4 replies to this topic

[zoolander]

Neurochem Int. 2007 Jan 13;

  Melatonin and the aging brain.

        * Bondy SC,
        * Sharman EH.

    Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Community & Environmental Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1825, USA.

    The events associated with brain aging are enumerated with emphasis on increased oxidative and inflammatory processes and on mitochondrial dysfunction. Several of these factors are further increased in a wide range of overt age-related neurological diseases. This generality has given impetus to concepts concerning similar therapeutic approaches common to a series of neurodegenerative disorders. Animal and cell culture models of several such disorders have benefited from the application of melatonin. The mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of melatonin are likely to involve activation of specific melatonin receptors. This can lead to modulation of transcription factors and consequent altered gene expression, resulting in enhancement of antioxidant enzymes and downregulation of basal levels of inflammation. Melatonin has potential utility both in slowing normal brain aging and in treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. This is reinforced by the low cost of melatonin and its very low toxic hazard.

    PMID: 17276551 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[zoolander]

J Pineal Res. 2007 Mar;42(2):153-8.

    Effect of melatonin on the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of healthy young and elderly subjects*.

        * Kedziora-Kornatowska K,
        * Szewczyk-Golec K,
        * Czuczejko J,
        * Lumen KM,
        * Pawluk H,
        * Motyl J,
        * Karasek M,
        * Kedziora J.

    Department and Clinic of Geriatrics, Medical College in Bydgoszcz, N. Copernicus University of Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

    The disturbances in pro- and antioxidant balance may play an important role in the pathomechanism of aging. The pineal hormone melatonin, which exerts effective antioxidative properties, is suggested to be involved in the aging process. The aim of this study was to compare the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of healthy young adults and elderly people, and to determine the influence of melatonin supplementation on measured parameters in both examined groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione levels as well as Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in erythrocytes and morning serum melatonin concentration in 14 healthy young adults and 14 healthy elderly people at baseline and after the 30th day of melatonin (5 mg daily) supplementation were determined. A significant age effect on increasing the MDA level and decreasing SOD-1, GSH-Px and GR activities as well as melatonin concentration was observed. Melatonin supplementation resulted in a significant increase in melatonin concentration, SOD-1 and GR activities and a decrease in the MDA level in both examined groups. These data indicate an age-related augmentation of oxidative stress in erythrocytes and the improvement of erythrocytic antioxidative defense by melatonin administration. These results might suggest melatonin supplementation to prevent age-related diseases and to prolong the lifespan and improve the quality of life of elderly people.

    PMID: 17286747 [PubMed - in process]

[shadowrun]

zoolander - Nice post

I was wondering if you could point to any long term studies on Melatonin use

After reviewing the info on various threads on the forum I started using 500 mg tabs about 2-3 nights a week and I beleive it is extremely effective -

I've been hedging towards cautious with it because I just haven't seen anything substantial regarding its the long term effects - It definately sounds like I should be using it more often to obtain greater benefit

[nikopol]

Wow, that seems like a lot. Most of the supplements I have seen are in much lower does like 3mg.

[zoolander]

That's most likely a typo Nikpol. What shadow run meant to type was 500 mcg