Clinical aspects of melatonin

Authors

• Russel J. Reiter, Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America. Tel. +1 (210) 5673859. Fax. +1 (210) 5676948. E-mail: reiter{at}uthscsa.edu
• Ahmet Korkmaz, Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America. Tel. +1 (210) 5673859. Fax. +1 (210) 5676948. E-mail: reiter{at}uthscsa.edu

Abstract

Melatonin is produced in the human pineal gland, particularly at night, with the circadian rhythm of blood melatonin levels closely paralleling its production within the pineal gland. Light exposure at night, or rapid transmeridian travel severely compromises the circadian production of melatonin. The disturbed melatonin rhythm contributes to jet lag and sleep inefficiency, both of which are improved by melatonin administration. Melatonin is also a highly effective direct free radical scavenger and antioxidant. In this capacity, melatonin reduces experimental cataractogenesis, traumatic injury to the spinal cord and brain, and protects against oxidative damage to neurons and glia in models of stroke, Parkinsonism, and Alzheimer9s disease. Additionally, melatonin and its metabolites are highly effective in protecting against ionizing radiation. Finally, melatonin may be a treatment for hypertension. Melatonin9s high efficacy, its high safety profile, and its virtual lack of toxicity make it of interest in clinical medicine.

Article Type

Review

First Page

1537

Last Page

1547

Recommended Citation

Reiter, Russel J. and Korkmaz, Ahmet (2008) "Clinical aspects of melatonin," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 29: Iss. 11, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.4523