Morinda officinalis sugars may reduce depression by boosting serotonin through gut bacteria production of 5-hydroxytryptophan

Oligosaccharides (MOO) may alleviate depression by influencing serotonin production through gut microbiota.

• MOO acts on the metabolic pathway that converts tryptophan to serotonin via 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
• Oral MOO increases levels of tryptophan hydroxylase in gut microbiota, which enhances the production of 5-HTP.
• MOO inhibits the activity of 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase, leading to reduced serotonin generation and increased 5-HTP accumulation.
• The elevated 5-HTP produced in the gut is absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier.
• Pentasaccharide, a key component of MOO, shows a similar anti-depressant effect through the same mechanism.

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