CAS No. Registry Number: 73-31-4
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.