Migraine Headache Studies have provided evidence that patients who suf er from migraine headaches may
experience a reduction in frequency and severity of at acks with a dosage range of 400-600 mg per day, in divided
doses.9-13
Dosage Ranges
1. Depression: 100 mg, three times daily2
2. Insomnia: a single dose of 25-100 mg, one hour before bedtime.4
3. Fibromyalgia: 100 mg, three times daily8
4. Migraine headaches: 150 mg, three times per day9
5. Anxiety: 100 mg, three times daily8
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Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Adverse Side Effects
In clinical studies using the above dosages, some patients experience gastrointestinal upset (i.e. nausea) or, less
often, headache, sleepiness, muscle pain, or anxiety.1-13
Drug-Nutrient Interactions and Contraindications
5-HTP should not be taken with other antidepressants, weight control drugs, other serotonin-modifying
substances, or agents known to cause liver damage. Individuals with liver disease or scleroderma should also
avoid 5-HTP.2,6,14
Herb-Nutrient Interactions
St. John’s Wort
5-HTP may potentiate the effect of St. John’s Wort on brain neurotransmitters and vice versa. These supplements
should not be taken concurrently.17
Toxicity
Animal studies have shown that high doses of 5-HTP can cause muscle jerks in guinea pigs, and when injected
has caused kidney damage in rats. To date, these problems and serotonin syndrome have not been reported in
humans, but the potential for serotonin syndrome to develop under certain circumstances (i.e. in combination with
antidepressant drugs) is very plausible.6,15,16
1. Van Hiele JJ. L-5 hydroxytryptophan in depression: the first substitution therapy in psychiatry? Neuropsychobiology 1980;6:230-40.
2. Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW, Grosser BI. 5-hydroxytryptophan: A review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin
Psychopharmacol 1987;7:127-37 [review].
3. Van Praaf HM. Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry 1981;16:291-310.
4. Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a
comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24:53-81.
5. Praag HM, Lemus C. Monoamine precursors in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In: Wurtman RJ, Wurtman JJ editors. Nutrition
and the Brain. New York: Raven Press: 1986. Vol 7. p. 89-139
6. Martin TG. Serotonin syndrome. Ann Everg Med 1996;28:520-6.
7. Soulairac A, Lambinet H. Etudes cliniques de liaction du precurseurs de la serotinine le L-5-hydroxy-tryptophane, sur les troubles du
sommell. Schweiz Bundaschau Med (Praxis). 1998;77(34a):19-23.
8. Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, Azzolini V. Double-blind study of 5-hydroxytyptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary
fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res 1990;18:201-9.
9. De Benedittis G, Massei R. 5-HT precursors in migraine prophylaxis: a double-blind cross-over study with L-5 hydroxytryptophan versus
placebo. Clin J Pain 1986;3:123-9.
10. Titus F, Davalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of magraine. Eur Neurol
1986;25:327-9.
11. Maissen CP, Ludin HP. Comparison of the effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and propranoiol in the interval treatment of migraine. Schweiz.
Med Wochen 1991;121:1585-90.
12. Matlew WT. 5-hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of magraine. Headache 1978;18:111-3.
13. De Giorgis G, Miletto R, Iannuccelli M, Camuffo M, Scerni S. Headache in association with sleep disorders in children. A
Psychodiagnostic evalutation and controlled clinical study with L-5HTP versus placebo. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1987;13:425-33.
14. Sternberg EM, Van Woert MH, Young SN, Magnussen I, Baker H, Gauthier S et al. Development of a soleroderma-like illness during
therapy with L-5-hydroxytryptophan and carbidoba. New Engl J Med 1980;303:782-7.
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15. Hagan JJ, Hatcher JP, Slade PD. The role of 5-HTID and 5-HTIA receptors in mediating 5-hydroxytryptophan induced myoclonic jerks in
guinea pigs. Eur J Pharmacol 1995;294:743-51.
16. Hirai M, Nakajima T. Biochemical studies on the mechanism of difference in the renal toxicity of 5-hydroxy-L-Tryptophan between
Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats. J Biochem (Tokyo) 1979;86:907-13.
17. Kahn RS, Westenberg HG. L-5-hydroxytryptophan in the treatment of anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord 1985;8(2):197-200.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Indole-3-Carbinol
General Features
Indole-3-Carbinol has been shown to be one of the major anti-cancer substances found in cruciferous vegetables.
Frequent consumption of these vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and bok choy) is
associated with reduced risk of cancer in many human and animal studies.1-8 Indole -3-Carbinol is a member of the
class of sulfur-containing chemicals called glucosinolates (previously called thioglucosides).9 It is formed by the action
of myrosinase enzyme acting on the parent compound glucosinolates, whenever cruciferous vegetables are crushed
(e.g., chewing) or cooked.10,11 Indole-3-Carbinol and other glucosinolates (e.g., other indoles and isothiocyanates such
as sulforphane) are antioxidants and potent stimulators of Phase I and Phase I detoxification enzymes in the liver and
intestinal epithelial cells.12,13,14 In this capacity it helps the body more easily eliminate toxic compounds, including
many carcinogens.15,16,17 Indole-3-Carbinol also acts as a phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogens) and, in this capacity,
can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, reducing the ability of stronger estrogens from over stimulating
reproductive tissues such as the breast, cervix, uterus, and in males, the prostate gland. In this regard, the ingestion
of Indole-3-Carbinol is highly associated with the prevention of reproductive organ cancers in women and men.3,4,8 It
also promotes the metabolism of certain endogenous estrogens (estrone) into a safer, less cancer-promoting form (2-
OH-estrone), further helping to reduce risk of reproductive organ cancers, according to modern wisdom.18,19,20 Thus
far, human studies have used a dose of 300-400 mg per day to demonstrate this outcome.33
Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action