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Dietary Melatonin: an alternative to synthetic preparations?
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Rebecca E. Baghurst, Roger W. Coghill,
03/11/2005
Coghill Research Laboratories, Lower Race, Pontypool, UK. NP4 5UH. Tel: (44)-1495-752122
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Abstract:
There is increasing evidence in the literature that the pineal hormone melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) can have beneficial effects on the health of human subjects, including cases of sleep disorders, jet lag, free radical disorders and cancer. A number of studies show that melatonin is found in plants at varying but significant concentrations. Research shows that animal subjects fed with melatonin-rich fodder results in a rise in their plasma melatonin levels. In addition melatonin from plant extracts has been shown to bind to rabbit brain receptors.
In view of this evidence further research into plant melatonin may provide valuable information not only on the role of melatonin in the plant kingdom, but also important comparative information for those with an interest in nutraceuticals and medicinal foodstuffs, where it may become a useful adjuvant in chemotherapy and in the treatment of serious diseases.
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Keywords:
melatonin, antioxidants, chemotherapy, cancer, ELF electric fields, plant neutraceuticals, organic food supplements, anti-aging, sleep disturbance
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