This open-label trial assessed the clinical efficacy of L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in non-depressed young subjects with high levels of romantic stress. A total of 15 healthy subjects (11 females and 4 males, mean age 23.3 ± 2.1 years) who experienced a recent romantic break-up or reported recent romantic problems took part in the study. The participants were treated openly for 6 weeks with L-5-hydroxytryptophan (60 mg Griffonia simplicifolia extract containing 12.8 mg 5-HTP twice daily). The subjects were evaluated at baseline, at 3 weeks and at 6 weeks using an adapted version of the Seiffge-Krenke’s Problem Questionnaire. BDNF and platelet serotonin content were determined at baseline, at 3 weeks, and after the completion of the 6-week trial. There were significant improvements in romantic stress scores from weeks 0 through 3 (p=0.007) but no further significant improvement was evident from weeks 3 through 6 (p=0.19). At 6 weeks, subjects had a significant increase from baseline in both BDNF and platelet serotonin values, suggesting that direct modulation of the serotonergic system with 5-HTP may be effective for improving psychological distress associated with romantic grief. (Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2010 Nov 3;31(5).) PMID: 21178946.
