Melatonin. The focus of a media blitz from Good Morning America to Newsweek magazine to articles in our daily newspapers, and even 90 Minutes. Books and articles on the subject explode onto the scene almost weekly. Just what's all the hype about?

Cellular biologist Dr. Russell J. Reiter of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, can tell you. He has been researching melatonin for thirty years. His studies have led him to the conclusion that melatonin stands as the most powerful antioxidant molecule to be discovered yet a hormone that can preset the body's aging clock, turning back the ravages of time."(1) Scientitsts may be on the verge of discovering the real "Fountain of Youth" that Ponce de Leon only dreamed about.

The way it's being talked about, melatonin sounds like the "medical miracle" of the century. Judging by research findings on this hormone of the pineal gland, it just may be. Benefits range from its use as a gentle, effective sleeping aid to future birth control pills with no adverse side effects.(1) That is more than can be said about any medication.

THE PINEAL GLAND AND MELATONIN
Scientists once thought of the pineal gland as the "appendix of the brain," having little use in the neuroendocrine system. Then in the 1960s and 1970s, scientists such as Dr. Reiter began to unravel its mystery as the "biological clock" of the body.(2)

The Hindus referred to the pineal gland as the body's "third eye." Interestingly, it is a light-sensitive vestigial remnant of what actually was a third eye in lower animals.(3,4) Situated deep within the brain and connected by a direct pathway to the eyes, the pea-sized pineal gland controls our sleep/wake cycle, which scientists refer to as circadian rhythm.(4) It secretes almost undetectable amounts of the hormone melatonin in response to periods of light and darkness. The pineal gland produces melatonin only during darkness, while production is suppressed by bright light.(2,3,5)

Melatonin establishes the biological rhythm of every cell in the body. The presence of adequate amounts of melatonin induces sleep and may reduce anxiety, panic disorders and migraines.(5) Aruption of routine such as shift work, travel across more than three time zones (get lag?, or even an erratic daily schedule can reduce meltonin levels and desynchronize the body's internal biological clock.

Melatonin production rises sharply from almost nothing at birth and peaks in late childhood, falling dramatically just before puberty and declining more gradually into old age.(6) This accounts for the increased incidence of insomnia among the elderly. Today, melatonin ranks as one of the most important hormones, possibly even the "master hormone" stimulating the release of a wide variety of other hormones from the pituitary gland.(2,4)

FREE-RADICAL FIGHTER
Researchers have discovered melatonin to have the most powerful antioxidant properties of any free-radical fighter. Cellular oxidative damage by free radicals has been linked to formation of cataracts as well as other degenerative conditions.(4,7,8) Melatonin scavenges and neutralizes the most damaging free redical, the hydroxyl radical, five times better than gluathione, and is twice as effective in deactivating the peroxyl radical as vitamin E. It also stimulates glutathione peroxidase activity and inhibits nitric oxide synthase, thereby reducing the production of the highly toxic hydroxyl and nitric oxide free radicals.(7) These findings point to the anti-aging role of melatonin and its relationship to prevention of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease.

IMMUNE ENHANCER
Melatonin also boosts immune function through both its antioxidant action and its relationship with the thymus gland.(4) When melatonin was added to the night-time drinking water of older mice, it not only significantly extended their life span, but also kept them disease-free by improving their immune response. Melatonin increased thymus size and cellular activity, strengthening the immune system.(4) Other studies have demonstrated melatonin's immune-enhancing ability in strengthening antibody response, knocking out viruses, moderating the effects of corticosteroid overproduction in response to stress, and rejuvenating thyroid function which influences T-cell production. Transplanting pineal glands from young to older mice also restored youthful zinc levels which are essential for immune function.(4)

MELATONIN/CANCER CONNECTION
Recent research has shown that melatonin may have a powerful effect on protection against and treatment of cancer, including breast, cervical and prostate cancers.(11,12) Low melatonin levels seem to parallel cancer growth.(2,4,13) Melatonin is a potent oncostatic agent, preventing both the initiation and promotion of cancer.(14) Exposure to electromagnetic fields has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, not directly but as a result of suppressing the nocturnal rise in melatonin levels.(4) Melatonin (10 mg./night) has also been proven to amplify the immune effects of interleukin 2 (IL-2) treatment for cancer and to significantly reduce its toxicity and side effects.(4, 15)

NATURE'S SLEEPING PILL
Low melatonin levels have been correlated with sleep disturbances and insomnia, particularly in the elderly.(2,4,9) Since the FDA banned L-tryptophan supplements several years ago, many insomniacs have resorted to either over- the-counter or prescription drugs as sleeping aids. However, these drugs interfere with the REM phase of sleep, often leaving the person unrested even after hours of sleep. They may help you fall asleep, but they prevent you from having the right kind of sleep.(2) Other drugs (such as alpha- and beta-blockers, NSAIDs, sedatives, some tranquilizers, and anti-psychotic drugs) can actually reduce melatonin levels as well.(2,3) The patient may then find that he has entered a vicious cycle where he requires more medication to promote sleep. Endogenous melatonin, on the other hand, is naturally derived from tryptophan and serotonin.(10) This most likely is the reason that melatonin supplements assist in achieving good quality sleep patterns, without the "drugged" feeling of sleeping medications. Jet lag, a sleep/wake disturbance caused by travel across more than three time zones, responds successfully to melatonin supplementation. The traveler should take the supplement before bedtime at the new location and also avoid bright light, as well as caffeine and alcohol intake, at that time.(2,4)

MELATONIN AND SAD
Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) have an abnormal seasonal variation and suppression of melatonin by light.(15) During winter, the decreased duration of daylight somehow alters the circannual rhythm of SAD patients. Light therapy and melatonin supplementation have proved beneficial in many cases.(4)

ANTI-AGING MIRACLE
After cross-transplantation (switching) the pineal glands of young and older mice, Lesnikov and Pierpaoli demonstrated that the pineal gland is indeed the body's "aging clock." Within five months, it extended the life span and enlarged the thymus glands of the older mice given the young pineal glands, while significantly aging the younger mice with the older pineal glands. In a series of repeated experiments, one group of old mice was given melatonin in their night-time water while the other group did not receive extra melatonin. Evidence of melatonin’s effect on the treated mice showed up as thick, shiny coats of hair, cataract-free eyes, improved digestion, and increased strength, energy and muscle tone with behavior of mice half their age.(4) Most of the untreated mice developed all the expected signs and symptoms of old age and died of cancer significantly earlier than the treated mice, none of which suffered from cancer. In addition, the treated mice displayed sexual interest and capacity until their death, which was the human equivalent of adding 25 extrayears to their life span!(4)

RECOMMENDATIONS
A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and tryptophan-containing foods, as well as supplemental antioxidants will help support the immune system. Eating regular meals and following a regular schedule will strengthen melatonin ryhthms.(2) Recommendations for melatonin supplementation vary from 1 mg. (age 40) to 5 mg. (over age 75) at bedtime, or the amount necessary for a good night's rest.(4)

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