Tryptophan (Trp (or W))

Tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid (chemical formula C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂) containing an indole side chain, required for human nutrition because it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources[1][2][3][4]. It is one of the standard twenty protein-building amino acids, encoded by the codon UGG[1][5]. Tryptophan serves as a biochemical precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin, the neurohormone melatonin, vitamin B3 (niacin), and plant auxins[1][3][5][6]. While tryptophan itself is not a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or direct therapeutic target, its metabolic pathways have significant physiological and clinical relevance. Supplementation can interact with drugs affecting serotonin metabolism and may pose safety concerns[5][3].

Other names

L-tryptophanTryptophane

Tryptophan is a metabolic precursor for neurotransmitters and hormones, but is not a direct target for pharmacological agents