Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large colon and rectum. The main symptom of colitis is watery diarrhea, but it may also cause abdominal pain, fever, fatigue and weight loss. There is no cure for colitis, but anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids and immunosuppressants can help to prevent flare-ups and may keep symptoms at bay. Melatonin might also help to reduce inflammation, but get medical advice before using it to treat ulcerative colitis.
Properties and Uses
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It regulates waking and sleeping, with its levels rising during mid- to late evening and then dropping in the early morning. Synthetic melatonin is also available in pills and is sometimes used to help alleviate jet lag, seasonal affective disorder, insomnia and chronic cluster headaches. An article published in the August 2005 issue of "Mediators of Inflammation" notes that it may also help to reduce colonic inflammation by down-regulating the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.
Colitis Research
Clinical trials evaluating the effects of melatonin on colitis are lacking. However, the results of an animal study published in the September 2006 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" show that melatonin helps to reduce colonic mucosal damage due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Subsequent animal research findings published in the March 2011 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" showed that it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and may be a hopeful therapeutic agent for colitis.
Administration
Melatonin supplements are available over-the-counter from health food stores and drugstores. Since melatonin supplements are not a standard treatment for colitis, guidance regarding a suitable dosage is limited. However, University of Michigan Health Systems notes that melatonin is usually taken in doses ranging from 0.2 mg to 20 mg. Ask your doctor for guidance regarding a suitable dose.
Safety Considerations
University of Michigan Health Systems notes that low-dose melatonin supplements are safe for short-term and long-term use, but adds that it may cause side effects, including daytime drowsiness, blood pressure changes and vivid dreams. It might also interact with other medicines. For example, it may make anti-depressants and blood pressure medications less effective. It might also increase the risk of bleeding so get medical advice before taking alongside anticoagulants or if you have a bleeding disorder.
References
- Bupa: Ulcerative Colitis; April 2010
- University of Michigan Health Systems: Melatonin; July 2010
- "Mediators of Inflammation"; Melatonin Reduces Inflammatory Injury Through Inhibiting NF-KappaB Activation in Rats With Colitis; J.H. Li, et al.; August 2005
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences"; The Effect of Melatonin on TNBS-Induced Colitis; A. Necefli, et al.; September 2006
- "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
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin; December 2009
