Tel: 1-909-396-6530 USA
Fax: 1-909-474-8856 USA
Online Skype / Yahoo IM
user name:
Nutrimartus
Frequent Asked Question on Melatonin
- What is Melatonin ?
Melatonin is an indolamine that is produced in the pineal gland. Its chemical appellation is N-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine or C13-H16-N2-O2.
- What is Pineal Gland ?
The pineal gland is a pea sized entity located near the base of the brain. It has a regulatory effect on the hypothalamus gland and influences the functioning of the thyroid,thymus,pancreas and adrenal glands.
- What are its functions ?
Research conducted over the past two decades confirm that melatonin has anti-oxidant,immuno protective and sleep regulating properties. It may also prove to be effective as a prophylaxis against osteoporosis and a possible new adjunction in the fight against cancer.
- Describe its anti-oxidant capabilities.
Many disease are directly related to free radicals(molecules with unpaired electrons) that can cause cellular damage. A list, to name a few, would include atherosclerosis, emphysema, muscular dystrophy, and cataracts. Among the free radicals produced, the hydroxyl(.OH) oxygen vitro testing have demonstrated that melatonin is four times more effective than glutathione, an important free radical fighter, in scavenging the reactive. In vivo tests in animals utilizing safrole (a potent carcinogen from sassefras oil) demonstrated a significant reduction in damaged hepatic DNA when compared to those who were not pre-treated with melatonin - 99% when administered at a level of 4mg/Kg (reiter et al., 1994). Similarly, an in vitro system used by (tran et al., 1993) showed that hydrogen peroxide exposed to ultra violet light and reacted with melatonin would form six times as less hydroxyl radicals than with glutathione.
- How does it effect circadian rhythms ?
Melatonin produces a substances called arginine vasotocin. This secretion has an inhibiting effect upon cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Insomniacs typically tend to have high nighttime levels of the hormone which tends to keep them in an agitated state. inhibition of this hormone promotes sleep and allows time for regeneration.
The metabolic pathway by which melatonin is produced, involves a by product of tryptophan called serotonin. When you consider that tryptophan is the least abundant of the essential amino acids in the normal diet, there is a greater likelihood of a melatonin shortfall because the compound it's produced from, serotonin, would also be reduced.
Melatonin also has applications in the prevention of jet lag. Dr. Arendt, at the University of Surrey in England, observed that melatonin helped to resynchronize the circadian rhythms of subjects flying through eight time zones (San Francisco to London). Those subjects who took melatonin three days before the flight, on the day of their departure and four days upon their return did not note any appreciable jet-lag.
- What connection is there between melatonin and the enhancement of
the immune system ?
The Suppression of cortisol through the release of arginine vasotocin not only impacts positively upon sleep-wake cycles but also bolsters the immune system. through the suppression of cortisol, it helps to prevent the deterioration of lymphatic tissue. This tissue is an integral part of our immune systems and would result in immune suppression if it is compromised.
Research using supplemental melatonin demonstrated its immune potential, when administered to mice whose immune system were challenged by corticosteriods (Pierpaoli,1987). Similar results were reported when test mice were exposed to a highly toxic virus. Most of the mice who were pre-treated with melatonin showed a markedly higher survival rate than those who were not. Melatonin exhibits immuno protective capabilities that could lend themselves well to conditions of psychogenic or environmental stress.
- How can melatonin help prevent osteoporosis ?
In a study entitled " Is postmenopausal osteoporosis related to pineal gland function ?" (Sandy, et al. Int'l journal of neuroscience, 1992) there is evidence to suggest that menopause is associated with a substantial decline in melatonin production due to pineal dysfunction. During the early stages of menopause, the decline in melatonin production seems to be a contributing factor in the development of post menopause osteoporosis. Animal data indicates that melatonin is an integral component in calcium homeostasis. It has a controlling influence on those glands involved in metabolization of calcium and phosphorous. Measuring melatonin levels early in menopause may indicate whether an osteoporotic condition is impending. Administration of melatonin at a level of 2.5 mg per day could be useful in the treatment or prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- What about cancer ?
Melatonin has been described as being oncastatic. A erm that describes its ability to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. in studies done by hill and Blask at the university of Arizona School of medicine, melatonin inhibited breast cancer cells by as much as 60 to 70%. In another study done by Lissoni et al., at the San Gerardo Hospital in Milan, Italy, melatonin a significantly improved the survival time of patients with brain metastases when compared to those who were treated with steroids and anticonvulsant agents. It appears that the inhibitory effect melatonin has on cancer cell expansion is directly related to its usage. Drs Hill and blask observed that when the patients stopped using melatonin there was an immediate reversal in their conditions.
- What about toxicity ?
Melatonin, which has been studied for the past two decades, has been administered at doses exceeding 200 mg without any adverse effects. The LD 50 tests done on mice were 1375 mg per Kg of body weight which is an enormous amount when applied to humans. Most studies indicate that melatonin is most efficacious when used at a level of between 1 to 3 mg before bedtime. please note, that any substance can prove to be dangerous at some elevated level including oxygen and water. It is therefore prudent to consult with your doctor or health practitioner, when a health concern arises, before supplementing your diet.
- Any contradications ?
For those adults, over 40, who aren't pregnant, suffering from an auto-immune or endocrine disorder, using anti-depressant drugs, or have reproductive insufficiencies, melatonin could be quite beneficial when used under the guidance of a doctor.