Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland in the brain. It helps to regulate sleep and maintain the body’s circadian rhythm. Most often it is used to relieve sleep-related difficulties as well as jet lag. Nearly one-half of Americans suffer from occasional or chronic sleep difficulties. Melatonin has been reported to be effective in helping those with mild or occasional insomnia.
One study concluded that those traveled eastward in flight found relief by taking melatonin. Another study showed that upon arrival, travelers who took 5 mg of melatonin between 10 p.m. and 12 p.m. fell asleep faster and slept better.
A less common reason for taking Melatonin is its ability to control the release of female productive hormones. It regulates when menstruation begins, the duration and frequency of cycles, as well as menopause.
N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine or melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone found frequently in animals. It is found in the the human body as well as in some algae. It helps in the regulation of circadian rhythms within the bodies of living organisms. Being a powerful antioxidant melatonin plays an important role in the protection of mitochondria and nucleus at the cellular level. In the antioxidant pathway for melatonin the metabolite N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine is usually generated rather than 6-hydroxy-melatonin sulfate. The former is much more powerful and its single molecule can bring about the neutralization of up to 10 reactive oxygen or nitrogen molecules. The main reason for this is that the products of the neutralization reactions are themselves antioxidants.
Exerting powerful antioxidant activity, melatonin was called a potent hydroxyl radical scavenger. This is the primary function of melatonin in lower life forms. Certain properties of melatonin make it more effective than other antioxidants. These include ability to cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier easily.
Melatonin has been widely available in the market since 1993. In spite of its effectiveness in the treatment of various conditions, it has been known to induce sleepiness. Hence, discretion is advisable during its use. Other effects of melatonin supplements include an increase in the vividness of dreams. This is similar to the effects of many indolic hallucinogenic drugs. Another study has found a deficiency of melatonin in those suffering from autism. This may indicate the involvement of melatonin in proper functioning of the human brain and thought processes.
This hormone has been used effectively as a drug in the treatment of sleep disorders. Ongoing research indicates its effectiveness in the treatment of diseases like AIDS, cancer and some cardiovascular illnesses. Melatonin supplements have also been administered to those who are partially blind to improve their sensation of light. Its use also helps in reducing the effects of jet lag. Melatonin plays a part in the human immune system as well. Melatonin present in T lymphocytes is involved in their clonal expansion in the presence of external antigens. It can also undergo a reaction with calcium supplements to strengthen the human immune system.
Thus, melatonin has proved to be an effective drug due to both its antioxidant and non-antioxidant properties.
