The therapeutic potential for tryptophan and melatonin: possible roles in depression, sleep, Alzheimer's disease and abnormal aging

Med Hypotheses. 1990 Mar;31(3):233-42. doi: 10.1016/0306-9877(90)90097-x.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that stress and/or a dietary lack of tryptophan may make deficiencies of serotonin and melatonin common. In addition, older animals and human beings have a reduced ability to synthesize melatonin. Disorders of melatonin levels and rhythms are suggested to be a cause of affective disease, abnormal sleep, Alzheimer's disease, and some age related disorders. If these ideas prove to be true, then preventive measures are possible.

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / metabolism
  • Dementia / drug therapy
  • Dementia / metabolism
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / metabolism
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use*
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / metabolism
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / metabolism
  • Tryptophan / metabolism
  • Tryptophan / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Tryptophan
  • Melatonin