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Tryptophan | CAS No: 73-22-3 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that supports healthy sleep, mood management, and pain tolerance while assisting weight management needs across nutritional and central nervous system–related applications.
Therapeutic categories
Amino AcidsAmino Acids, AromaticAmino Acids, CyclicAmino Acids, EssentialAmino Acids, Peptides, and ProteinsAntidepressive Agents
Generic name
Tryptophan
Molecule type
small molecule
CAS number
73-22-3
DrugBank ID
DB00150
Approval status
Approved drug, Nutraceutical drug, Withdrawn drug
ATC code
N06AX02
Primary indications
- Tryptophan may be useful in increasing serotonin production, promoting healthy sleep, managing depression by enhancing mental and emotional well-being, managing pain tolerance, and managing weight
Product Snapshot
- Tryptophan is supplied primarily as an oral and parenteral amino acid ingredient across solution, tablet, capsule, and injectable forms
- It is sourced for applications related to serotonin modulation, including sleep support, mood-related uses, and other wellness-oriented formulations
- It has mixed regulatory status (approved, nutraceutical, and withdrawn) with historical availability in the US and Canada
Clinical Overview
Tryptophan (CAS 73-22-3) is an essential aromatic amino acid required for protein synthesis, normal growth in infants, and maintenance of nitrogen balance in adults. It is structurally classified as an indolyl carboxylic acid derivative, characterized by an indole ring linked to a multi‑carbon carboxylic acid chain. Clinically, tryptophan is used as a nutritional component in infant formulas and parenteral nutrition. It has also been studied for its role in supporting serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis, with associated research into sleep regulation, mood disorders, seasonal affective disorder, and pain modulation. Some formulations have been marketed for psychiatric use, although regulatory history includes both approved and withdrawn products.
Pharmacologically, tryptophan serves as the precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and niacin. Its availability influences central nervous system serotonin synthesis, making it relevant to pathways involved in mood, sleep, and sensory processing. Beyond neurotransmitter production, tryptophan contributes to enzyme and muscle protein synthesis and participates in immune and metabolic functions.
Absorption occurs via active transport in the small intestine, followed by systemic distribution largely bound to albumin. Tryptophan crosses the blood brain barrier through a competitive large neutral amino acid transporter. Metabolism proceeds predominantly through the kynurenine pathway. Key intermediates such as kynurenine and kynurenic acid contribute to neuromodulatory activity. Catabolism yields both glucogenic and ketogenic products, including alanine and acetoacetate precursors. Limited conversion to nicotinic acid supports endogenous NAD and NADP synthesis. Elimination occurs through renal excretion of metabolites.
Safety considerations include the potential for serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs, as well as historical concerns related to impurities in certain supplement preparations. Gastrointestinal symptoms and somnolence have been reported in supplemented populations.
For API procurement, suppliers should provide evidence of impurity control, robust characterization of stereochemical purity, and compliance with pharmacopeial specifications to support use in nutritional or pharmaceutical manufacturing contexts.
Pharmacologically, tryptophan serves as the precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and niacin. Its availability influences central nervous system serotonin synthesis, making it relevant to pathways involved in mood, sleep, and sensory processing. Beyond neurotransmitter production, tryptophan contributes to enzyme and muscle protein synthesis and participates in immune and metabolic functions.
Absorption occurs via active transport in the small intestine, followed by systemic distribution largely bound to albumin. Tryptophan crosses the blood brain barrier through a competitive large neutral amino acid transporter. Metabolism proceeds predominantly through the kynurenine pathway. Key intermediates such as kynurenine and kynurenic acid contribute to neuromodulatory activity. Catabolism yields both glucogenic and ketogenic products, including alanine and acetoacetate precursors. Limited conversion to nicotinic acid supports endogenous NAD and NADP synthesis. Elimination occurs through renal excretion of metabolites.
Safety considerations include the potential for serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs, as well as historical concerns related to impurities in certain supplement preparations. Gastrointestinal symptoms and somnolence have been reported in supplemented populations.
For API procurement, suppliers should provide evidence of impurity control, robust characterization of stereochemical purity, and compliance with pharmacopeial specifications to support use in nutritional or pharmaceutical manufacturing contexts.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Tryptophan |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 73-22-3 |
| UNII | 8DUH1N11BX |
| DrugBank ID | DB00150 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that enters the kynurenine pathway, where inducible oxygenases convert it into intermediates that support NAD⁺/NADP⁺ biosynthesis and generate metabolites with antiexcitotoxic properties. It also serves as the biochemical precursor for serotonin and melatonin, linking its metabolism to key neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine pathways. Its primary molecular targets include cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tryptophan–tRNA ligases, which incorporate tryptophan into nascent proteins. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | A number of important side reactions occur during the catabolism of tryptophan on the pathway to acetoacetate. The first enzyme of the catabolic pathway is an iron porphyrin oxygenase that opens the indole ring. The latter enzyme is highly inducible, its concentration rising almost 10-fold on a diet high in tryptophan. Kynurenine is the first key branch point intermediate in the pathway. Kynurenine undergoes deamniation in a standard transamination reaction yielding kynurenic acid. Kynurenic acid and metabolites have been shown to act as antiexcitotoxics and anticonvulsives. A second side branch reaction produces anthranilic acid plus alanine. Another equivalent of alanine is produced further along the main catabolic pathway, and it is the production of these alanine residues that allows tryptophan to be classified among the glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids. The second important branch point converts kynurenine into 2-amino-3-carboxymuconic semialdehyde, which has two fates. The main flow of carbon elements from this intermediate is to glutarate. An important side reaction in liver is a transamination and several rearrangements to produce limited amounts of nicotinic acid, which leads to production of a small amount of NAD<sup>+</sup> and NADP<sup>+</sup>. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Tryptophan is critical for the production of the body's proteins, enzymes and muscle tissue. It is also essential for the production of niacin, the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan supplements can be used as natural relaxants to help relieve insomnia. Tryptophan can also reduce anxiety and depression and has been shown to reduce the intensity of migraine headaches. Other promising indications include the relief of chronic pain, reduction of impulsivity or mania and the treatment of obsessive or compulsive disorders. Tryptophan also appears to help the immune system and can reduce the risk of cardiac spasms. Tryptophan deficiencies may lead to coronary artery spasms. Tryptophan is used as an essential nutrient in infant formulas and intravenous feeding. Tryptophan is marketed as a prescription drug (Tryptan) for those who do not seem to respond well to conventional antidepressants. It may also be used to treat those afflicted with seasonal affective disorder (a winter-onset depression). Tryptopan serves as the precursor for the synthesis of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan--tRNA ligase, cytoplasmic | Humans | inhibitor |
| Tryptophan--tRNA ligase | Geobacillus stearothermophilus | inhibitor |
| Tryptophan--tRNA ligase, mitochondrial | Humans | inhibitor |
ADME / PK
| Metabolism | Hepatic. |
|---|
Formulation & handling
- Tryptophan is a small, water‑soluble amino‑acid–derived molecule suitable for both oral solid forms and aqueous parenteral solutions without the handling constraints typical of peptides.
- Aqueous IV formulations require attention to pH control and oxidation sensitivity of the indole ring to maintain solution stability.
- Oral products generally show good solubility, with minimal food‑related formulation constraints aside from standard amino‑acid competition for transport.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | With key patent protections in Canada and the US now expired or nearing expiry, the API is transitioning into a mature phase. Both markets show characteristics typical of late‑lifecycle products, with increasing generic presence and stable demand. |
|---|
| Markets | Canada, US |
|---|
Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Tryptophan is supplied primarily by multiple packagers rather than a single originator, reflecting its role as a long‑established amino‑acid component used in parenteral nutrition. Branded formulations are marketed in the US and Canada, indicating a stable North American presence without unique regional versions elsewhere. As an essential amino acid with no active patent protection, it is already subject to broad generic availability and mature multi‑supplier competition. |
|---|
Safety
| Toxicity | Oral rat LD<sub>50</sub>: > 16 gm/kg. Investigated as a tumorigen, mutagen, reproductive effector. Symptoms of overdose include agitation, confusion, diarrhea, fever, overactive reflexes, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, twitching, and vomiting. |
|---|
High Level Warnings:
- Exhibits low acute oral toxicity in rats (LD50 › 16 g/kg), but has been investigated for tumorigenic, mutagenic, and reproductive‑effect potential, warranting controlled handling and documentation during development
- Overexposure may elicit central nervous system excitation and autonomic symptoms, including agitation, hyperreflexia, tremors, shivering, and gastrointestinal disturbance
- Monitoring for heat-generating or excitatory reactions is recommended in research settings due to reported fever, sweating, and neuromuscular overstimulation at excessive doses
L-Tryptophan is a type of Amino acids
Amino acids are an essential category of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. These organic compounds are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes. With their increasing popularity and therapeutic potential, amino acids have become a focus of research and development in drug discovery.
Amino acids can be classified into two main categories: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources or through pharmaceutical supplementation. Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be synthesized by the body itself.
Pharmaceutical-grade amino acids are produced through a variety of methods, including extraction from natural sources, fermentation, and chemical synthesis. They undergo rigorous quality control procedures to ensure purity, efficacy, and safety. The most common amino acids used as APIs include lysine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, and methionine, among others.
Amino acids have diverse applications in the pharmaceutical industry. They are widely used as ingredients in parenteral nutrition formulations, where they provide essential nutrients to patients who cannot consume food orally. Additionally, amino acids are utilized in the development of protein-based drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. These pharmaceutical proteins often require specific amino acid sequences to achieve desired therapeutic effects.
In conclusion, amino acids are a vital category of pharmaceutical APIs, playing a significant role in protein synthesis, nutrition, and the development of protein-based drugs. With their extensive applications and growing demand, amino acids continue to contribute to advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.
L-Tryptophan API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified L-Tryptophan API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 8 companies offering L-Tryptophan API, with manufacturing taking place in 2 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajinomoto | Producer | Japan | Unknown | CoA, JDMF, USDMF | 24 products |
| Amino GmbH | Producer | Germany | Unknown | CoA, GMP, USDMF | 17 products |
| Changzhou Comwin Fine Che... | Producer | China | China | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS, USDMF, WC | 235 products |
| Senova Technology Co., Lt... | Producer | China | China | CoA, GMP, ISO9001, USDMF | 157 products |
| Sinoway industrial Co.,Lt... | Distributor | China | China | CoA | 762 products |
| Tianjin Tianyao | Producer | China | China | CoA, WC | 24 products |
| Wuhan Amino Acid Bio-Chem... | Producer | China | China | CoA | 32 products |
| Wuxi Jinghai Amino Acid C... | Producer | China | China | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS, USDMF, WC | 15 products |
When sending a request, specify which L-Tryptophan API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality L-Tryptophan API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
Frequently asked questions about L-Tryptophan API
Sourcing
What matters most when sourcing GMP-grade L-Tryptophan?
Priority factors include compliance with GMP and applicable US and Canadian regulatory requirements. Because L-Tryptophan is supplied by multiple packagers, consistent quality, verification of supplier qualifications, and clear traceability of the manufacturing chain are essential. Stable multi‑supplier availability also makes confirmation of specification alignment and change‑control practices important.
Which documents are typically required when sourcing L-Tryptophan API?
Request the core API documentation set: CoA (8 companies), USDMF (5 companies), GMP (4 companies), WC (3 companies), ISO9001 (3 companies). Confirm versions and validity dates match the destination market to avoid delays in qualification.
Which manufacturers are known to produce L-Tryptophan API?
Known or reported manufacturers for L-Tryptophan: Senova Technology Co., Ltd., Changzhou Comwin Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd, Sinoway industrial Co.,Ltd, Wuxi Jinghai Amino Acid Co., Ltd. Evaluate their GMP history, scale, and regional coverage before requesting dossiers or allocating demand.
How can I request quotes for L-Tryptophan API from GMP suppliers?
Submit quote requests through the supplier listings with your specs and required documents (specifications, target volume, delivery timeline, and destination). Providing consistent details upfront speeds comparable offers and clarifies technical feasibility.
Is a GMP audit report available for L-Tryptophan manufacturers?
Audit reports may be requested for L-Tryptophan: 2 GMP audit reports available. Confirm the scope and recency of any audit before relying on it for qualification decisions.
How many suppliers offer L-Tryptophan API on Pharmaoffer?
Reported supplier count for L-Tryptophan: 8 verified suppliers. Filter listings by certifications, regions, and delivery options to match your qualification plan.
Which countries are known to manufacture L-Tryptophan API?
Production countries reported for L-Tryptophan: China (6 producers). Knowing the manufacturing geography helps anticipate logistics lead times and import compliance needs.
Which certifications do suppliers of L-Tryptophan usually hold?
Common certifications for L-Tryptophan suppliers: CoA (8 companies), USDMF (5 companies), GMP (4 companies), WC (3 companies), ISO9001 (3 companies). Always verify issuing authorities and expiry dates when reviewing audit packages.
Technical
What is L-Tryptophan (CAS 73-22-3) used for?
L-Tryptophan is used as an essential amino acid in nutritional products, including infant formulas and parenteral nutrition, to support protein synthesis and nitrogen balance. It also serves as a biochemical precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and niacin, making it relevant in formulations or research involving sleep regulation, mood pathways, and metabolic functions.
Which therapeutic class does L-Tryptophan fall into?
L-Tryptophan belongs to the following therapeutic categories: Amino Acids, Amino Acids, Aromatic, Amino Acids, Cyclic, Amino Acids, Essential, Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins. This positioning helps teams compare alternative APIs, anticipate pharmacology expectations, and align early research priorities.
What conditions is L-Tryptophan mainly prescribed for?
The primary indications for L-Tryptophan: L-Tryptophan may be useful in increasing serotonin production, promoting healthy sleep, managing depression by enhancing mental and emotional well-being, managing pain tolerance, and managing weight. These use cases frame the target patient populations and help prioritize formulation and safety evaluations.
How does L-Tryptophan work?
A number of important side reactions occur during the catabolism of L-Tryptophan on the pathway to acetoacetate. The first enzyme of the catabolic pathway is an iron porphyrin oxygenase that opens the indole ring. The latter enzyme is highly inducible, its concentration rising almost 10-fold on a diet high in L-Tryptophan. Kynurenine is the first key branch point intermediate in the pathway. Kynurenine undergoes deamniation in a standard transamination reaction yielding kynurenic acid. Kynurenic acid and metabolites have been shown to act as antiexcitotoxics and anticonvulsives. A second side branch reaction produces anthranilic acid plus alanine. Another equivalent of alanine is produced further along the main catabolic pathway, and it is the production of these alanine residues that allows L-Tryptophan to be classified among the glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids. The second important branch point converts kynurenine into 2-amino-3-carboxymuconic semialdehyde, which has two fates. The main flow of carbon elements from this intermediate is to glutarate. An important side reaction in liver is a transamination and several rearrangements to produce limited amounts of nicotinic acid, which leads to production of a small amount of NAD+ and NADP+.
What should someone know about the safety or toxicity profile of L-Tryptophan?
L-Tryptophan shows low acute oral toxicity in animals but has been evaluated for tumorigenic, mutagenic, and reproductive‑effect potential, so controlled handling is advised during development. Excessive exposure may cause central nervous system excitation with agitation, hyperreflexia, tremors, shivering, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as heat‑generating reactions such as fever and sweating. Use with serotonergic drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, and gastrointestinal effects and somnolence have been reported in supplemented groups. Robust impurity control is important due to historical concerns with contaminated preparations.
What are important formulation and handling considerations for L-Tryptophan as an API?
L-Tryptophan is a small, water‑soluble molecule that can be formulated into oral solids or aqueous parenteral solutions without the specialized handling required for peptides. Aqueous IV products need controlled pH and protection from oxidation of the indole ring to maintain stability. Oral formulations generally dissolve well and have no major food‑related constraints aside from typical amino‑acid transport competition.
Is L-Tryptophan a small molecule?
L-Tryptophan is classified as a small molecule. That classification shapes process design, impurity profiling, and analytical control strategies.
Are there special stability concerns for oral L-Tryptophan?
Oral L-Tryptophan products generally do not present special stability concerns, as the molecule shows good solubility and lacks the handling constraints typical of larger peptides. The oxidation sensitivity of the indole ring is primarily relevant for aqueous IV solutions, not standard oral solid forms. Formulation considerations for oral use are therefore limited to routine management of amino‑acid transport competition rather than stability limitations.
Regulatory
Where is L-Tryptophan approved or in use globally?
L-Tryptophan is reported as approved in the following major regions: Canada, US. Understanding geographic coverage informs regulatory filings, supply planning, and risk assessments before escalating procurement.
What’s the regulatory and patent landscape for L-Tryptophan right now?
In Canada and the United States, L-Tryptophan is regulated within each country’s established frameworks for amino acid ingredients. As a naturally occurring amino acid, it is not typically subject to active compound patent protection, though specific formulations or uses may be patented depending on individual filings.
Pharmaoffer
How does Pharmaoffer’s Smart Sourcing Service help with L-Tryptophan procurement?
Pharmaoffer's Smart Sourcing Service coordinates compliant suppliers, documentation, and competitive quotes for L-Tryptophan. It centralizes outreach, follow-ups, and document validation to shorten procurement timelines.
Is L-Tryptophan included in the PRO Data Insights coverage?
PRO Data Insights coverage for L-Tryptophan: 7520 verified transactions across 1242 suppliers and 769 buyers worldwide. Use the dataset to benchmark suppliers and monitor regulatory activity where available.
Where can I access the API market report for L-Tryptophan?
Market report availability for L-Tryptophan: Report Available. The report highlights demand trends, pricing drivers, and supplier landscape insights for procurement planning.
