Cancer Terms

Tryptophan

Cancer Terms -> Drugs and Chemicals -> Food and Food Product -> Dietary Component -> Bioactive Food Component -> Dietary Protein -> Dietary Amino Acid -> Tryptophan

Tryptophan Definition

The least plentiful of all 22 amino acids and an essential amino acid in humans (provided by food), Tryptophan is found in most proteins and a precursor of serotonin. Tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), converted in turn to serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential in regulating appetite, sleep, mood, and pain. Tryptophan is a natural sedative and present in dairy products, meats, brown rice, fish, and soybeans. (NCI04)

Tryptophan Synonyms

Tryptophan, (S)-2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propanoic acid, TRYPTOPHAN, Trp

Terms in Tryptophan category



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