Melatonin

Melatonin: Main Image

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the human biological clock.

  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for AmountWhy
Cluster HeadacheTake under medical supervision: 10 mg daily in the evening2 stars[2 stars] Taking melatonin before bedtime has been shown to reduce the frequency of cluster headaches.
Colon Cancer20 mg at bedtime2 stars[2 stars] If you have colon cancer, taking melatonin under medical supervision may help improve prognosis and quality of life.
Depression.25 to 10 mg daily under medical supervision 2 stars[2 stars] Melatonin might help relieve depression. However, there is a possibility that it could exacerbate depression, so it should only be used for this purpose under a doctor’s supervision.
HypertensionTake under medical supervision: 2 mg daily of sustained-released supplment at night 2 stars[2 stars] For people with night-time hypertension, supplementing with melatonin may reduce nighttime systolic blood pressure.
InsomniaTake under medical supervision: 0.5 to 3.0 mg daily one to two hours before bedtime 2 stars[2 stars] Taking melatonin before bedtime may help reset your body’s internal clock.
Insomnia and TinnitusTake under medical supervision: 3 mg dailly at bedtime2 stars[2 stars] Supplementing with melatonin may improve sleep quality and relieve other symptoms of severe tinnitus.
Irritable Bowel SyndromeTake under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime 2 stars[2 stars] Melatonin helps regulate gastro-intestinal function and sensation. In one trial, people with irritable bowel syndrome who took melatonin experienced significantly less severe abdominal pain.
Jet LagTake under medical supervision: 0.5 mg daily at bedtime for four days after arriving at your destination2 stars[2 stars] Taking melatonin at bedtime may improve sleep quality and daytime alertness.
Macular DegenerationTake under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime 2 stars[2 stars] In one trial, melatonin improved eye abnormalities in the majority of cases. It appears to work by regulating eye pigmentation and by functioning as an anti-oxidant.
Schizophrenia and Sleep DisturbancesTake under medical supervision: 2 mg daily of a controlled-release preparation before bedtime 2 stars[2 stars] Supplementing with melatonin appears to improve sleep quality and duration in people with schizophrenia.
Sunburn
(Vitamin C, Vitamin E)
Apply a formula containing 2% vitamin E, 5% vitamin C, and 1% to 2.5% melatonin before sun exposure2 stars[2 stars] A topically applied combination of melatonin, vitamin C, and vitamin E may boost the protection from traditional sunscreens.
Tardive DyskinesiaTake under medical supervision: 10 mg daily at bedtime2 stars[2 stars] Taking melatonin may help reduce abnormal movements.
Age-Related Cognitive DeclineRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Cognitive function is linked to adequate sleep and normal sleep-wake cycles, which are partially regulated by the hormone melatonin. The long-term effects of melatonin are unknown, use under a doctor’s supervision.
EpilepsyRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] A small, preliminary trial found that melatonin improved sleep and improved seizure symptoms among children with one of two rare seizure disorders.
FibromyalgiaRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia.
GlaucomaRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Supplementing with melatonin lowered intra-ocular pressure of healthy people in one study.
Lung CancerRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] In patients with advanced lung cancer who were given melatonin in one study, survival time was almost twice as long as survival in those not given melatonin.
Migraine HeadacheRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion may be disturbed in people with migraine headaches. Taking melatonin may correct this problem and reduce symptoms.
Prostate CancerRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Melatonin may help stabilise the condition of some people with advanced cancers.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.