MELATONIN:

Agent for Rest and Rejuvenation By Dr.Konstantinos Mouroutis

Pineal Anatomy
Pineal gland

Pituitary gland

Pineal Gland Secretions

Epithalamin
Protein thought to increase learning capacity and slow down aging
Pineal Gland

Serotonin
Elevates mood and has influence on sleep and pain

Arginine Vasotocin
Potent protein capable of rapidly inducing deep sleep

Melatonin
The fix and rejuvenate night-time hormone

Fall in Melatonin Levels through Life

120
Melatonin (pg/ml)

100 80 60

40
20

10

20

30

40 50 Age (years)

60

70

80

Melatonin Supplement Effects

Helps insomnia
Especially in the elderly Decreases time to fall asleep by 14 minutes Improves sleep efficiency, but not total sleep time

Improves jet lag

When taken the day of the flight and continued for 5 days

Probable Effects of Melatonin

Protects against free radical damage from certain carcinogens, herbicides, and radiation Prevents or helps fight tumors Delays some effects of aging Immune enhancer

Probable Effects of Melatonin

Assists in coping with stress Increases the ability to experience pleasure Lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk of heart rhythm problems Lowers risk of osteoporosis

Control of Melatonin in England and Canada

England and Canada ban sale
Considered a drug, must be obtained from physician for specific medical condition

Control of Melatonin in the U.S.

U.S. Dietary Supplement
Due to a 1994 Act passed by Congress, FDA cannot review dietary supplements for effectiveness or safety. Manufacturers are not required to present evidence of purity or even to demonstrate that any melatonin is present in the product. Bottles in the U.S. do not identify the manufacturer proprietary info. Some melatonin products are made from bovine pineal glands. Recent analysis found that 4 of 6 melatonin products contained unspecified impurities.

Cautions and Unknowns of Melatonin Supplements

Purity Label accuracy regarding quantity Potential long term adverse effects Possible undesirable side effects of high doses, such as reduced fertility Possible dangerous interaction with prescription drugs

Factors Involved in the Production of Melatonin

The body does not store melatonin. A daily production is needed. Light/dark signals from the retina travel through the optical nerve to the brain where they combine with signals from our body clock, telling the gland to start and stop melatonin production. Melatonin can also be produced directly by the retina itself under conditions of darkness, with no involvement of the pineal gland.

Melatonin Level Variations Throughout the Day

80 70 Melatonin 60 ( pg/ml ) 50 40 30 20 10 0 2:00 PM Darkness 2:00 AM Time of Day 7:00 AM

Sleep is Better Before Midnight

Sleep is worth far more before than after midnight. Two hours good sleep before twelve oclock is worth more than four hours after twelve oclock

Ellen G White 7MR 224

Steps in the Production of Melatonin

1. The pineal gland draws tryptophan, an amino acid, from the blood.

Foods Rich in Tryptophan

(mg/100 grams)
Whole milk 46 Blackeyed Cowpeas Black Walnuts Almonds Seasame seeds Gluten flour Roasted pumpkin seeds Tofu

267 290 322 358 510 578 747

200

400

600

800

Steps in the Production of Melatonin

1. The pineal gland draws tryptophan, an amino acid, from the blood.
2. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the gland. This reaction is light-dependant.

Natural Light is Best for Melatonin Production

4.5 3.5 3.0 Melatonin (ng/liter) 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 10AM 2PM 6PM 10PM 2PM 6AM 10AM

Sunlight Natures Wonderful Healing Agent

Invalids too often deprive themselves of sunlight. This is one of natures most healing agents. It is very simple, therefore not a fashionable remedy, to enjoy the rays of Gods sunlight and beautify our homes with its presence. 2T 527

Older People Need More Sunlight

Vigor declines as years advance, leaving less vitality with which to resist unhealthful influences; hence the greater necessity for the aged to have plenty of sunlight and fresh, pure air. MH 275

Steps in the Production of Melatonin

1. The pineal gland draws tryptophan, an amino acid, from the blood.
2. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the gland. This reaction is light-dependant. 3. Serotonin is converted to melatonin.

4. Step 3 requires darkness, sufficient calcium, and Vitamin B-6

Calcium in Common Foods

Food Item Amount Calc (mg)

Oatmeal Lentils Quinoa grain Rutabagas Dandelion greens Mustard greens Baked beans Sesame seeds (dried) Blackstrap cane molasses Kale

1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 2Tbs. 1Tbs. 1c.

19 38 102 115 147 152 154 176 176 179

Calcium in Common Foods

Food Item Amount Calc (mg)

Turnip greens Filberts/Hazelnuts (dried) Green soybeans Figs (dried) Whole milk Amaranth grain Nonfat skim milk Collard greens Carob flour Lambsquarters

1c. 1c. 1c. 10 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c. 1c.

249 254 261 269 290 298 301 357 358 464

Foods High in Vitamin B6

(mg/100grams)
Lima beans Lentils English Walnut Banana Sesame seeds Sunflower seeds Artichoke hearts Sweet bell peppers

0.51 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.79 0.81 0.94 2.22 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

Foods High in Melatonin

(pico-grams/gram of food)
Barley Banana Tomatoes Ginger Rice Corn Oats

378 460 500 583 1006 1366 1796

500

1000

1500

2000

Lifestyle Factors that Reduce the Melatonin Peak

Stress
Caffeine
Cuts melatonin production in half for 6 hours

Alcohol
Up to 41 percent reduction

Tobacco

Drugs and Supplements that Reduce Melatonin

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Beta & Calcium Channel Blockers Anti-anxiety drugs & sleep aids Vitamin B12 (3 mg a day) Anti-depressants

Habits that Increase Melatonin Production

Increase exposure to natural light and minimize exposure to artificial light. Sleep in complete darkness. Eat foods rich in melatonin, tryptophan, and vitamin B6. Avoid a calcium deficiency. Restrict food intake in general. Practice fasting, especially in evening hours.(EnterochromaffinCells+Protein:2/3 Comes from body!Cell Tissue rich in Tryptophan)