Melatonin - NutraPedia

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Melatonin: Overview of Uses and Effects

1) Conditions Studied for Melatonin Use

Melatonin has been studied for various conditions, including:

Sleep disorders such as insomnia and jet lag
Shift work disorder
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Mood disorders such as depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Preoperative anxiety
Chronic pain conditions such as migraines
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
Cancer, as a supportive treatment

2) Effectiveness in Treating Conditions

Melatonin has been found to be effective in:

Improving sleep quality and regulating sleep patterns, particularly in the case of jet lag and certain sleep disorders.
Reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.
Possibly helping in the treatment of SAD and preoperative anxiety, although more research is needed.

However, its effectiveness can vary, and not all uses are supported by strong scientific evidence.

3) Health Benefits of Melatonin

Melatonin is associated with several health benefits, such as:

Regulating sleep-wake cycles
Antioxidant properties that may protect against cellular damage
Potential immune system support
May reduce symptoms of seasonal depression
Could reduce migraine frequency

4) Potential Downsides of Melatonin

While generally considered safe for short-term use, melatonin can have downsides, including:

Drowsiness or daytime sleepiness
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Potential interaction with various medications
Long-term effects are not well understood

5) Melatonin and Genetic Variations

Research suggests that genetic variations can influence how individuals respond to melatonin, including:

Genetic mutations in melatonin receptors can affect an individual's sensitivity to melatonin.
Some genetic differences may affect the metabolism of melatonin, impacting its effectiveness and potential side effects.
However, more research is needed to fully understand these interactions and their clinical significance.

Melatonin Research Summary

Effectiveness of Melatonin in Sleep Disorders

A meta-analysis encompassing 19 trials and 1,683 participants showed that melatonin reduced sleep latency by 7.06 minutes and increased total sleep time by 8.25 minutes. Higher doses and longer treatment durations enhanced the benefits. Melatonin was found to improve sleep quality in individuals with primary sleep disorders, presenting a modest yet sustained effect.

Impact of Melatonin on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

In a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials with 115 participants, melatonin improved overall IBS severity, pain severity, and quality of life, although it did not affect abdominal distension or sleep quality. Its safety profile was similar to placebo.

Melatonin's Role in Chronic Tinnitus Treatment

A clinical trial with 61 subjects demonstrated that melatonin significantly reduced tinnitus intensity and improved sleep quality, especially in specific patient subgroups such as men, bilateral tinnitus sufferers, and those not previously treated for tinnitus.

Melatonin Supplementation and Diabetes

A systematic review revealed that melatonin supplementation led to significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin resistance, indicating its potential as an adjunct treatment for diabetes.

Effects of Melatonin on Obesity

Analysis of 23 studies showed that melatonin supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, but no notable effects on BMI and waist circumference were observed.

Melatonin in Cancer Therapy

Research into melatonin's anticancer effects highlighted its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical applications for cancer treatment are being explored, although challenges remain regarding the mechanisms of action and in vivo studies.

Comparative Study of Hypnotic Drugs and Sleep

A network meta-analysis found that melatonin had a minor effect on adults but was beneficial for older adults in treating primary insomnia compared to other hypnotic drugs.

Melatonin Supplementation on BDNF Levels and Depression

Melatonin did not significantly alter BDNF concentrations but had a beneficial effect on depression, with decreased depression scores observed.

Melatonin's Role in REM Sleep

An increase in the percentage of REM sleep and improved daytime functioning was reported following melatonin treatment in outpatients with neuropsychiatric sleep disorders.

Melatonin in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinson's Disease

A study found that 4 mg of prolonged-release melatonin did not effectively reduce RBD symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Melatonin Supplementation in Breast Cancer Survivors

Melatonin did not result in significant changes in levels of estradiol, IGF-1, or IGFBP-3 in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

Melatonin as Preventive Treatment for Hemicrania Continua

Melatonin alone provided complete pain relief in less than 20% of patients with hemicrania continua but helped reduce indomethacin dosage when used in combination.

Melatonin and Sleep Efficiency in Emergency Medicine Residents

Melatonin showed limited benefits for improving sleep quality in emergency medicine residents working night shifts.

Exogenous Melatonin and Endogenous Production

Supplemental melatonin did not affect the quantity of natural melatonin production but could change its timing.

Melatonin's Impact on Hormonal Functions

Melatonin increased early evening fatigue and sleep but did not significantly impact hormone levels such as LH, GH, T4, and testosterone, except for an earlier decline in nocturnal PRL levels.

Melatonin's Interaction with Circadian Rhythms

Melatonin intake increased evening fatigue and altered prolactin rhythms but had no significant impact on other hormones or mood, suggesting a role in entraining alertness or fatigue.

Long-Term Use of Prolonged-Release Melatonin for Insomnia

Long-term PRM treatment for primary insomnia was effective and safe, without diminishing effectiveness over time or causing withdrawal symptoms or decreased natural melatonin production after discontinuation.

Umbrella Review of Melatonin's Health Effects

An umbrella review of 195 articles found that most research on melatonin's effects was of low methodological quality, with some evidence suggesting effects on sleep latency, pre-operative anxiety, and breast cancer risk.

Melatonin as a Natural Contraceptive

Research explores the use of melatonin as a contraceptive, with clinical trials in progress, aiming to replicate the natural release patterns of melatonin in long-day breeding species.

Pediatric Melatonin Ingestions

A significant increase in reported pediatric melatonin ingestions, including hospitalizations and serious outcomes, calls for increased public awareness and preventive measures.

Melatonin Content in Commercial Supplements

Commercial melatonin supplements showed wide variance in melatonin levels and the presence of serotonin, underscoring the need for stricter quality control.

Melatonin in Jet Lag Prevention and Treatment

Melatonin is highly effective in preventing or reducing jet lag, especially in adults flying across five or more time zones, particularly eastward. It is considered safe for short-term use.

Social Jetlag and Weight Gain in Men

Higher social jetlag is associated with an increased risk of weight gain in men, suggesting that managing social jetlag could be a strategy for weight control.

Melatonin in Edible Plants

Studies have found significant levels of melatonin in rice and various other common crops and beverages, suggesting dietary intake of plant-sourced melatonin could have health benefits.

Dietary Factors Affecting Melatonin Synthesis

The review discusses how the consumption of vegetables, caffeine, and certain vitamins and minerals, as well as light exposure, can influence melatonin production.

Melatonin in the Mediterranean Diet

Melatonin found in the traditional Mediterranean diet may contribute to the lower rates of chronic-degenerative diseases in Mediterranean populations.

Melatonin Content in Fruits

Various tomato and strawberry varieties were found to contain melatonin, with concentrations varying across different varieties and harvest years.

Walnuts and Melatonin

Walnuts contain melatonin, and their consumption can increase melatonin levels and antioxidant capacity in the blood.

Low-Dose Melatonin in Night-Time Milk

Small doses of melatonin in night-time milk might help increase daytime activity in the elderly.

Melatonin from Beer and Antioxidative Capability

Beer contains melatonin, and moderate intake can enhance the antioxidative capability of human serum.

Melatonin in Tart Cherries

Tart cherries contain significant amounts of melatonin, which may have health benefits related to melatonin intake.

Impact of Cannabinoids on Sleep and Appetite

THC-based products do not affect sleep or appetite, while CBD may decrease appetite without affecting sleep.

Comparative Effectiveness of Cannabinoids and Melatonin for Sleep Improvement

Low-dose CBD improves sleep quality but is not superior to melatonin, and adding CBN and CBC does not enhance the effects of CBD or melatonin isolates for sleep improvement.

Pharmaceutical-Grade CBD and Caffeine Metabolism

Pharmaceutical-grade CBD inhibits the enzyme CYP1A2, which metabolizes caffeine, leading to increased caffeine exposure.

Caffeine's Effect on Melatonin Pharmacokinetics

Caffeine significantly increases the bioavailability of orally administered melatonin by inhibiting CYP1A2 enzyme activity.

Melatonin and Male Reproductive Function

Studies show melatonin's role in males includes influencing gonadotropin secretion, regulating testosterone production, and acting as an antioxidant to protect reproductive health.

Melatonin Intake and Performance in Resistance Exercise

Melatonin intake before daytime resistance exercise might slightly lower growth hormone levels but does not affect immediate performance in maximal jumping or strength.

Long-Term Melatonin Use and Reproductive Hormones in Men

Long-term melatonin supplementation does not affect the secretion patterns of pituitary-gonadal hormones in healthy men, except for a first-night effect on REM sleep latency and percentage.

Melatonin and Reproductive Hormone Regulation in Men

Evening melatonin administration can reduce LH secretion in men the next day without affecting testosterone levels or the body's natural melatonin rhythm.

Effects of Melatonin on Male Reproductive Function

Long-term melatonin use might lead to reduced semen quality in some men, potentially due to melatonin's inhibition of aromatase at the testicular level.

References:

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