Description

60 capsules, 3 mg

Melatonin controls the circadian rhythm; when sunlight hits the eyes, the pineal gland stops the production of Melatonin and we wake up.
As we grow older, the pineal gland calcifies and the secretion of Melatonin declines, thus causing the almost notorious sleeplessness of the elderly.

Since the pineal gland needs beta adrenergic nerve impulses to secrete Melatonin, the common blood pressure medication called Beta Blocker hinders the impulses needed to secrete. When travelling across several time zones, the circadian rhythm needs about 1 day to adjust 1 hour of time difference. It takes about 6 days to adjust to a 6 hour Jet Lag. When taking Melatonin at the new local bedtime, the internal clock is adjusted to the local time immediately.

It was discovered, that Melatonin has even more important functions than just regulating the circadian rhythm. It increases the body's antibody production. When mice were given a Beta Blocker to stop the secretion of Melatonin or when they were kept under constant lighting over a longer period of time, their antibody production was impaired, their thymic gland showed an impressive atrophy and their body size remained small.

One of the most important new findings is Melatonin's effect on breast cancer. There are different types of breast cancer with significant variations in their cause, manifestation, speed of development and rate of metastazation. The most common types of tumors are caused by the presence of Estrogen, an essential hormone in women responsible for adequate bone strength, sexual and reproductive function and a superb preventive agent against heart disease. Estrogen's carcinogenic effect is counteracted by Progesterone, the "sister hormone" that must be given along with Estrogen when treating Menopause. The Estrogen sensitive breast cancers are covered with Estrogen receptors. When Estrogen binds to these receptors, the cancer cells start to divide and the tumor proliferates rapidly. Melatonin competes with Estrogen for the receptors on the tumor. One study showed that the tumor growth was reduced by 75 % when Melatonin levels corresponded to normal, youthful levels during evening hours. Patients with a slow rate of tumor growth have a much higher Melatonin level than patients with a fast gowing tumor. Tamoxifen is a natural substance found in soy products. It is commonly used to stop the growth and recurrence of Estrogen sensitive breast cancers. It was shown that the pre treatment of these tumors with Melatonin enhances the effect of Tamoxifen 100 fold in inhibiting cancer growth. The health benefits of Melatonin reported by many patients range from improved quality of sleep, better resistance to infections, increased energy during the day, increased sex drive to prevention of time disorientation. Since Melatonin is the regulator of other neuroendocrine hormones (hormones regulated and secreted in the brain), it just might be one of the most important anti-aging hormones.

Dosage

People with jet lag and other sleep disorders should take 3 to 15 mg right before bed time. The best dosage for each individual varies and must be found out by starting with 3 mg and increasing up to a maximum of 15 mg if necessary. Some cases of hang over were reported, then the dosage must be lowered.