TECHNICAL SUMMARY SHEET Melatonin (VL412) Indications Melatonin has the following benefits: Promotes restful sleep Provides

es antioxidant protection May aid in jet lag symptoms Melatonin Background and Application Melatonin was discovered in 1958 by dermatologist Aaron Lerner, when he observed the whitened skin of tadpoles exposed to bovine pineal extracts. The name melatonin was thus derived from its ability to lighten melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin, or pigments). As a hormone secreted (but not stored) by the pineal gland in humans, it is also found in smaller amounts in some vegetables, fruits, rice, and wheat. Melatonin is involved in setting the circadian rhythms in mammals. It helps regulate reproductive, behavior and weight changes in seasonally breeding animals. A precursor for melatonin production, L-tryptophan (an essential amino acid) is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan, which becomes 5hydroxtryptamine or more commonly known as serotonin. Serotonin is then converted to melatonin. Most supplements are synthetically produced, but a few are derived from bovine sources1. Mechanisms of Action Serum melatonin levels reflect a circadian rhythm set by the internal clock in the hypothalamus named the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The clock is set to a 24-hour schedule regulated by light channeled through the retina to the brain where the signals are received. Dark messages send a signal to the brain to release more melatonin, whereas light signals impeded synthesis1. Melatonin may also possess antioxidant activity1,2,3 including inhibiting peroxidation of lipids induced by hyperhomocysteinemia3. Research Summaries

Sleep Disorders It has been proposed that melatonin may help in various sleep disorders, most notably in insomnia. Research shows that by supplementing melatonin to raise serum levels enough to mirror nocturnal levels, sleep may be induced. One study used 34 subjects who habitually used benzodiazepine for sleep support1. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study used 2 mg of melatonin for two groups either continuing or discontinuing concomitant benzodiazepine use. Sleep quality scores were significantly higher in the group receiving melatonin versus placebo. After six months, 19 out of 24 subjects who stopped benzodiazepine but kept melatonin therapy maintained a high sleep quality. Antioxidant Protection A number of studies show the antioxidant activity of melatonin. Ackay, et al reports that besides its antioxidant effect, melatonin prevents neuronal death induced by enhanced excitatory transmission in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, attenuates hippocampal neurodegeneration and oxidative stress.2 Our Product Our Melatonin 3 mg is synthetically produced from a reputable supplier well-known in the industry. Dosage The suggested dosage in the Physicians Desk Reference is 0.3 to 3 mg per day, for no more than 2 weeks, unless under medical supervision. Caution is advised for melatonin use in children due to a study which showed that in those children who had a history of seizures, seizure activity increased in those taking melatonin1. Specifications Product Name: Label Claim: How Supplied: Drop Count: Product Code: References
1. 2. The Physicians Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements, 2001. Medical Economics Company, Inc. Montvale, NJ. Akcay YD, et al. The effect of melatonin on lipid peroxidation and nitrite/nitrate levels, and on superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in kainic acid-induced injury. Nov 2005;Vol 10:321-329 Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters. Baydas G., et al. Melatonin improves learning and memory performances impaired by hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. Jun 7 2005;1046(1-2):187-94. Brain Research

Melatonin 3 mg Promotes Rest and Relaxation White vegetarian tablet 60 ct VL412

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