Header image  
   
  HOME ::
   
 

Feverfew


 Order Feverfew


   

Feverfew contains a relatively large amount of melatonin.[6]

 



 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the flower; for the band, see The Feverfew
For the article about the weed, see Parthenium
Feverfew
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Tanacetum
Species: T. parthenium
Binomial name
Tanacetum parthenium
(L.) Sch. Bip.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium; syn. Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Pers., Pyrethrum parthenium Sm.) is a traditional medicinal herb which is found in many old gardens, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around 46 cm (18 in) high, with citrus-scented leaves and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies. It spreads rapidly, and they will cover a wide area after a few years. It is also commonly seen in the literature by its synonyms, Chrysanthemum parthenium (L.) Bernh. and Pyrethrum parthenium (L.) Sm.

Feverfew was native to Eurasia; specifically the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia and the Caucasus, but cultivation has spread it around the world and it is now also found in Europe, the Mediterranean, North America and Chile.[1]

Contents

[hide]
// if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //

[edit] Uses

The word "feverfew" derives from the Latin febrifugia, meaning "fever reducer."[2] It has been used for reducing fever, for treating headaches, arthritis and digestive problems.[3] It is hypothesized that by inhibiting the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, both of which are believed to aid the onset of migraines, feverfew limits the inflammation of blood vessels in the head.[4] This would, in theory, stop the blood vessel spasm which is believed to contribute to headaches. Feverfew may also have GABAergic effects. The active ingredients in feverfew include parthenolide and tanetin. Capsules or tablets of feverfew generally contain at least 205 mcg. parthenolide; however, it might take four to six weeks before they become effective, and feverfew is not a remedy for acute migraine attacks. Parthenolide was also found in 2005 to induce cell death in leukemia cancer stem cells.[5]

Feverfew contains a relatively large amount of melatonin.[6]

Evidence that it prevents migraine is limited,[7] and results vary widely among different feverfew supplements.[8]

Long-term use of feverfew followed by abrupt discontinuation may induce a withdrawal syndrome featuring rebound headaches and muscle and joint pains.[8]

Allergic reactions can occur in persons allergic to ingredients of feverfew. There are case reports that topical creams containing feverfew may cause allergic contact dermatitis.[9] Other side effects have included gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. When the herb is chewed or taken orally it can cause mouth ulcers and swelling and numbness of the mouth.[8]

It is contraindicated in pregnancy.[10]

[edit] Cultivation

A perennial herb, which should be planted in full sun, 38–46 cm (15–18 in) apart and grows up to 61 cm (24 in) tall. It is hardy to USDA zone 5 (−30 °C (−22 °F)) and should be cut back to the ground in the fall. Outside of its native range it can become an invasive weed.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jeffrey C (2001). "Tanacetum parthenium". Mansfeld's World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:46:3959160511697399::NO::module,mf_use,source,taxid,akzname:mf,,volksnam,32354,Tanacetum%20parthenium
  2. ^ Feverfew
  3. ^ Pittler, MH; Ernst, E (2004). "Feverfew for preventing migraine". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1): CD002286. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub2. PMID 14973986
  4. ^ Feverfew - The Plant Throughout Centuries
  5. ^ Blood. 2005 Jun 1;105(11):4163-9. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide induces apoptosis of human acute myelogenous leukemia stem and progenitor cells. Guzman ML, Rossi RM, Karnischky L, Li X, Peterson DR, Howard DS, Jordan CT. PMID:15687234
  6. ^ Melatonin: Natural food and non-food sources of melatonin | antioxidants
  7. ^ Pittler MH, Ernst E (2004). "Feverfew for preventing migraine". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD002286. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub2. PMID 14973986
  8. ^ a b c University of Maryland Complementary Medicine
  9. ^ Killoran, CE; Crawford, GH; Pedvis-Leftick, A (2007). "Two cases of compositae dermatitis exacerbated by moisturizer containing feverfew". Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug : official journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, North American Contact Dermatitis Group 18 (4): 225–9. PMID 18021604.  edit
  10. ^ Yao M, Ritchie HE, Brown-Woodman PD (November 2006). "A reproductive screening test of feverfew: is a full reproductive study warranted?". Reprod. Toxicol. 22 (4): 688–93. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2006.04.014. PMID 16781113. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0890-6238(06)00102-X

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Tanacetum parthenium
Wikiversity has bloom time data for Tanacetum parthenium on the Bloom Clock

 

Melatonin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Not to be confused with melanin or Melanotan (disambiguation).
Melatonin
Systematic (IUPAC) name
N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]
ethanamide
Identifiers
CAS number 73-31-4
ATC code N05CH01
PubChem CID 896
IUPHAR ligand 224
DrugBank APRD00742
ChemSpider 872 Y
UNII JL5DK93RCL Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL45 Y
Chemical data
Formula C13H16N2O
Mol. mass 232.278 g/mol
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 30 – 50%
Metabolism Hepatic via CYP1A2 mediated 6-hydroxylation
Half-life 35 to 50 minutes
Excretion Urine
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.  ?
Legal status Prescription Only (S4) (AU) POM (UK) OTC (US)
Routes In humans: orally, as capsules, tablets or liquid, sublingually, or as transdermal patches. In lab animals: also injection.
 Y(what is this?)  (verify)

Melatonin (pronounced /ˌmɛləˈtoʊnɪn/ ( listen)), also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine,[1] is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes.[2][3] In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.[4]

Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors,[5] while others are due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant,[6] with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.[7]

In mammals, melatonin is secreted into the blood by the pineal gland in the brain. Known as the "hormone of darkness", it is secreted in darkness in both day-active (diurnal) and night-active (nocturnal) animals.[8]

It may also be produced by a variety of peripheral cells such as bone marrow cells,[9][10] lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Usually, the melatonin concentration in these cells is much higher than that found in the blood but it does not seem to be regulated by the photoperiod.

Melatonin-rich plant feed, such as rice, ingested by chicks has been shown to reach and bind to melatonin receptors in their brains.[11] No food has been found to elevate plasma melatonin levels in humans.[12]

 

Contents

[hide]
// if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //

[edit] History

Melatonin is related to the mechanism by which some amphibians and reptiles change the color of their skin and, indeed, it was in this connection the substance first was discovered.[15][16] As early as 1917, McCord and Allen discovered (J Exptl Zool, 1917) that extract of the pineal glands of cows lightened frog skin.[12] Dermatology professor Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues at Yale University, in the hope that a substance from the pineal might be useful in treating skin diseases, isolated and named the hormone melatonin in 1958.[17] In the mid-70s Lynch et al. demonstrated[18] that the production of melatonin exhibits a circadian rhythm in human pineal glands. The discovery that melatonin is an antioxidant was made in 1993.[19] Around the same time, the hormone got a lot of press as a possible treatment for many illnesses.[20] The New England Journal of Medicine editorialized in 2000: "The hype and the claims of the so-called miraculous powers of melatonin several years ago did a great disservice to a scientific field of real importance to human health. (...) Our 24-hour society, with its chaotic time cues and lack of natural light, may yet reap substantial benefits."[21]

[edit] In plants

Melatonin has been identified in many plants.[3] The physiological roles of melatonin in plants involve regulation of their response to photoperiod, defense against harsh environments, and the function of an antioxidant. The latter may be the original function of melatonin in organisms with the others being added during evolution.[22] Melatonin has been reported in foodstuffs including bananas and grapes, rice and cereals, herbs, olive oil, wine and beer. While no food has been found to elevate plasma melatonin levels in humans,[12] when other animals consume melatonin-containing food, blood levels of melatonin do increase.[11]

[edit] In animals

Many animals use the variation in duration of melatonin production each day as a seasonal clock.[23] In animals including humans[24] the profile of melatonin synthesis and secretion is affected by the variable duration of night in summer as compared to winter. The change in duration of secretion thus serves as a biological signal for the organisation of daylength-dependent (photoperiodic) seasonal functions such as reproduction, behaviour, coat growth and camouflage colouring in seasonal animals.[24] In seasonal breeders which do not have long gestation periods and which mate during longer daylight hours, the melatonin signal controls the seasonal variation in their sexual physiology, and similar physiological effects can be induced by exogenous melatonin in animals including mynah birds[25] and hamsters.[26]

In mammals

Melatonin produced in the pineal gland, which is outside of the blood-brain barrier, acts as an endocrine hormone since it is released into the blood. By contrast, melatonin produced by the retina and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract acts as a paracrine hormone.[citation needed]

Melatonin can suppress libido by inhibiting secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland, especially in mammals that have a breeding season when daylight hours are long. The reproduction of long-day breeders is repressed by melatonin and the reproduction of short-day breeders is stimulated by melatonin. During the night, melatonin regulates leptin, lowering the levels; see leptin.

Light/dark information reaches the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) via retinal photosensitive ganglion cells, intrinsically photosensitive photoreceptor cells, distinct from those involved in image forming (that is, these light sensitive cells are a third type in the retina, in addition to rods and cones). These cells represent approximately 2% of the retinal ganglion cells in humans and express the photopigment melanopsin.[27] The sensitivity of melanopsin is consistent with that of a vitamin A-based photopigment with a peak sensitivity at 484 nm (blue light).[28] This photoperiod cue entrains the circadian rhythm, and the resultant production of specific "dark"- and "light"-induced neural and endocrine signals which regulate behavioral and physiological circadian rhythms. Melatonin is secreted in darkness in both day-active (diurnal) and night-active (nocturnal) animals.[8]

[edit] In humans

[edit] Circadian rhythm

In humans, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, a gland about the size of a pea, located in the center of the brain but outside the blood-brain barrier. The melatonin signal forms part of the system that regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature, but it is the central nervous system (more specifically, the SCN) that controls the daily cycle in most components of the paracrine and endocrine systems[29][30] rather than the melatonin signal (as was once postulated).

Infants' melatonin levels become regular in about the third month after birth, with the highest levels measured between midnight and 08:00 (8 AM).[31]

In humans, 90% of melatonin is cleared in a single passage through the liver, a small amount is excreted in urine,[32] and a small amount is found in saliva.

[edit] Light dependence

Production of melatonin by the pineal gland is inhibited by light and permitted by darkness. For this reason melatonin has been called "the hormone of darkness". Its onset each evening is called the Dim-Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO). Secretion of melatonin as well as its level in the blood, peaks in the middle of the night, and gradually falls during the second half of the night, with normal variations in timing according to an individual's chronotype.[33] Terman et al. devised a formulation which mimics that gradual washout (vs. the spikes in blood concentration and rapid washout associated with most over-the-counter melatonin tablets). When used several hours before sleep, the compound shifts the circadian clock earlier, thus promoting earlier sleep onset and morning awakening.[34]

It is principally blue light, around 460 to 480nm, that suppresses melatonin,[35] increasingly with increased light intensity and length of exposure. Until recent history, humans in temperate climates were exposed to few hours of (blue) daylight in the winter; their fires gave predominantly yellow light. Wearing glasses that block blue light in the hours before bedtime may avoid melatonin loss. Kayumov et al. showed that light containing only wavelengths greater than 530 nm does not suppress melatonin in bright-light conditions.[36] Use of blue-blocking goggles the last hours before bedtime has also been advised for people who need to adjust to an earlier bedtime, as melatonin promotes sleepiness.

[edit] Antioxidant

Besides its function as synchronizer of the biological clock, melatonin also exerts a powerful antioxidant activity. The discovery of melatonin as an antioxidant was made in 1993.[19] In many less complex life forms, this is its only known purpose.[37] Melatonin is an antioxidant that can easily cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.[6] Melatonin is a direct scavenger of OH, O2−, and NO.[38] Unlike other antioxidants, melatonin does not undergo redox cycling, the ability of a molecule to undergo reduction and oxidation repeatedly. Redox cycling may allow other antioxidants (such as vitamin C) to act as pro-oxidants, counterintuitively promoting free radical formation. Melatonin, on the other hand, once oxidized, cannot be reduced to its former state because it forms several stable end-products upon reacting with free radicals. Therefore, it has been referred to as a terminal (or suicidal) antioxidant.[39]

Recent research indicates that the first metabolite of melatonin in the melatonin antioxidant pathway may be N(1)-acetyl-N(2)-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine (or AFMK) rather than the common, excreted 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate. AFMK alone is detectable in unicellular organisms and metazoans. A single AFMK molecule can neutralize up to 10 ROS/RNS (reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species) since many of the products of the reaction/derivatives (including melatonin) are themselves antioxidants. This capacity to absorb free radicals extends at least to the quaternary metabolites of melatonin, a process referred to as "the free radical scavenging cascade". This is not true of other, conventional antioxidants.[37]

In animal models, melatonin has been demonstrated to prevent the damage to DNA by some carcinogens, stopping the mechanism by which they cause cancer.[40] It also has been found to be effective in protecting against brain injury caused by ROS release in experimental hypoxic brain damage in newborn rats.[41] Melatonin's antioxidant activity may reduce damage caused by some types of Parkinson's disease, may play a role in preventing cardiac arrhythmia and may increase longevity; it has been shown to increase the average life span of mice by 20% in some studies.[42][43][44]

[edit] Immune system

While it is known that melatonin interacts with the immune system,[45][46] the details of those interactions are unclear. There have been few trials designed to judge the effectiveness of melatonin in disease treatment. Most existing data are based on small, incomplete clinical trials. Any positive immunological effect is thought to result from melatonin acting on high affinity receptors (MT1 and MT2) expressed in immunocompetent cells. In preclinical studies, melatonin may enhance cytokine production,[47] and by doing this counteract acquired immunodeficiences. Some studies also suggest that melatonin might be useful fighting infectious disease[48] including viral, such as HIV, and bacterial infections, and potentially in the treatment of cancer.[49]

Endogenous melatonin in human lymphocytes has been related to interleukin-2 (IL-2) production and to the expression of IL-2 receptor.[50] This suggests that melatonin is involved in the clonal expansion of antigen-stimulated human T lymphocytes. When taken in conjunction with calcium, it is an immunostimulator[citation needed] and is used as an adjuvant in some clinical protocols[citation needed]; conversely, the increased immune system activity may aggravate autoimmune disorders. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, melatonin production has been found increased when compared to age-matched healthy controls.[51]

[edit] Dreaming

Some supplemental melatonin users report an increase in vivid dreaming. Extremely high doses of melatonin (50 mg) dramatically increased REM sleep time and dream activity in both people with and without narcolepsy.[52] Many psychoactive drugs, such as cannabis and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), increase melatonin synthesis.[52] It has been suggested that nonpolar (lipid-soluble) indolic hallucinogenic drugs emulate melatonin activity in the awakened state and that both act on the same areas of the brain.[52]

[edit] Autism

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have lower than normal levels of melatonin. A 2008 study found that unaffected parents of individuals with ASD also have lower melatonin levels, and that the deficits were associated with low activity of the ASMT gene, which encodes the last enzyme of melatonin synthesis.[53]

[edit] Current and potential medical indications

Melatonin has been studied for the treatment of cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), circadian rhythm sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction. Studies by Alfred J. Lewy at Oregon Health & Science University and other researchers have found that it may ameliorate circadian misalignment and SAD.[54] Basic research indicates that melatonin may play a significant role in modulating the effects of drugs of abuse such as cocaine.[55]

[edit] Treatment of circadian rhythm disorders

Exogenous melatonin taken in the evening is, together with light therapy upon awakening, the standard treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome. It appears to have some use against other circadian rhythm sleep disorders as well, such as jet lag and the problems of people who work rotating or night shifts. Melatonin reduces sleep onset latency to a greater extent in people with DSPS than in people with insomnia.[32]

Taken 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime, melatonin supplementation acts as a mild hypnotic. It causes melatonin levels in the blood to rise earlier than the brain's own production accomplishes. This usage is now commonly used in sleep and relaxation drinks.[56]

A very small dose taken several hours before bedtime in accordance with the phase response curve for melatonin in humans (PRC) doesn't cause sleepiness but, acting as a chronobiotic (affecting aspects of biological time structure),[57] advances the phase slightly and is additive to the effect of using light therapy upon awakening. Light therapy may advance the phase about one to two-and-a-half hours and a small oral dose melatonin, timed correctly some hours before bedtime, can add about 30 minutes to the advance achieved with light therapy.[58]

[edit] Preventing ischemic damage

Melatonin has been shown to reduce tissue damage in rats due to ischemia in both the brain[59] and the heart;[60] however, this has not been tested in humans.

[edit] Learning, memory and Alzheimer's

Melatonin receptors appear to be important in mechanisms of learning and memory in mice,[61] and melatonin can alter electrophysiological processes associated with memory, such as long-term potentiation (LTP). The first published evidence that melatonin may be useful in Alzheimer's disease was the demonstration that this neurohormone prevents neuronal death caused by exposure to the amyloid beta protein, a neurotoxic substance that accumulates in the brains of patients with the disorder.[62] Melatonin also inhibits the aggregation of the amyloid beta protein into neurotoxic microaggregates which seem to underlie the neurotoxicity of this protein, causing death of neurons and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the other neuropathological landmark of Alzheimer's disease.[63]

Melatonin has been shown to prevent the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein in rats. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein can also result in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Studies in rats suggest that melatonin may be effective for treating Alzheimer's disease.[64] These same neurofibrillary tangles can be found in the hypothalamus in patients with Alzheimer's, adversely affecting their bodies' production of melatonin. Those Alzheimer's patients with this specific affliction often show heightened afternoon agitation, called sundowning, which has been shown in many studies to be effectively treated with melatonin supplements in the evening.[65]

Delirium

A randomized placebo-controlled trial, showed that low dose (0.5 mg) melatonin supplementaion to elderly patients admitted to acute Medicine services, significantly reduced delirium.[66]

[edit] ADHD

Research shows that after melatonin is administered to ADHD patients on methylphenidate, the time needed to fall asleep is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the effects of the melatonin after three months showed no change from its effects after one week of use.[67]

[edit] Fertility

A research team in Italy has found that melatonin supplementation in the evening in perimenopausal women produces an improvement in thyroid function and gonadotropin levels, as well as restoring fertility and menstruation and preventing the depression associated with the menopause.[68] However, at the same time, some resources warn women trying to conceive not to take a melatonin supplement.[69] One study reported that three mg of melatonin taken in the evening raised prolactin levels in six out of seven women.[70] Melatonin also lowers FSH levels. It is believed that these hormonal changes could in some women impair fertility.[1]

[edit] Toxicology

Melatonin has a very low toxicity in rats. Rat maternal toxicity: the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) and lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) were 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, and the developmental toxicity NOAEL was >= 200 mg/kg/day.[71]

[edit] Headaches

Several clinical studies indicate that supplementation with melatonin is an effective preventive treatment for migraines and cluster headaches.[72][73]

[edit] Mood disorders

Melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating one form of depression, seasonal affective disorder,[74] and is being considered for bipolar and other disorders where circadian disturbances are involved.[75] It has been observed that bipolar disorder might have, as a "trait marker" (something which is characteristic of being bipolar, that does not change with state), supersensitivity to light, i.e. a greater decrease in melatonin secretion in response to light exposure at night.[76] This could be contrasted with drug-free recovered bipolar patients not showing light hypersensitivity.[77]

[edit] Cancer

A systematic review of unblinded clinical trials involving a total of 643 cancer patients using melatonin found a reduced incidence of death.[78] Another clinical trial is due to be completed in 2012.[79] Melatonin levels at night are reduced to 50% by exposure to a low-level incandescent bulb for only 39 minutes, and it has been suspected that women with the brightest bedrooms have an increased risk for breast cancer.[80] Reduced melatonin production has been proposed as a likely factor in the significantly higher cancer rates in night workers.[81]

[edit] Gallbladder stones

Melatonin presence in the gallbladder has many protective properties, such as converting cholesterol to bile, preventing oxidative stress, and increasing the mobility of gallstones from the gallbladder.[82] It also decreases the amount of cholesterol produced in the gallbladder by regulating the cholesterol that passes through the intestinal wall. In guinea pigs, melatonin administration restored normal function by reducing inflammation after induced Cholecystitis, whether administered before or after onset of inflammation.[82] Relatively speaking, concentration of melatonin in the bile is 2–3 times higher than the otherwise very low daytime melatonin levels in the blood across many diurnal mammals, including humans.[83]

[edit] Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In animal models, melatonin has been shown to ameliorate glutamate-induced neuronal death, possibly due to its antioxidant effects. In a clinical safety study involving 31 ALS patients, high-dose rectal melatonin (300 mg/day for 2 years) was shown to be tolerated well.[84]

[edit] Obesity

Melatonin is involved in energy metabolism and body weight control in small animals. Many studies show that chronic melatonin supplementation in drinking water reduces body weight and abdominal fat in experimental animals, especially in the middle-aged rats.[85] Interestingly, the weight loss effect of melatonin does not require the animals to eat less and to be physically more active. A potential mechanism is that melatonin promotes the recruitment of brown adipose tissue (BAT) as well as enhances its activity.[86] This effect would raise the basal metabolic rate by stimulating thermogenesis, heat generation through uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Whether the results of animal studies can be extrapolated to human obesity is a matter of future clinical trials since substantially active BAT has been identified in adult humans.

[edit] Other

Histologically, it is believed that melatonin has some effects for sexual development in higher organisms.[87] It is involved in the seasonal timing of reproduction in rodents, at least.

Melatonin increases proliferation of cultured neural stem cells obtained from mice nervous tissue.[88]

Exogenous melatonin has also been used in a small clinical trial by Kunz D and Bes F to treat Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, a common neurological condition which, when severe, adversely affects sleep and causes excessive daytime fatigue. The sufferer is affected by mini arousals (often without noticing) during sleep when the limb movements occur in a frequent rhythmic fashion, often involving leg kicking but sometimes also involving the arms. Partners are often the first to notice the condition. In the trial, 7 out of the 9 taking part showed significant improvement.[citation needed]

A veterinarian may recommend melatonin for dogs suffering from aggression or separation anxiety.[citation needed]

Helped relieve some symptoms of IBS[89]

[edit] Use as medication

A bottle of melatonin tablets

The hormone melatonin is used to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders and some types of insomnia.

Studies have found that the use of melatonin can help entrain the circadian clock to environmental cycles and have beneficial effects for the treatment of certain forms of insomnia.[90] Prolonged release melatonin has shown good results in treating insomnia in older adults.[91]

Other studies have found that for certain types of sleep disorders, melatonin is not effective. A 2006 review found that although it is safe for short term use (of three months or less), there is "no evidence that melatonin is effective in treating secondary sleep disorders or sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction, such as jet lag and shiftwork disorder."[92] However, a 2004 review found that melatonin significantly increased total sleep time in people suffering from sleep restriction.[32]

In another study, researchers concluded that while "there is some evidence to suggest that melatonin is effective in treating delayed sleep phase syndrome", ... "There is evidence to suggest that melatonin is not effective in treating most primary sleep disorders with short-term use (4 weeks or less)."[93]

[edit] Dosage

Studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have said that melatonin pills sold as supplements contain three to ten times the amount needed to produce the desirable physiologic nocturnal blood melatonin level for a more rapid sleep onset. Dosages are designed to raise melatonin levels for several hours[citation needed] to enhance quality of sleep, but some studies suggest that smaller doses (for example 0.3 mg as opposed to 3 mg) are just as effective.[94]

Large doses of melatonin can even be counterproductive: Lewy et al.[95] provide support to the "idea that too much melatonin may spill over onto the wrong zone of the melatonin phase-response curve" (PRC). In one of their blind subjects, 0.5 mg of melatonin was effective while 20 mg was not.[95][96]

[edit] Availability and safety

Melatonin is available without prescription in most cases in the United States and Canada, while it is available only by prescription or not at all in some other countries. The hormone may be administered orally, as capsules, tablets or liquid, sublingually, or as transdermal patches.

[edit] Dietary supplement

In the USA, because it is sold as a dietary supplement and not as a drug, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations that apply to medications are not applicable to melatonin.[4] However, new FDA rules required that by June 2010 all production of dietary supplements must comply with "current good manufacturing practices" (cGMP), and be manufactured with "controls that result in a consistent product free of contamination, with accurate labeling."[97] In addition, the industry has been required to report to the FDA "all serious dietary supplement related adverse events" and the FDA has, within the cGMP guidelines, recently begun enforcement of that requirement.

[edit] Pediatrics

While the packaging of melatonin often warns against use in children, at least one long-term study[98] does assess effectiveness and safety in children. No serious safety concerns were noted in any of the 94 cases studied by means of a structured questionnaire for the parents. With a mean follow up time of 3.7 years, long-term medication was effective against sleep onset problems in 88% of the cases.

[edit] Prolonged release for older patients

Melatonin is available as a prolonged-release prescription drug, trade-name Circadin, manufactured by Neurim Pharmaceuticals. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved Circadin 2 mg (prolonged-release melatonin) for patients who are aged 55 or over, as monotherapy for the short-term treatment (up to 13 weeks) of primary insomnia characterized by poor quality of sleep.[99]

[edit] Side effects

Melatonin appears to cause very few side effects in the short term, up to three months, when healthy people take it at low doses. A systematic review[100] in 2006 looked specifically at efficacy and safety in two categories of melatonin usage: first, for sleep disturbances which are secondary to other diagnoses and, second, for sleep disorders such as jet lag and shift work which accompany sleep restriction.

The study concluded that There is evidence that melatonin is safe with short term use.

A similar analysis[93] by the same team a year earlier on the efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin in the management of primary sleep disorders found that: There is evidence to suggest that melatonin is safe with short-term use (3 months or less).

Some unwanted effects in some people, especially at high doses (~3 mg/day or more) may include: headaches, nausea, next-day grogginess or irritability, hormone fluctuations, vivid dreams or nightmares[101] and reduced blood flow.

While no large, long-term studies which might reveal side effects have been conducted, there do exist case reports about patients who have taken melatonin for years.[102]

Melatonin can cause somnolence (drowsiness), and therefore caution should be shown when driving, operating machinery, etc.

In individuals with auto-immune disorders, there is concern that melatonin supplementation may ameliorate or exacerbate symptoms due to immunomodulation.[103][104]

Individuals who experience orthostatic intolerance, a cardiovascular condition that results in reduced blood pressure and blood flow to the brain when a person stands, may experience a worsening of symptoms when taking melatonin supplements, a study at Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center suggests. Melatonin can exacerbate symptoms by reducing nerve activity in those who experience the condition, the study found.[105]

The use of melatonin derived from animal pineal tissue may carry the risk of contamination or the means of transmitting viral material. The synthetic form of this medication does not carry this risk.[4][106]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Melatonin

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.sleepdex.org/melatonin.htm
  2. ^ Caniato R, Filippini R, Piovan A, Puricelli L, Borsarini A, Cappelletti EM (2003). "Melatonin in plants". Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 527: 593–7. PMID 15206778
  3. ^ a b Paredes SD, Korkmaz A, Manchester LC, Tan DX, Reiter RJ (2009). "Phytomelatonin: a review". Journal of Experimental Botany 60 (1): 57–69. doi:10.1093/jxb/ern284. PMID 19033551
  4. ^ a b c Altun A, Ugur-Altun B (2007). "Melatonin: therapeutic and clinical utilization". Int. J. Clin. Pract. 61 (5): 835–45. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2006.01191.x. PMID 17298593
  5. ^ Boutin JA, Audinot V, Ferry G, Delagrange P (August 2005). "Molecular tools to study melatonin pathways and actions". Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 26 (8): 412–9. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2005.06.006. PMID 15992934
  6. ^ a b Hardeland R (July 2005). "Antioxidative protection by melatonin: multiplicity of mechanisms from radical detoxification to radical avoidance". Endocrine 27 (2): 119–30. doi:10.1385/ENDO:27:2:119. PMID 16217125
  7. ^ Reiter RJ, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Tan DX, Burkhardt S (June 2001). "Free radical-mediated molecular damage. Mechanisms for the protective actions of melatonin in the central nervous system". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 939: 200–15. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03627.x. PMID 11462772
  8. ^ a b Challet E (December 2007). "Minireview: Entrainment of the suprachiasmatic clockwork in diurnal and nocturnal mammals". Endocrinology 148 (12): 5648–55. doi:10.1210/en.2007-0804. PMID 17901231
  9. ^ Maestroni GJ (March 2001). "The immunotherapeutic potential of melatonin". Expert Opin Investig Drugs 10 (3): 467–76. doi:10.1517/13543784.10.3.467. PMID 11227046
  10. ^ Conti A, Conconi S, Hertens E, Skwarlo-Sonta K, Markowska M, Maestroni JM (May 2000). "Evidence for melatonin synthesis in mouse and human bone marrow cells". J. Pineal Res. 28 (4): 193–202. doi:10.1034/j.1600-079X.2000.280401.x. PMID 10831154. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=0742-3098&date=2000&volume=28&issue=4&spage=193
  11. ^ a b Hattori A, Migitaka H, Iigo M, et al. (March 1995). "Identification of melatonin in plants and its effects on plasma melatonin levels and binding to melatonin receptors in vertebrates". Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International 35 (3): 627–34. PMID 7773197
  12. ^ a b c Coates, Paul M. (2005). Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. Marc R. Blackman, Gordon M. Cragg, Mark Levine, Joel Moss, Jeffrey D. White. CRC Press. pp. 457–466. ISBN 0824755049. http://books.google.com/?id=Sfmc-fRCj10C&pg=PA457&lpg=PA457&dq=Lerner+melatonin+history. Retrieved 2009-03-31. 
  13. ^ Ratzburg, Courtney (Undated). "Melatonin: The Myths and Facts". Vanderbilt University. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/melatonin.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-02. 
  14. ^ USPS. "Country Conditions for Mailing — Germany". http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/fh_011.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-15. 
  15. ^ Filadelfi AM, Castrucci AM (May 1996). "Comparative aspects of the pineal/melatonin system of poikilothermic vertebrates". Journal of Pineal Research 20 (4): 175–86. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.1996.tb00256.x. PMID 8836950
  16. ^ Sugden D, Davidson K, Hough KA, Teh MT (October 2004). "Melatonin, melatonin receptors and melanophores: a moving story". Pigment Cell Research 17 (5): 454–60. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2004.00185.x. PMID 15357831
  17. ^ Lerner AB, Case JD, Takahashi Y (1960). "Isolation of melatonin and 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid from bovine pineal glands". J Biol Chem 235: 1992–7. PMID 14415935
  18. ^ Lynch HJ, Wurtman RJ, Moskowitz MA, Archer MC, Ho MH (January 1975). "Daily rhythm in human urinary melatonin". Science 187 (4172): 169–71. doi:10.1126/science.1167425. PMID 1167425
  19. ^ a b Tan D.X., L.D. Chen, B. Poeggeler, L.C. Manchester, R.J. Reiter (1993) Melatonin: a potent, endogenous hydroxyl radical scavenger. Endocrine J. 1: 57-60
  20. ^ Arendt, Josephine (August 2005). "Melatonin: Characteristics, Concerns, and Prospects" (Review). J Biol Rhythms (SagePub) 20 (4): 291–303. doi:10.1177/0748730405277492. "There is very little evidence in the short term for toxicity or undesirable effects in humans. The extraordinary “hype” of the miraculous powers of melatonin in the recent past did a disservice to acceptance of its genuine benefits.". 
  21. ^ Arendt, Josephine (12). "Melatonin, Circadian Rhythms, and Sleep" (Editorial). N Engl J Med (The New NEJM) 343: 1114–1116. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200010123431510. Retrieved 2010-11-30. 
  22. ^ Tan DX, Hardeland R, Manchester LC, Paredes SD, Korkmaz A, Sainz RM, Mayo JC, Fuentes-Broto L, Reiter RJ. | The changing biological roles of melatonin during evolution: from an antioxidant to signals of darkness, sexual selection and fitness. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2010 Aug;85(3):607-23.| PMID 20039865
  23. ^ Lincoln GA, Andersson H, Loudon A (October 2003). "Clock genes in calendar cells as the basis of annual timekeeping in mammals—a unifying hypothesis". The Journal of Endocrinology 179 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1790001. PMID 14529560
  24. ^ a b Arendt J, Skene DJ (2005). "Melatonin as a chronobiotic". Sleep Med Rev 9 (1): 25–39. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2004.05.002. PMID 15649736. "Exogenous melatonin has acute sleepiness-inducing and temperature-lowering effects during 'biological daytime', and when suitably timed (it is most effective around dusk and dawn) it will shift the phase of the human circadian clock (sleep, endogenous melatonin, core body temperature, cortisol) to earlier (advance phase shift) or later (delay phase shift) times.". 
  25. ^ CM Chaturvedi (1984). "Effect of Melatonin on the Adrenl and Gonad of the Common Mynah Acridtheres tristis". Australian Journal of Zoology 32 (6): 803–809. doi:10.1071/ZO9840803. http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/ZO9840803.htm
  26. ^ Chen H (1981). "Spontaneous and melatonin-induced testicular regression in male golden hamsters: augmented sensitivity of the old male to melatonin inhibition". Neuroendocrinology 33 (1): 43–6. doi:10.1159/000123198. PMID 7254478
  27. ^ Nayak SK, Jegla T, Panda S (January 2007). "Role of a novel photopigment, melanopsin, in behavioral adaptation to light". Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 64 (2): 144–54. doi:10.1007/s00018-006-5581-1. PMID 17160354
  28. ^ Roberts JE (2005). "Update on the positive effects of light in humans". Photochem. Photobiol. 81 (3): 490–2. doi:10.1562/2004-12-02-IR-391. PMID 15656701
  29. ^ Richardson G (2005). "The human circadian system in normal and disordered sleep". J Clin Psychiatry 66 Suppl 9: 3 – 9; quiz 42–3. PMID 16336035
  30. ^ Perreau-Lenz S, Pévet P, Buijs R, Kalsbeek A (2004). "The biological clock: the bodyguard of temporal homeostasis". Chronobiol Int 21 (1): 1–25. doi:10.1081/CBI-120027984. PMID 15129821
  31. ^ Ardura, Julio; Gutierrez, R; Andres, J; Agapito, T (2002). "Emergence and Evolution of the Circadian Rhythm of Melatonin in Children" (Free abstract). Hormone Research (S. Karger AG, Basel) 59 (2): 66–72. doi:10.1159/000068571. PMID 12589109. http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=68571. Retrieved 2009-11-08. 
  32. ^ a b c Buscemi, N. et al. (2004). "Melatonin for Treatment of Sleep Disorders. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 108" (Review). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/melatsum.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-25. 
  33. ^ Terman
  34. ^ Wirz-Justice, A; Benedetti, F; Terman, M (2009). Chronotherapeutics for Affective Disorders: A Clinician’s Manual for Light and Wake Therapy. Basel: Karger. ISBN 978-3-8055-9120-1
  35. ^ Brainard GC, Hanifin JP, Greeson JM, Byrne B, Glickman G, Gerner E, Rollag (August 15, 2001). "Action spectrum for melatonin regulation in humans: evidence for a novel circadian photoreceptor". J Neurosci. 15;21 (16): 6405–12. PMID 11487664
  36. ^ Kayumov L, Casper RF, Hawa RJ, Perelman B Chung SA, Sokalsky S, Shipiro (May 2005). "Blocking low-wavelength light prevents nocturnal melatonin suppression with no adverse effect on performance during simulated shift work". J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 90 (5): 2755–61. doi:10.1210/jc.2004-2062. PMID 15713707
  37. ^ a b Dun-Xian Tan, Lucien C. Manchester, Maria P. Terron, Luis J. Flores, Russel J. Reiter (2007). "One molecule, many derivatives: a never-ending interaction of melatonin with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species?". Journal of Pineal Research 42 (1): 28–42. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.2006.00407.x. PMID 17198536
  38. ^ Poeggeler B, Saarela S, Reiter RJ (1994). "Melatonin—a highly potent endogenous radical scavenger and electron donor: new aspects of the oxidation chemistry of this indole accessed in vitro". Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 738: 419–20. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1994.tb21831.x. PMID 7832450
  39. ^ Tan DX, Manchester LC, Reiter RJ, Qi W, Karbownik M, Calvo JR (2000). "Significance of melatonin in anti oxidative defense system: reactions and products". Biol Signals Recept 9 (3–4): 137–59. doi:10.1159/000014635. PMID 10899700
  40. ^ Karbownik M, Reiter R, Cabrera J, Garcia J (2001). "Comparison of the protective effect of melatonin with other antioxidants in the hamster kidney model of estradiol-induced DNA damage". Mutat Res 474 (1–2): 87–92. PMID 11239965
  41. ^ Tütüncüler F, Eskiocak S, Başaran UN, Ekuklu G, Ayvaz S, Vatansever U (2005). "The protective role of melatonin in experimental hypoxic brain damage". Pediatr Int 47 (4): 434–9. doi:10.1111/j.1442-200x.2005.02085.x. PMID 16091083
  42. ^ Ward Dean, John Morgenthaler, Steven William Fowkes (1993). Smart Drugs II: The Next Generation : New Drugs and Nutrients to Improve Your Memory and Increase Your Intelligence (Smart Drug Series, V. 2). Smart Publications. ISBN 0-9627418-7-6
  43. ^ Anisimov V, Alimova I, Baturin D, Popovich I, Zabezhinski M, Rosenfeld S, Manton K, Semenchenko A, Yashin A (2003). "Dose-dependent effect of melatonin on life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female SHR mice". Exp Gerontol 38 (4): 449–61. doi:10.1016/S0531-5565(02)00240-1. PMID 12670632
  44. ^ Oaknin-Bendahan S, Anis Y, Nir I, Zisapel N (1995). "Effects of long-term administration of melatonin and a putative antagonist on the ageing rat". Neuroreport 6 (5): 785–8. doi:10.1097/00001756-199503270-00020. PMID 7605949
  45. ^ Carrillo-Vico A, Guerrero J, Lardone P, Reiter R (2005). "A review of the multiple actions of melatonin on the immune system". Endocrine 27 (2): 189–200. doi:10.1385/ENDO:27:2:189. PMID 16217132
  46. ^ Arushanian E, Beier E (2002). "Immunotropic properties of pineal melatonin". Eksp Klin Farmakol 65 (5): 73–80. PMID 12596522
  47. ^ Carrillo-Vico A, Reiter RJ, Lardone PJ (2006). "The modulatory role of melatonin on immune responsiveness". Curr Opin Investig Drugs 7 (5): 423–31. PMID 16729718
  48. ^ Maestroni GJ (2001). "The immunotherapeutic potential of melatonin". Expert Opin Investig Drugs 10 (3): 467–76. doi:10.1517/13543784.10.3.467. PMID 11227046
  49. ^ Maestroni G (1999). "Therapeutic potential of melatonin in immunodeficiency states, viral diseases, and cancer". Adv Exp Med Biol 467: 217–26. PMID 10721059
  50. ^ Carrillo-Vico A, Lardone PJ, Fernández-Santos JM (2005). "Human lymphocyte-synthesized melatonin is involved in the regulation of the interleukin-2/interleukin-2 receptor system". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 90 (2): 992–1000. doi:10.1210/jc.2004-1429. PMID 15562014
  51. ^ Cutolo M, Maestroni GJ (2005). "The melatonin-cytokine connection in rheumatoid arthritis". Ann. Rheum. Dis. 64 (8): 1109–11. doi:10.1136/ard.2005.038588. PMID 16014678
  52. ^ a b c Lewis, Alan (1999). Melatonin and the Biological Clock. McGraw-Hill. pp. 23. ISBN 0879837349
  53. ^ Melke J, Botros HG, Chaste P (2008). "Abnormal melatonin synthesis in autism spectrum disorders". Mol Psychiatry 13 (1): 90–8. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4002016. PMID 17505466
  54. ^ Lewy A, Sack R, Miller L, Hoban T (1987). "Antidepressant and circadian phase-shifting effects of light". Science 235 (4786): 352–4. doi:10.1126/science.3798117. PMID 3798117
  55. ^ Uz T, Akhisaroglu M, Ahmed R, Manev H (2003). "The pineal gland is critical for circadian Period1 expression in the striatum and for circadian cocaine sensitization in mice". Neuropsychopharmacology 28 (12): 2117–23. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1300254. PMID 12865893
  56. ^ Weichselbaum, Simone (2010-02-07). "New melatonin-based drinks help restless sleepers hit the hay with just a gulp - but pack hormones". Daily News (New York). http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/02/07/2010-02-07_these_drinksll_knock_you_out_dozeinducing_concoctions_include_dose_of_hormones.html
  57. ^ Chronobiotics: Selected Agents of Potential Value in Jet Lag and other Dyschronisms, H. W. Simpson, of Glasgow University, in Chronobiology: Principles and Application to Shifts in Schedules, ed: L.E. Sheving and F. Hagberg, Springer, Berlin, 1979. Retrieved September 23, 2009.
  58. ^ Mundey K, Benloucif S, Harsanyi K, Dubocovich ML, Zee PC (October 2005). "Phase-dependent treatment of delayed sleep phase syndrome with melatonin". Sleep 28 (10): 1271–8. PMID 16295212
  59. ^ Lee MY, Kuan YH, Chen HY, Chen TY, Chen ST, Huang CC, Yang IP, Hsu YS, Wu TS, Lee EJ. Intravenous administration of melatonin reduces the intracerebral cellular inflammatory response following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Pineal Res. 2007 Apr;42(3):297 – 309. PMID 17349029
  60. ^ Dominguez-Rodriguez A, Abreu-Gonzalez P, Garcia-Gonzalez MJ, Kaski JC, Reiter RJ, Jimenez-Sosa A. A unicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study of Melatonin as an Adjunct in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary Angioplasty The Melatonin Adjunct in the acute myocardial infarction treated with Angioplasty (MARIA) trial: Study design and rationale. Contemp Clin Trials. 2006 Oct 17. PMID 17123867.
  61. ^ Larson J, Jessen R, Uz T, Arslan A, Kurtuncu M, Imbesi M, Manev H (2006). "Impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation in melatonin MT2 receptor-deficient mice". Neurosci Lett 393 (1): 23–6. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2005.09.040. PMID 16203090
  62. ^ Pappolla MA, Sos M, Omar RA, Bick RJ, Hickson-Bick DL, Reiter RJ, Efthimiopoulos S, Robakis NK. (1997). "Melatonin prevents death of neuroblastoma cells exposed to the Alzheimer amyloid peptide". J Neurosci 17 (5): 1683–1690. PMID 9030627
  63. ^ Pappolla M, Bozner P, Soto C, Shao H, Robakis NK, Zagorski M, Frangione B, Ghiso J. (1998). "Inhibition of Alzheimer beta-fibrillogenesis by melatonin". J Biol Chem 273 (13): 7185–7188. PMID 9516407
  64. ^ Wang X, Zhang J, Yu X, Han L, Zhou Z, Zhang Y, Wang J (2005). "Prevention of isoproterenol-induced tau hyperphosphorylation by melatonin in the rat". Sheng Li Xue Bao 57 (1): 7–12. PMID 15719129
  65. ^ Volicer L, Harper D, Manning B, Goldstein R, Satlin A (2001). "Sundowning and circadian rhythms in Alzheimer's disease". Am J Psychiatry 158 (5): 704–11. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.158.5.704. PMID 11329390
  66. ^ Al-Aama, T., Brymer, C., Gutmanis, I., Woolmore-Goodwin, S. M., Esbaugh, J. and Dasgupta, M. , Melatonin decreases delirium in elderly patients: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, n/a. doi: 10.1002/gps.2582
  67. ^ Tjon Pian Gi CV, Broeren JP, Starreveld JS, Versteegh FG (2003). "Melatonin for treatment of sleeping disorders in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a preliminary open label study". Eur J Pediatr. 162 (7): 554–555. doi:10.1007/s00431-003-1207-x. PMID 12783318
  68. ^ Bellipanni G, DI Marzo F, Blasi F, Di Marzo A (2005). "Effects of melatonin in perimenopausal and menopausal women: our personal experience". Ann N Y Acad Sci 1057 (Dec): 393–402. doi:10.1196/annals.1356.030. PMID 16399909
  69. ^ "Melatonin". About.com: Sleep Disorders: 4. 
  70. ^ Terzolo M, et al., 1993."Evening administration of melatonin enhances the pulsatile secretion of prolactin but not of LH and TSH in normally cycling women." Clinical Endocrinology, 39(2):185–191.
  71. ^ Jahnke G, Marr M, Myers C, Wilson R, Travlos G and Price C, 1999. "Maternal and developmental toxicity evaluation of melatonin administered orally to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats." Toxicological Sciences,50(2):271-9. PMID: 10478864.
  72. ^ Dodick D, Capobianco D (2001). "Treatment and management of cluster headache". Curr Pain Headache Rep 5 (1): 83–91. doi:10.1007/s11916-001-0015-0. PMID 11252143
  73. ^ Gagnier J (2001). "The therapeutic potential of melatonin in migraines and other headache types". Altern Med Rev 6 (4): 383–9. PMID 11578254
  74. ^ http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/sad-melatonin.cfm
  75. ^ Bhattacharjee, Yudhijit (14 September 2007). "Is Internal Timing Key to Mental Health?" (PDF). ScienceMag (AAAS) 317: 1488–90. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/images/Al-Lewy-Science.pdf. Retrieved 2008-02-18. 
  76. ^ Lewy AJ, Nurnberger JI, Wehr TA (June 1985). "Supersensitivity to light: possible trait marker for manic-depressive illness". Am J Psychiatry 142 (6): 725–7. PMID 4003592. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=4003592
  77. ^ Whalley LJ, Perini T, Shering A, Bennie J (July 1991). "Melatonin response to bright light in recovered, drug-free, bipolar patients". Psychiatry Res 38 (1): 13–9. doi:10.1016/0165-1781(91)90048-T. PMID 1658841
  78. ^ Mills E, Wu P, Seely D,4; Guyatt G, E; Wu, P; Seely, D; Guyatt, G (2005). "Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis". Journal of pineal research 39 (4): 360. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.2005.00258.x. PMID 16207291. http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/jpin/abstract.00005208-200511000-00005.htm
  79. ^ CCNM. Current Research.
  80. ^ Navara, KJ; Nelson, RJ (2007). "The dark side of light at night: physiological, epidemiological, and ecological consequences" (Review, PDF: full text). J. Pineal Res. 43 (43): 215–224. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.2007.00473.x. PMID 17803517. http://www.psy.ohio-state.edu/nelson/documents/JPinealRes2007.pdf. Retrieved 2008-05-07. 
  81. ^ Schernhammer E, Rosner B, Willett W, Laden F, Colditz G, Hankinson S (2004). "Epidemiology of urinary melatonin in women and its relation to other hormones and night work". Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 13 (62): 936–43. PMID 15184249
  82. ^ a b Koppisetti S, Jenigiri B, Terron MP (October 2008). "Reactive oxygen species and the hypomotility of the gall bladder as targets for the treatment of gallstones with melatonin: a review". Dig. Dis. Sci. 53 (10): 2592–603. doi:10.1007/s10620-007-0195-5. PMID 18338264
  83. ^ Tan D, Manchester LC, Reiter RJ, Qi W, Hanes MA, Farley NJ (October 1999). "High physiological levels of melatonin in the bile of mammals". Life Sci. 65 (23): 2523–9. doi:10.1016/S0024-3205(99)00519-6. PMID 10622237. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0024320599005196
  84. ^ Weishaupt, J. H.; et al (November 2006). "Reduced oxidative damage in ALS by high-dose enteral melatonin treatment". J Pineal Res. 41 (4): 313–23. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.2006.00377.x. PMID 17014688. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17014688. Retrieved 2010-07-03. 
  85. ^ Wolden-Hanson T, Mitton DR, McCants RL, Yellon SM, Wilkinson CW, Matsumoto AM, Rasmussen Daily melatonin administration to middle-aged male rats suppresses body weight, intraabdominal adiposity, and plasma leptin and insulin independent of food intake and total body fat.Endocrinology.141 (2)487-497, 2000 PMID=10650927.
  86. ^ Tan DX, Manchester LC, Fuentes-Broto L, Paredes SD, Reiter RJ. Significance and application of melatonin in the regulation of brown adipose tissue metabolism: relation to human obesity.Obes Rev. 2010 Jun 16. [Epub ahead of print | PMID 20557470
  87. ^ From Ross' Histology and Wheater's Functional Histology.Template:Full citations needed
  88. ^ Areechun Sotthibundhu1, Pansiri Phansuwan-Pujito, Piyarat Govitrapong (2010). “Melatonin increases proliferation of cultured neural stem cells obtained from adult mouse subventricular zone”. Journal of Pineal Research 49 (3): 291-300. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2010.00794.x
  89. ^ Basu P.P., Pacana T., Shah N., Hampole H., Krishnaswamy N., Rayapudi K. "Role of melatonin in colonic motility in irritable bowel syndrome - Constipation MIMI-C-a double blinded randomized placebocontrol clinical trial" Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2010 22 SUPPL. 1 (67)
  90. ^ Turek FW, Gillette MU (November 2004). "Melatonin, sleep, and circadian rhythms: rationale for development of specific melatonin agonists". Sleep Med. 5 (6): 523–32. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2004.07.009. PMID 15511698
  91. ^ Wade AG, Ford I, Crawford G (October 2007). "Efficacy of prolonged release melatonin in insomnia patients aged 55–80 years: quality of sleep and next-day alertness outcomes". Curr Med Res Opin 23 (10): 2597–605. doi:10.1185/030079907X233098. PMID 17875243
  92. ^ Buscemi, Nina; Vandermeer, B; Hooton, N; Pandya, R; Tjosvold, L; Hartling, L; Vohra, S; Klassen, TP et al. (2006-02-18). "Efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for secondary sleep disorders and sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction: meta-analysis". BMJ 332 (7538): 385–393. doi:10.1136/bmj.38731.532766.F6. PMID 16473858. PMC 1370968. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/332/7538/385. Retrieved 2008-05-17. 
  93. ^ a b Buscemi N, Vandermeer B, Hooton N, et al. (December 2005). "The efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for primary sleep disorders. A meta-analysis". Journal of General Internal Medicine 20 (12): 1151–8. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2005.0243.x. PMID 16423108
  94. ^ Zhdanova I, Wurtman R, Regan M, Taylor J, Shi J, Leclair O (2001). "Melatonin treatment for age-related insomnia". J Clin Endocrinol Metab 86 (10): 4727–30. doi:10.1210/jc.86.10.4727. PMID 11600532
  95. ^ a b Lewy AJ, Emens JS, Sack RL, Hasler BP, Bernert RA (2002). "Low, but not high, doses of melatonin entrained a free-running blind person with a long circadian period". Chronobiol Int. 19 (3): 649–58. doi:10.1081/CBI-120004546. PMID 12069043
  96. ^ Sack, Robert L.; Richard W. Brandes, Adam R. Kendall, Alfred J. Lewy (October 2000). "Entrainment of Free-Running Circadian Rhythms by Melatonin in Blind People" (Full text). New England Journal of Medicine (343): 1070–77. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200010123431503#t=article. Retrieved 2010-12-01. 
  97. ^ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2007-06-22). "FDA Issues Dietary Supplements Final Rule". Press release. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2007/ucm108938.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  98. ^ Hoebert M, van der Heijden KB, van Geijlswijk IM, Smits MG (August 2009). "Long-term follow-up of melatonin treatment in children with ADHD and chronic sleep onset insomnia". Journal of Pineal Research 47 (1): 1–7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-079X.2009.00681.x. PMID 19486273
  99. ^ Medical News Today Circadin (Prolonged-Release Melatonin) For Primary Insomnia Recommended For Approval In The EU (27 Apr 2007)
  100. ^ Buscemi, Nina; Vandermeer, B; Hooton, N; Pandya, R; Tjosvold, L; Hartling, L; Vohra, S; Klassen, TP et al. (2006-02-18). "Efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for secondary sleep disorders and sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction: meta-analysis". BMJ 332 (7538): 385–393. doi:10.1136/bmj.38731.532766.F6. PMID 16473858. PMC 1370968. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/332/7538/385. Retrieved 2008-05-17. 
  101. ^ "melatonin cautions". www.melatonin.com. http://www.melatonin.com/melatonin-cautions.php
  102. ^ Sack, Robert L.; Brandes, RW; Kendall, AR; Lewy, AJ (12 October 2000). "Entrainment of Free-Running Circadian Rhythms by Melatonin in Blind People". The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of MEDICINE 343 (15): 1070–1077. doi:10.1056/NEJM200010123431503. PMID 11027741. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/343/15/1070. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  103. ^ Morera A, Henry M, de La Varga M (2001). "Safety in melatonin use". Actas Esp Psiquiatr 29 (5): 334–7. PMID 11602091
  104. ^ Terry PD, Villinger F, Bubenik GA, Sitaraman SV (January 2009). "Melatonin and ulcerative colitis: evidence, biological mechanisms, and future research". Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 15 (1): 134–40. doi:10.1002/ibd.20527. PMID 18626968
  105. ^ Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (September 2003). "Study Shows Melatonin Supplements May Make Standing A Hazard For The Cardiovascular-Challenged" (DOC). Press release. http://www.hmc.psu.edu/news/pr/2003/sept/Ray_melatonin.doc. Retrieved 2006-07-21.  (MS Word Format)
  106. ^ "Melatonin Information from Drugs.com". http://www.drugs.com/melatonin.html

[edit] External links

[show]v · d · eMelatonergics
Receptor
ligands
Agomelatine • LY-156,735 • Melatonin • NAS (Normelatonin) • Ramelteon • Tasimelteon
Enzyme
inhibitors
AANAT inhibitors
 
ASMT inhibitors
 
 
Others
L-Tryptophan5-HTPSerotoninNAS (Normelatonin)
[show]v · d · eNeurotransmitters
Amino acids
Endocannabinoids
Gasotransmitters
Monoamines
Purines

Adenosine · ADP · AMP · ATP

Trace amines
Others
See also Template:Neuropeptides
[show]v · d · eAntioxidants
[show]v · d · eDietary supplements
Types
Vitamins and
"minerals" (chemical elements)
Other common ingredients
Related articles
[show]v · d · eEndocrine system: hormones (Peptide hormones · Steroid hormones)
Endocrine
glands
Other end.
glands
Non-end.
glands
[show]v · d · eHypnotics/Sedatives (N05C)
GABAA receptor
Ultrashort-acting
Short/intermediate-
acting
Long-acting
Ungrouped
Short-acting
Intermediate-acting
Long-acting
Dialkylphenols
Alpha-2 adrenergic
receptor
Melatonin receptor
Melatonin
Agomelatine • Melatonin • Ramelteon • Tasimelteon
Histamine receptor &
Acetylcholine receptor
5-HT2A &
α1-adrenergic
Selective 5-HT2A & α1-adrenergic antagonists
GABAB receptor /
GHB receptor
GHB Type
Orexin receptors
Orexin antagonists
Other receptors/
ungrouped
Other
#WHO-EM. ‡Withdrawn from market. Clinical trials: †Phase III. §Never to phase III

M: PSO/PSI

dsrd (o, p, m, p, a, d, s), sysi/epon, spvo

proc, drug(N5A/5B/5C/6A/6B/6D)

[show]v · d · eAntidepressants (N06A)
[show] Specific reuptake inhibitors (RIs), enhancers (REs), and releasing agents (RAs)
Others
[showReceptor antagonists and/or reuptake inhibitors
Serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs)
[showTricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs/TeCAs)
Tricyclics: Amezepine • Amineptine • Amitriptyline • Amitriptylinoxide • Azepindole • Butriptyline • Cianopramine • Clomipramine • Cotriptyline • Cyanodothiepin • Demexiptiline • Depramine/Balipramine • Desipramine • Dibenzepine • Dimetacrine • Dosulepin/Dothiepin • Doxepin • Enprazepine • Fluotracen • Hepzidine • Homopipramol • Imipramine • Imipraminoxide • Intriptyline • Iprindole • Ketipramine • Litracen • Lofepramine • Losindole • Mariptiline • Melitracen • Metapramine • Mezepine • Naranol • Nitroxazepine • Nortriptyline • Noxiptiline • Octriptyline • Opipramol • Pipofezine • Propizepine • Protriptyline • Quinupramine • Tampramine • Tianeptine • Tienopramine • Trimipramine; Tetracyclics: 7-OH-Amoxapine • Amoxapine • Aptazapine • Azipramine • Ciclazindol • Ciclopramine • Esmirtazapine • Loxapine • Maprotiline • Mazindol • Mianserin • Mirtazapine • Oxaprotiline • Setiptiline/Teciptiline
[showMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Nonselective: Irreversible: Benmoxin • Echinopsidine • Iproclozide • Iproniazid • Isocarboxazid • Mebanazine • Metfendrazine • Nialamide • Octamoxin • Phenelzine • Pheniprazine • Phenoxypropazine • Pivalylbenzhydrazine • Safrazine • Tranylcypromine; Reversible: Caroxazone • Paraxazone; MAOA-Selective: Irreversible: Clorgyline; Reversible: Amiflamine • Bazinaprine • Befloxatone • Befol • Brofaromine • Cimoxatone • Esuperone • Harmala Alkaloids (Harmine, Harmaline, Tetrahydroharmine, Harman, Norharman, etc) • Methylene Blue • Metralindole • Minaprine • Moclobemide • Pirlindole • Sercloremine • Tetrindole • Toloxatone • Tyrima; MAOB-Selective: Irreversible: Ladostigil • Mofegiline • Pargyline • Rasagiline • Selegiline; Reversible: Lazabemide • Milacemide
[showAzapirones and other 5-HT1A receptor agonists
[showDietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc)
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) • Fish oil • Folic acid (Vitamin B9) • L-5-HTP (Oxitriptan) • L-DOPA (Levodopa) • L-Methionine • L-Phenylalanine • L-Tryptophan • L-Tyrosine • Lithium • Magnesium • Melatonin • Niacin/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) • Omega-3 fatty acids • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) • Rubidium • SAMe • Zinc
[showResearch compounds and miscellaneous agents
BU-48 • Buprenorphine • BW373U86 • DPI-287 • Heroin • Kratom • SNC-80
Agomelatine • Melatonin • Ramelteon • Tasimelteon

M: PSO/PSI

dsrd (o, p, m, p, a, d, s), sysi/epon, spvo

proc, drug(N5A/5B/5C/6A/6B/6D)

[show]v · d · eDrugs from TiHKAL
[show]v · d · eTryptamines

2-Methyl-5-HT • 4-Acetoxy-DET • 4-Acetoxy-DIPT • 4-Acetoxy-DMT • 4-HO-αMT • 4-HO-DIPT • 4-HO-MET • 4-MeO-DMT • 4-Methyl-αET • 4-Methyl-αMT • 5-Benzyloxytryptamine • 5-Bromo-DMT • 5-Carboxamidotryptamine • 5-Fluoro-αMT • 5-HO-αMT • 5-HTP • 5-Fluoro-DMT • 5-Methyl-DMT • 5-Methoxytryptamine • 5-MeO-7,N,N-TMT • 5-MeO-αET  • 5-MeO-αMT • 5-MeO-DALT • 5-MeO-DET • 5-MeO-DIPT • 5-MeO-DMT • 5-MeO-DPT • 5-MeO-MIPT • 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine • 7-Methyl-αET • 7-Methyl-DMT • αET • αMT • Aeruginascin • AL-37350A • BW-723C86 • Baeocystin • Bufotenidine • Bufotenin • DALT • Desformylflustrabromine • DET • DiPT • DMT • DPT • Ethocybin • EiPT • EMDT • Ethocin • FGIN-127 • FGIN-143 • Ibogaine • Iprocin • MET • MiPT • Miprocin • Melatonin • MS-245 • NAS • NMT • Norbaeocystin • Normelatonin • Oxypertine • PiPT • Psilocin • Psilocybin • Rizatriptan • Serotonin • Sumatriptan • Tryptamine • Tryptophan • Yohimbine • Yuremamine • Zolmitriptan

Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions