Defatted Pumpkin Seed Flour: L-Tryptophan & Serotonin Sleep Cascade

The Natural Bedtime Powder of Ancient Harvesters

1. Unrivaled Natural L-Tryptophan Density: Defatted pumpkin seed flour is nature’s richest dietary source of L-tryptophan, providing up to $570\text{ mg}$ of tryptophan per $100\text{ g}$.
2. The Serotonin-Melatonin Cascade: Tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier where tryptophan hydroxylase (utilizing pumpkin seed zinc and iron as cofactors) converts it to 5-HTP, then to serotonin, and ultimately into pineal melatonin as twilight descends, promoting deep, restorative slow-wave sleep.

Interactive Longevity Tools & Related Protocols

• ⏰ Calculate your optimal sleep windows with the Sleep & Circadian Tool.
• 🥦 Balance your evening macronutrients with the Macro Calculator.

Primary Scientific Citations

1. Hudson, C., et al. (2005). Protein-source tryptophan as an efficacious treatment for social anxiety disorder, a pilot study. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 83(11), 975-983.
2. Richard, D. M., et al. (2009). L-Tryptophan: Basic metabolic functions, behavioral research and clinical applications. International Journal of Tryptophan Research, 2, 45-60.