 |
 |
|
|
|
|
ANTIOXIDANT OVERVIEW
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located beneath the brain. The pineal hormone melatonin is an efficient free radical scavenger and singlet oxygen quencher. Singlet oxygen is an "excited oxygen molecule whose excessive discharge of energy causes damage to other body molecules. While most antioxidants work only in certain parts of certain cells, melatonin can permeate any cell in any part of the body.
More important, melatonin is one of the few antioxidants that can penetrate the mitochondria, the cell's power plants," which produce energy. Melatonin does seem to protect the mitochondria from free radical damage. In laboratory experiments, melatonin supplementation has been found to extend the lifespan of mice. Other non-human laboratory studies have shown that supplemental melatonin can inhibit cancer growth, help modulate the immune system, and protect against degenerative diseases. Melatonin also stimulates the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, another antioxidant.
MELATONIN, AGING & SLEEP REGULATION
Melatonin is one of the newest antioxidants to be discovered and has been described as the pacemaker of the aging clock in humans. It is released every night as part of our time-dependent biorhythms to help induce sleep and recuperation from fatigue. The hormone melatonin may also be the most efficient free radical scavenger that has thus far been identified. While most antioxidants work only in certain parts of certain cells, melatonin can permeate any cell in any part of the body. In animal experiments, it has been shown to protect tissues from an amazing array of assaults. Within the cell, melatonin provides special protection for the nucleus - the central structure that contains the DNA. Thus, it protects the structure that enables a damaged cell to repair itself.
Melatonin is said to be 500 times more effective on free radicals than DMSO. It would be a supplement to your usual antioxidant vitamins and supplements. You can use melatonin as your main source of antioxidant since melatonin has effects on attacking free radicals in the brain while it protects the body against radiation, destroys toxins, and helps prevent or help cataracts. Melatonin has been show to have anticancer effects. Melatonin is nearly non-toxic and taking it with other antioxidants only helps.
Synthesis and release of melatonin is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. But even without visual cues, the level of melatonin in the blood rises and falls on a daily ( circadian) cycle with peak levels occurring in the wee hours of the morning. According to David Klein, PhD, a researcher in the NICHD's Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, melatonin is made in the pineal gland of the brain from another chemical, serotonin, with the help of two enzymes: arylalkylamine N-acetyl transferase (AA-NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT). AA-NAT appears to be the "melatonin rhythm enzyme," because a large increase in the activity of AA-NAT is responsible for the high levels of melatonin found in the brain and in the bloodstream at night. Similarly, low levels of melatonin formed during the day reflect low levels of this enzyme. This difference in day and night levels of melatonin is important for setting the body's circadian clock.
However, this cycle tends to drift in people who are totally blind, often making them sleepy during the day and wide awake at night. Giving melatonin at bedtime has proved helpful in a number of sleep related cases.
For more information about melatonin and how it is regulated, see NICHD.NIH.gov: Researchers Discover How Melatonin Production is Switched off.
ANTIOXIDANT RESEARCH
Recent research on Melatonin is supporting the belief that it is a powerful anti-carcinogenic hormone. Dr. Russel Reite, author of "Your body's natural Wonder Drug - Melatonin" describes it as one of the most powerful antioxidants, and advocates its use for this reason, for free radical damage to the brain is known to be the cause of a large number of serious diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Down syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Vitamin E, the universal antioxidant, does not cross the blood/brain barrier to prevent oxidation. Melatonin does cross the blood/brain barrier.
An article in Cancer Research, 1998 Vol. 18 Iss.2B, pp 1329-1332 confirms that melatonin activates the immune system in Cancer patients. In a study of 31 patients, who failed to respond to other therapies, melatonin administered at 10 mg per day showed significant results, with 12 patients (39%) achieving disease stabilization after 3 months. None had adverse reactions. This study concluded melatonin plays a significant role in defending the body against the progression of cancer.
Biological Rhythm Research, 1998, Vol. 29 Iss.2 pp 121-128 reported that coronary heart disease patients secreted considerably less melatonin from their pineal glands than healthy individuals and their night time cortisol levels at night were considerably raised. Melatonin therapy would thus be advantageous for these patients.
Neuroscience Letters, 1998, Vol. 247, Iss. 2-3, pp131-134 reports that melatonin is a modulator of the immune system. 35 children suffering from tonsillitis and due for tonsillectomy were studied and given melatonin therapy, which restored their B-lymphocyte values. Further studies are being undertaken to determine melatonin's therapeutic role in the pathology of tonsils.
And the mega-dosing with melatonin (up to 20 mg) prior to chemotherapy has been shown to reduce the damage to the bone marrow, the most severe side effect of this therapy.
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
The appropriate dose can vary enormously from person to person. For example, you can find dosages of 1.2 mg, 1.5 mg and 3.0 mg as an example with supplements. Start off with the 1.2 mg dosage each night before bedtime, and work your way to larger doses if needed.
CAUTIONS
Melatonin is one of the least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6 grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dosage) of the substance in carefully monitored studies with no sign of toxicity. Only four complaints regarding melatonin have been report to the FDA (USA's Food and Drug Administration). The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower reaction time. In the most extensive clinical trial to date a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects. The FDA reports that in the more than two years melatonin has been available for sale over-the-counter in the United States, no alarming side effects have been reported.
According to one report, 10% of the users said the hormone did nothing for them with regards to sleep disorders, and another 10% complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning grogginess, mild depression, and low sex drive, weight gain, irritability, diminished brain function, and impaired athletic performance. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses - without causing any toxicity.
Melatonin is depleted with age, lack of exposure to sunlight and disease, and reduced melatonin levels can result in serious diseases. It also depleted by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, especially in power utility company workers.
In test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it protects cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors. Tests with laboratory mice suggest that melatonin might also reduce the effects of aging, but these tests results are very preliminary. One concern is that high doses, while causing no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. Even one milligram, the smallest commercially available dose, is at least three times higher than the normal amount in the body.
Women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia (for the same reason), and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance) should avoid taking supplemental melatonin. Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high doses can act as a contraceptive.
If you have a medical condition you should always consult your health care provider first before taking melatonin.
MELATONIN PRODUCTS
Melatonin Cream, Melatonin Supplement, Life-Flow, 2 oz.
From being a natural sleep regulator to providing the body with a potent anti-oxidant, Life-Flo's Melatonin Cream, Melatonin Supplement, is a superior choice for those looking for better health and anti-aging nutrients.
Melatonin Supplement Time Released, NOW Foods, 1 mg, 100 Tabs
Now Foods Melatonin Supplement is specially designed to mimic the typical nighttime release pattern of melatonin.
Deep Dreams Sleep Aid Formula, 30 Tabs
TriMedica's Deep Dreams is the only sleep aid formulated that closely replicate your body's nocturnal pattern of melatonin release.
Uber Rest, Pure, Pharmaceutical Grade L-Tryptophan, 500 mg, 60 Caps
Psychiatrists, medical doctors, and nutritionists, alike, have long recognized the importance of pure L-Tryptophan for maintaining good heath and supporting mood and sleep.
Melatonin, Pharmaceutical Grade, NOW Foods, 3 mg, 60 Caps
Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin: Nature's Sleeping Pill, By Ray Sahelian, M.D.
This book introduces some never-before-published clinical studies on melatonin and how it may be able to help us sleep better, improve our mood, prevent jet lag, have more energy and even possibly prolong life.
MetaRest W/ Melatonin, Natural Sleep Aid, 60 Caps
MetaRest with Melatonin combines two of the most potent ingredients found in nature to help reduce nighttime wakefulness.
Natural Pet Calmer, Happier Traveler, Pet Supplement, 500 mg, 30 Caps
Ark Naturals, A safe all natural pet supplement, herbal calming formula for stressed, nervous, or anxious pets.
Sublingual Melatonin Supplement, Nature's Way, 2.5 mg, 100 Lozenges
Nature's Way Sublingual Melatonin Supplement is formulated into an advanced sublingual form. Sublingual dosing is the most rapid way to absorb certain nutrients.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
HerbalRemedies: Melatonin Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Melatonin Information
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
Melatonin.com: Melatonin & Medical Conditions
Melatonin.com: Reference Center & Information on Melatonin
Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice: Melatonin & Antioxidants
Melatonin Abstracts
Medscape: Is Melatonin Safe For Children?
Amazon.com Books: ABCs of Hormones: What You Need to Know About Melatonin, Dhea, Sex Hormones, Hgh, Insulin, Thyroid, and More (Good Health Guides)
-- by Jack Challem
Amazon.com Books: Boost Your Vitality With Melatonin: Programming Your Internal Clock For Health & Well-being
-- by Ingeborg Cernaj
Amazon.com Books: The Melatonin Miracle: Nature's Age-Reversing, Disease-Fighting, Sex-Enhancing Hormone
-- by Walter Pierpaoli, MD, William Regelson, Carol Colman
Amazon.com Books: Melatonin
-- by Russel J. Reiter, Jo Robinson
Amazon.com Books: Melatonin: The Anti-Aging Hormone
-- by Suzanne LeVert
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Antioxidants Index
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
