If you have ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colon, you may worry that certain foods and dietary supplements might aggravate your condition. But some supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin D and psyllium seed might ease your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Melatonin, a hormone most commonly used to alleviate jet lag and insomnia, might also ease your symptoms. Before you start using melatonin, though, talk with your doctor.
Properties and Uses
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and helps to regulate sleep. A synthetic form is available as a supplement and is sometimes used to treat ailments including migraine headaches, cancer, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease and seasonal affective disorder. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it might also help to reduce abdominal cramps, a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Pre-clinical Research
An animal study published in the March 2011 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" showed that melatonin helps to reduce inflammation of the colon, the part of the digestive tract that becomes inflamed and ulcerated in people with colitis. The authors concluded that melatonin might be a hopeful therapeutic agent for this condition. Research findings published in the September 2006 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" showed that melatonin might also help to reduce damage to the mucosal layer of the colon.
Clinical Study
Clinical studies evaluating the effects of melatonin on ulcerative colitis are limited. However, the results of a small study published in 2010 in the Russian medical journal, "Terapevtickeskii Arkhiv" showed that melatonin heightens the effect of medical treatments for ulcerative colitis and assists recovery of the colonic mucosa.
Safety Considerations
Melatonin may cause side effects including drowsiness. flushing, headache and an increased heart rate. Don't use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer such as breast or ovarian cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that melatonin might also increase symptoms of depression. In addition, it might reduce the effectiveness of other drugs, including blood-pressure medicines and immunosuppressants. Get medical clearance before using melatonin supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis; December 2008
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Melatonin; September 2010
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences"; Melatonin Expresses Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities Resulting in Complete Improvement of Acetic-Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats; G. Tahan, et al.; March 2011
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences"; The Effect of Melatonin on TNBS-Induced Colitis; A. Neceefli, et al.; September 2006
- "Terapevtickeskii Arkhiv"; Use of Melatonin in Combined Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; O. Rakhimova; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin; December 2009
