Chemical Properties
White crystals. Slightly soluble in
water; stable in alkaline solution; decomposed by
strong acids.
Uses
DL-Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin. It is a dietary supplement for use as an antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sleep aid. DL-tryptophan also can be used as feed nutrition enhancer, antioxidants.
Definition
ChEBI: An alpha-amino acid that is alanine bearing an indol-3-yl substituent at position 3.
General Description
Tryptophan is the precursor for 5-hydroxy-tryptamin and an essential α-amino acid. DL-Tryptophan exists as a zwitterion during crystallization.
Biochem/physiol Actions
DL-Tryptophan binding to bovine serum albumin is employed for its affinity based chromatographic purification. Supplementation of tryptophan in diets of rat induce bladder tumor.
Safety Profile
Experimental
reproductive effects. Questionable
carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic
data. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of NOx.
