Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain and other organs, including eyes, bones and skins. The production of this hormone is stimulated by dark and suppressed by light. Melatonin is involved in sleep-awake cycle and sexual function. It also boosts the immune system and may protect against cancer, according to Drugs.com. Some studies also evaluated the benefits of melatonin specifically for prostate cancer. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and consider taking melatonin, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Melatonin and Prostate Cancer
Melatonin may help individuals who are suffering from prostate cancer. Men who have been diagnosed with this condition appear to have lower levels of melatonin compared with healthy men, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, melatonin may help kill the cancerous cells, based on preliminary studies.
For example, in a research study conducted by a Korean medical team and published in August 2009 issue of "Journal of Pineal Research," melatonin showed promising results as an anti-cancer therapy. In this study, the authors found that melatonin has the ability to induce the death of cancerous cells of the prostate.
In another study, published in March 2011 in the same journal, findings also indicate that melatonin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, by suppressing a substance called Sirt1 which is involved in the development of prostate cancer. The scientists also suggest that Sirt 1 is linked with the sleep-wake cycle, which is disturbed in cancer patients.
Melatonin and Chemo Drugs
Melatonin may enhance the effects of conventional drugs used for prostate cancer treatment, thus having the potential to be valuable in combination with standard therapy for managing prostate cancer.
Safety and Drug Interactions
Melatonin is a safe and well-tolerated supplement. In some cases, side effects like stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness and headaches may occur. This supplements should use cautiously if you suffer from depression, as melatonin may worsen symptoms of depression. Some men who use this supplement may experience low sex drive and decreased sperm count. Melatonin may interfere with some conventional drugs including antidepressants, blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medication used for high blood pressure, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out more about melatonin and optimal dosage needed for your condition. Keep in mind that melatonin does not replace and should not be used to replace standard therapy for prostate cancer. The FDA does not approve melatonin for treating prostate cancer.
References
- Drugs.com: Melatonin
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin
- "Journal of Pineal Research"; Melatonin Induces Apoptotic Death in LNCaP cells Via p38 and JNK Pathways: Therapeutic Implications for Prostate Cancer; S.S. Joo, et al.; August 2009
- "Journal of Pineal Research"; Melatonin, a Novel Sirt1 Inhibitor, Imparts Antiproliferative Effects Against Prostate Cancer in Vitro in Culture and in Vivo in TRAMP Model; B. Jung-Hynes, et al.; March, 2011
