Melatonin
In UK, Melatonin is calssed as a medicine and not avialable for sale over the counter, which is the case in some other countries, including USA, where it is classed as a dietary supplement.
This page will be updated soon.
This is a list of some of the research articles presently being evaluated. There are a number of others in the Alternative medicines publications that will require more evaluation.
Melatonin and its ubiquitous anticancer effects (Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 2019)
"From the epidemilogical research, it was postulated that Melatonin has significant apoptotic, angiogenic, oncostatic and anti-proliferative effects on various oncological cells."
"From the epidemilogical research, it was postulated that Melatonin has significant apoptotic, angiogenic, oncostatic and anti-proliferative effects on various oncological cells."
“Although small steps are being taken .., it is essential that multi-centered, blinded, well controlled studies be performed using adequate amounts of melatonin and for appropriate durations to determine melatonin's ability to defer or prevent certain diseases, as suggested by the numerous experimental studies that have been performed. This is especially important since prevention always trumps treatment. “
Melatonin in Prevention of the Sequence from Reflux Esophagitis to Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Experimental and Clinical Perspectives (International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2018)
“we provide some experimental and clinical evidence that supplementation therapy with melatonin could be useful in esophageal injury by protecting various animal models and patients with GERD from erosions, Barrett’s esophagus and neoplasia. “
Melatonin and gastrointestinal cancers: Current evidence based on underlying signaling pathways (European Journal of Pharmacology 2020)
“this review suggests that melatonin in combination with anticancer agents may improve the efficacy of routine medicine and survival rate of patients with cancer. “
“Evidence is provided that exogenous melatonin and that converted from its precursor, L-tryptophan, attenuates acute gastric lesions and accelerates ulcer healing via interaction with MT2 receptors due to an enhancement of gastric microcirculation, “
A proposal for evaluating this hypothesis: “Melatonin generated in the gastrointestinal tract has mucosal protective effect with inhibiting gastric acid secretion, while increasing gastrin release, which in turn stimulates the contractility of lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known to have association with sleep disturbance. “
The Mechanisms and Roles of Melatonin in GastroIntestinal Cancer (Frontieres in Oncology December 2022)
"Melatonin has been shown to afford esophago-protection via diverse mechanisms.
Firstly, it enhances tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. ...
Secondly, melatonin exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in EC. ...
Thirdly, melatonin is involved in the regulation of cell cycle."
Important information from U.S.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Is it safe to take melatonin?
For melatonin supplements, particularly at doses higher than what the body normally produces, there’s not enough information yet about possible side effects to have a clear picture of overall safety. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most people, but information on the long-term safety of supplementing with melatonin is lacking.
Also keep in mind:
Interactions with medicines
As with all dietary supplements, people who are taking medicine should consult their health care providers before using melatonin. In particular, people with epilepsy and those taking blood thinner medications need to be under medical supervision when taking melatonin supplements.
Possible allergic reaction risk
There may be a risk of allergic reactions to melatonin supplements.
Safety concerns for pregnant and breastfeeding women
There’s been a lack of research on the safety of melatonin use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Safety concerns for older people
The 2015 guidelines by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend against melatonin use by people with dementia.
Melatonin may stay active in older people longer than in younger people and cause daytime drowsiness.
Melatonin is regulated as a dietary supplement
In the United States, melatonin is considered a dietary supplement. This means that it’s regulated less strictly by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) than a prescription or over-the-counter drug would be. In several other countries, melatonin is available only with a prescription and is considered a drug.
Products may not contain what’s listed on the label
Some melatonin supplements may not contain what’s listed on the product label. A 2017 study tested 31 different melatonin supplements bought from grocery stores and pharmacies. For most of the supplements, the amount of melatonin in the product didn’t match what was listed on the product label. Also, 26 percent of the supplements contained serotonin, a hormone that can have harmful effects even at relatively low levels.
Page updated 2 August 2023