Abstract:
Melatonin is the principle hormone produced and secreted by the pineal gland. In an artificially synthesized form, melatonin is available as a preventative or a treatment for jet lag, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and certain types of depression. Melatonin is also the single most powerful anti oxidant.
Biochemistry:
The pineal gland, through its secretion of melatonin, is responsible for maintaining circadian rhythm (the body's biological clock), regulating the endocrine (hormonal) system, and maintaining the integrity of the immune system. The level of secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland is heavily influenced by sunlight. At night, the amount normally secreted varies significantly, one or more of the following symptoms can occur: disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle, headache, mental and physical fatigue, and irritability. Called jet-lag' when it occurs after crossing more than two time zones in a plane, this syndrome can also be caused by working rotating shifts and by experiencing other disruptions to a normal sleep/wake cycle. Some people with "seasonal affective disorder" (SAD) experience this syndrome when the low sunlight levels at certain times of the year (winter in northern areas) are not sufficient for their pineal glands to decrease melatonin production to normal low daytime levels.
INDICATIONS
Many people can safely benefit from melatonin supplementation for the following conditions: jet lag, symptoms similar to jet lag as a result of working a rotating shift, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
INSOMNIA
People without sleep disorders should take melatonin approximately one hour before going to bed. People with insomnia may wish to take melatonin 2-3 hours before the time they wish to fall asleep. For people wanting to fall asleep earlier than they currently do (including people trying to avoid jet lag), a melatonin supplement should be taken 2-3 hours before their new desired bedtime. The appropriate dosage can vary significantly from one person to another. For people under 40 without sleep disorders and who do not want to change their circadian rhythm, it is prudent to start with a small dose such as 1 mg. at the appropriate time People over 40 who wish to change their circadian rhythm may want to start with 2 mg. If the person finds that he has slept well but is drowsy in the morning, then cut the dose in half. If the dose had little or no sleep inducing effect, then increase the dose to 3 mg or more, until the desired effect is achieved.
In a supplement form, melatonin is considered to be non-toxic. However, melatonin supplements should not be taken by adolescents, pregnant or lactating women, people taking cortisone, or people with kidney disease.
Dean, W. et al ( ) Smart Drugs II. B & J Publications, Santa Cruz, CA. Maurizi, C. (1990) The therapeutic potential for tryptophan and melatonin: possible roles in depression, sleep, Alzheimer's disease and abnormal aging. Med Hypotheses 31(3): 233-42
Analyses:
Appearance: White to off-white solid
Assay: (HPLC) 101.4%
Impurities: complies
Ash: 0.01%
Water content: < 0.3%
Ethyl Acetate content: < 0.001%
Acetic Acid content: 0.001%
Bulk Density: 0.657 gm/cc
