The natural sleep aid melatonin may be effective for more than simply helping jet-lagged individuals or those with insomnia catch up on their sleep. Ongoing research suggests that the natural supplement, which is available over the counter, may play a role in cancer treatment, delay of macular degeneration symptoms and even act as an anti-inflammatory. Always check with your doctor before using melatonin for any purpose.
Melatonin and Sleep
Over-the-counter melatonin is a synthetic form of the hormone found naturally in everyone's bodies. It is thought to play a role in regulating sleep patterns in both children and adults. People whose melatonin levels are low, or whose sleep cycles become disrupted, can turn to synthetic melatonin supplements to help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Because it is natural, melatonin has few side effects and is considered safe for most people.
Inflammation and Melatonin
Recent evidence suggests that supplemental melatonin may play a role in inflammation control. In a 2008 article featured in "Life Extension Magazine," Dr. Julius Goepp compares the effects of melatonin to traditional NSAID medications like ibuprofen. Goepp says that both work in the same way to prevent the body's inflammatory response, which can reduce swelling and may contribute to pain control. An advantage of melatonin over traditional NSAIDs is that it does not affect the stomach lining, making it less likely to cause upset stomach or other issues related to the stomach's protective coating. The research is still preliminary. MayoClinic.com reports that the research findings have been conflicting regarding melatonin's anti-inflammatory effects. However, its use as an anti-inflammatory does show promise.
Conditions
If melatonin is indeed effective, it could potentially be used for anything that a more traditional NSAID would work for. Goepp suggests that it could play a role in healing wounds as well as other soft tissue injuries throughout the body. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties may apply to other, less obvious conditions. For instance, melatonin's effect on inflammation could prevent further heart cell damage for people with cardiac conditions, and may offer some added protection against brain and spinal cord injuries. If you are interested in taking melatonin, check with your doctor, as some medications like NSAIDs and steroids, both traditionally used for inflammation control, may interact with the supplement.
Dosage Guidelines
Though melatonin's role in preventing and reducing inflammation looks promising, you should not replace any of your usual medications with the supplement without first consulting your doctor. Because melatonin is a dietary supplement, there is currently no universally recommended dose. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests starting with a low dose of around 0.3 mg, which is the same amount most people produce naturally every day. For insomnia or jet lag, UMMC recommends between 0.5 and 5 mg daily. However, the medical center makes no recommendation for anti-inflammatory use. Check with your doctor for more specific guidelines.
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