For years CAM Therapists and Practitioners have known the positive benefits L-5-HTP on mild depression. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan as the name suggests is derived from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, a prominent amino acid in Turkey. Several years ago a proported shipment of L-Tryptophan from Japan, launched an FDA pre-emptive strike against the use of the amino acid on depression, the “prescription only” ban lasted for over 10 years. As necessity is the mother of invention, the end result in this case was the derivitive L-5-HTP. But HTP was not only effective, it didn’t tax the liver as much to process it into activity – shorter reponse time, easier on the body. Over time it was found that HTP responded even better when combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Oriental Medicine used this information and went one step further by adding Luo Bu Ma (Dogbane). While the positive results were immediate, a new finding emerged, while extremely effective on lethargic depression, those suffering from manic depression expressed increase frustration and anxiety to the point of uncontrolled anger. By a simple substitution of GABA (gama-amino butyric acid) for the Lou Ba Ma component and sufferers of manic depression now have their pathway to relief and nutritional support. Two types of depression – two natural answers.