum of 8 ounces of water.

Guava Benefits and Diabetes

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a tropical fruit. Large quantities of the guava fruit are produced in Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela. The whole of the guava fruit along with the  rind and the seeds is edible. The fruit, leaves, and juice are used as remedy.

Guava Benefits

GuavaIt is considered a super fruit, including vitamin C, polyphenols, caratenoids, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, potassium and manganese. Vitamin C contained in the guava is 4 times more than vitamin C contained in oranges. In laboratory experiments, extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are implicated in medicinal effects against bacterial infections, inflammation, pain and cancer.

Diabetes

Guavas help slow down the sugar absorption in the body and are hence helpful to diabetic patients. Researches have shown that a diet that is high in fibre is linked to a reduce risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Compounds in the guava leaf tea inhibit the absorption of 2 types of sugars,  sucrose and maltose, helping to control blood sugar levels after meals. According to a research reported  in 2010 in Nutrition and Metabolisme, of leaf tea inhibits alpha-glucosidase enzymes.

Antioxidant

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant found in the guava fruit. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C have been demonstrated in many experiments in vitro. The role of vitamin C in the functioning of immune cells is well proven. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes  produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. A study reported in the journal “Cancer Letters”demonstrated that oil derived from the guava inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines.

Beta-Carotene Lutein and Lycopene

Carotenoids are natural pigments which are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of different vegetables and  fruits. The carotenoids absorb light energy of specific frequencies and transfer it to chlorophyll for use in photosynthesis. Beta carotene has strong antioxidant effects, helps the body scavenge free radicals, therefore limiting the damage to cell membranes, DNA and protein structures in the cell. Lutein are carotenoids found in the human eye. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form  6-30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties and researches indicate that it can help avoid certain cancers, macular degeneration and heart disease. 10 to 30 milligrams per day has been found to be effective in combating free radicals. In addition to preventing oxidative damage to cell membranes, lycopene can avoid oxidation of proteins and DNA.

Potassium

Guava contains high potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that is necessary to electrical reaction in your body, including heart. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Inadequate potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. A diet too high in salt and too inadequate in potassium doubles the risk of death from heart disease, according to a “Center for Disease Control” study led by researcher Elena V. Kuklina. Patients hospitalized after a heart attack who had blood potassium rates of between 3.5 and less than 4.5 mEq/L had a lower risk of death than patients with potassium rates that were higher or lower than this range, according to a research in the January edition of “JAMA“.

High Blood Pressure

Guava it decreases blood pressure.High blood pressure is a risk factor for congestive heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. In clinical trials, the usage of guava fruit for twelve weeks was shown to decrease blood pressure by an approximately 8 points. Also, guava extract was reported to be a strong anticoagulant agent in a study reported in 2007 in Food Chemistry.

Fiber

Guava is rich in dietary fiber. The highly soluble fiber works as a laxative and avoids constipation. The fiber content helps protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure  time to toxins. A medium-sized guava includes approximately 36% of the recommended daily fiber. This fruit is also contain pectin that helps in promoting digestion and improving appetite.

Amla Benefits and Medicinal Uses

Indian gooseberry or Amla (Emblica officinalis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The tree is found in all deciduous forests throughout the Indian  subcontinent. Has many types but the Kalami Amla is  most important. Though all parts of the tree have pharmacological effect, it is the fruit which constitutes the basic medication. Indian gooseberry is a commonly used food in most of the Ayurvedic supplementation in the form of fresh fruits, dried fruits, fruit pulp or as extract.

Amla Benefits

AmlaAccording to ayurvedic medicine, Emblica officinalis may be used as a rasayana to promote longevity, and has also been used to increase digestion, developed heart health, helps purify blood and stimulate hair growth. Amla has antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antiulcerogenic, and antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The effects of Indian gooseberry is attributed to its antioxidant constituents, such as vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids. Ripe fruit contains more vitamin C than an unripe fruit.

Antioxidant

Includes high levels of Vitamin C Amla helps in increasing the number of red blood cells in body. Lab tests demonstrated that every 100 grams of fresh fruit provides 470 – 680 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. Studies performed at the Niwa Institute of Immunology in Japan have demonstrated Indian gooseberry to be a strong scavenger of free radicals. Free radicals and other reactive oxygen species are produced during normal life-sustaining aerobic metabolism. In excess, these molecules can cause protein and lipid oxidation and DNA damage.

Vitamin C is important for bones and connective tissues, immune system and blood vessels. Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate both the production and function of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes. Lymphocytes produce antibodies that work along with phagocytes to fight infection. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthful heart and blood vessels by reducing oxidative stress and promoting vasodilation increasing nitric oxide bioavailability.

Alongside its strong antioxidant activity, the fruit of Amla has been reported to possess immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, antimutagenic, antiproliferative and effects that are useful in the prevention and therapy of cancer. Aqueous extract of Amla was found to be cytotoxic to L 929 cells in culture in a dose dependent manner. Vitamin C, decrease cellular DNA damage that is the critical first step in cancer initiation and as well as reduce the inflammatory changes that allow a malignant cell to grow into a dangerous tumor. A study performed by researchers at the “Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nagasaki University” demonstrated through that amla fruit extracts avoid the growth of cancerous cells.

Liver

Indian gooseberry strengthens the liver, helping it in eliminating toxins from the body. Amla is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, gallic acid, and tannins, which may protect against hepatoxicity-induced liver injury. Regular use  helps purify the blood and support the functions of the liver. Aqueous and  alcoholic extracts of  amla have shown hepatoprotective effects  in experiments  in animals. Animal-based study reported in the March 2005 edition of “Phytotherapy Research” found that amla fruit extract has activity that may protect the liver against negative effects of medicines (isoniazid, rifampicin) used to treat tuberculosis. According to another experiment; amla extract counteracts N nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury via its antioxidant, anti-inflammation,  anti-autophagy, and anti-apoptosis effects.

Inflammation

Amla was shown to decrease inflammation in laboratory experiments. Anti-inflammatory herbs protect against the long-term negative effects of chronic inflammation like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Some studies  found that 500 mg of Amla a day for three months lowered  CRP (C-reactive protein) levels.

Pancreatitis

This herb, may be useful as a complementary treatment for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that secretes digestive enzymes into the gastrointestinal tract. Pancreatitis may be caused by gallstones, trauma, alcohol, drugs, tumors, infections, and genetic abnormalities. Amla is a medicinal herb used to treat pancreatic diseases.  In an experiment on animals; Nucleic acid content, rate of DNA synthesis, pancreatic proteins, and pancreatic amylase content were significantly improved with the therapy.

Heart Health

Indian gooseberry extracts are powerful antioxidants and help prevent lipid peroxidation, which is a key step in arterial hardening and cardiovascular illness. Emblica officinalis extracts decrease total cholesterol and LDL in animal experiments. Amla has been shown in studies to decrease Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 16 percent while increasing High-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 25 percent. An study performed on animals has revealed that the juice of Indian gooseberry helps in reducing the level of triglycerides in blood.

Antimicrobial Effects

Researches performed on Amla fruit suggest that it has antiviral effects and tasks as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. In vitro studies aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla demonstrated positive effect against  pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Diabetes

The presence of chromium helps to control the blood sugar level which is quite important in type 2 Diabetes (non- insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). Regular use of Indian gooseberry helps in the secretion of insulin by stimulating the cells and reduces the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. In a new study, 3 g of powdered  Indian gooseberry a day was shown to be more effective than diabetic drug at controlling fasting blood sugar levels.

Digestive System

Indian gooseberry is a herb used to alleviate gastric upset, including excess acidity in the stomach. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Amla have shown protective and therapeutic activity in induced gastric ulcers in animal experiments. Animal-based research reported in the 2010 Research Journal of Medicinal Plant article found that Amla extract had protective activity against enterocolitis. Due to its potent, laxative effects Amla is beneficial for diarrhea and dysentery.

Hair Health

Amla nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth. The dried fruit is used as shampoo.  A fixed oil obtained from the berries strengthens and  promotes the growth of hair. Amla oil is also, gives a cooling sensation to the skin similar to the aloevera gel effects.

Tryptophan Dosage and Benefits

SerotoninTryptophan (molecular formula is C 11 H 12 N 2 O 2) is one of the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce. Was discovered by Dr. Frederick Hopkins in 1901. L-tryptophan plays an critical role in the production of serotonin and melatonin. These chemical messengers carry nerve impulses from one cell to other. The first phase in synthesis of serotonin is the transformation of tryptophan to 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. The body uses tryptophan to create 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), which is then changed to serotonin. Serotonin is necessary for sleep and mood regulation and transmits nerve impulses from the brain. Researches show that individuals who suffer with depression have low levels of the tryptophan. Body cannot produce tryptophan on its own. Therefore, can be obtained through supplements or through food. Also, body uses the tryptophan to create vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 promotes healthy nervous system function.

Food Sources

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is found naturally in foods like turkey, red meat, chicken, cheese, milk, eggs, bananas, chocolate, soy products, nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, peanut butter, brown rice, wheat germ, oatmeal, and shrimp.

Tryptophan Benefits

Tryptophan is used for low mood, sleeplessness, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, facial pain, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder). Was also used as an complement in the therapy of alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, and other medication misuse.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are a class of compounds typically used as antidepressants in the therapy of depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work by boost the level of serotonin  by blocking its reuptake by adjoining neurons. Commonly used SSRIs are citalopram (Cipramil), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil).

The amino acid tryptophan, serves as a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate sleep and mood. When amount of serotonin are high, in a better mood, sleep better, and have a higher pain tolerance. In order for tryptophan to carry out its bodily functions efficiently, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, magnesium and vitamin C is required.

Serotonin is the important brain chemical that generates feelings of relaxation and optimism. Also, critical a role in certain brain functions such as the ability to focus, motor coordination and reflexes. The symptoms associated with serotonin deficiency include depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, anger and chronic pain. Researches of cerebrospinal fluid, whole blood, and plasma have shown that serotonin levels are decreased in depression patients. Autopsies have demonstrated that a very low  brain level of serotonin is one biological marker to suicide.

Serotonin is involved in mood, sleep, depression, anxiety, appetite and impulse control. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study, 30 participant with major depressive disorder were treated for over 8 weeks with 20 mg of Fluoxetine per day and either tryptophan (daily dose 2 –  4 g ) or a placebo. The findings were  a pronounced greater reduce in depression scores in the tryptophan/fluoxetine group than in the placebo/fluoxetine group. A Dutch researcher showed that the combination of vitamin B6 (125 mg 3 times daily) and tryptophan (2 g used at night)  could restore participants with anxiety-type depression to normal in 4 weeks. The findings demonstrate that tryptophan in doses of 1 grams or more produces an improve in rated subjective sleepiness and a reduce in sleep latency. In an study, eight severe chronic insomniacs took 2 g for four nights. All participants developed significantly and no adverse effects were seen.

In a study, reported in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology in September 2007 edition, tryptophan caused a decrease in social anxiety disorder. Double-blind a study has demonstrated that tryptophan can improve tolerance to acute pain when taken in dosage of at least 2 grams per day. Article in the December 2011 edition of Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, the scientists say further studies are needed to definitively determine whether l-tryptophan supplement is an useful treatment for mood disorders.

Tryptophan Dosage

A  review article reported in “Psychopharmacology” found that amino acid tryptophan is useful for the therapy of insomnia in doses ranging from 1 to 15 grams. Some researches have confirmed tryptophan to be effective in the therapy of chronic insomnia at doses of between 1 to 4 g at bedtime. Some uncontrolled studies report that 3 to 6 grams per day of tryptophan helps develop mood in patients with depression. For the treatment of depression, tryptophan should be given in at least 2 divided doses per day, in order to reduce fluctuations in plasma L-tryptophan concentrations. In a clinical trial at St. Mary’s Hospital, scientists gave 6,000 mg of tryptophan to PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) participants. After seventeen days of therapy, starting at ovulation till the third day of menstruation, it was found that tryptophan developed mood symptoms. 100 mg of 5 HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is equivalent to 500mg L-tryptophan.

Side Effects

Do not take l-tryptophan together with full doses of serotonin-enhancing drugs. This therapy should be undertaken only with a physician supervision. In addition; do not use tryptophan if taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).