Inflammation is a complex biological response of the immune cells and chemicals against foreign particles and pathogens. However, when your immune cells act against your own tissues and organs, it may lead to inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, tendinitis and fibromyalgia. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, redness, fever, chills and loss of appetite. Pain and corticosteroid medications may help manage inflammation. Certain supplements, such as melatonin, may also help treat inflammatory disorders.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a key role in maintaining the sleep-wake cycles of the body, and it also helps regulate the secretion of other hormones in the body and the menstrual cycle in women. Synthetic melatonin supplements are also available as capsules, tablets, cream and lozenges. Your doctor may recommend them to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, menopause, certain cancers, ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome. Your doctor may help determine a dose that is right for you, depending on your age, overall health and condition being treated.
How Melatonin Affects Inflammation
Melatonin supplements reduce the inflammation of the liver associated with old age, according to a December 2010 issue of the journal "Experimental Gerontology." An article in the December 2007 issue of the journal "American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology" also states that melatonin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in kidneys, and thereby prevents damage to the organ. A type of immune cells known as mast cells may also produce melatonin, indicating that they may play a major role in regulating inflammation, report the researchers of a study published in the September 2010 issue of the journal "Pharmacological Research." Some animal studies, such as one in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Pineal Research," point out that the hormone supplements can also prevent the inflammation of lungs in sleep-deprived animal models.
Side Effects
Melatonin supplements can cause side effects, such as dizziness, headache, irritability and stomach cramps. It can also lead to enlarged breasts and low sperm count in men. Too much melatonin may also disrupt your body clock and lead to vivid dreams. It may also interfere with certain antidepressant, antipsychotic and blood pressure medications.
Precautions
Do not use melatonin supplements without consulting your doctor, as they may lead to complications. Discuss your preexisting conditions and medications with your doctor in order to make an informed decision.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Melatonin
- "Experimental Gerontology"; Melatonin Improves Inflammation Processes in Liver of Senescence-Accelerated Prone Male Mice (SAMP8); Sara Cuesta, et al.; December 2010
- "American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology"; Melatonin Ameliorates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Proteinuria, and Progression of Renal Damage in Rats with Renal Mass Reduction; Yasmir Quiroz, et al.; December 2007
- "Pharmacological Research"; Evidence of Melatonin Synthesis and Release by Mast Cells. Possible Modulatory Role on Inflammation; M.D. Maldonado, et al.; September 2010
- "Journal of Pineal Research"; Melatonin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Inflammation in Sleep-Deprived Mice; Yang-Deok Lee, et al.; January 2009
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