Melatonin – for an ‘Enlightened and Balanced Life’

By Body Satva Essentials Team                        www.bodysatva.com

Melatonin may be secreted by the pineal gland when it is dark, but ensures good quality deep sleep and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Melatonin has wide ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and longevity enhancing effects by activating Sirtuin1 and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Melatonin is a powerful endogenous antioxidant; more potent than Vitamin C & E, Glutathione and NADH. It’s metabolites are even more powerful in scavenging free radicals and preventing protein oxidation. The metabolites provide a cascading antioxidant effect due to which a single molecule of Melatonin can scavenge up to 10 ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) / RNS (Reactive Nitrogen Species) molecules.[1]

Melatonin is a good chelating agent. Melatonin is able to chelate toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead and aluminium. [1]

Melatonin and its metabolites exert a range of anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing NF kappa B signalling pathways. Melatonin and its metabolites modulate NF kappa B and its downstream pro-inflammatory target genes such as iNOS, COX-1, COX-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), glia and fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which contributed to the pathophysiology of many diseases. Melatonin exerts cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects on human chondrocytes by blocking the activated NF kappa B pathways. [1]

Melatonin concentrations are low in chronic neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Exogenous melatonin treatment showed excellent neuroprotective effects as melatonin is a member of neuro immuno-endocrine regulator family, which is involved in circadian rhythm, immune and redox actions and also attributing to its potent capacity of anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation. [1]

Melatonin may help to delay neuronal aging, since it is an inducer of Situin1. The Sirtuins family of protein deacetylases are mediators of lifespan extension. This is an additional pathway through which Melatonin exerts its neuroprotective action. [2]

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays an important role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and neuronal plasticity. In a study to determine whether melatonin exerts beneficial effects on preserving SIRT1 activation following total sleep deprivation (TSD); Melatonin successfully preserved COX and SIRT1 expression. This suggests that Melatonin may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy directed for preventing the memory deficits resulting from TSD, possibly by effectively preserving the metabolic function and neuronal plasticity engaged in maintaining cognitive activity.[3]

Numerous studies have shown that stress increases Cortisol levels, which is associated with lower night time levels of Melatonin. This in turn leads to disturbed sleep or sleep deprivation. Many relaxation techniques, meditation, reading or soothing music are known to reduce stress levels and help in onset of sleep. Exogenous Melatonin, Tryptophan and Theanine are known to help in improving sleep quality and duration, especially deep sleep.

Consuming Melatonin rich foods or exogenous supplementation (after puberty), balanced diet, adequate exercise, stress reduction techniques and sleeping habits that are in harmony with the natural circadian rhythms may be an enlightened way to extend a healthy lifespan.

Prolong Youth by leading an ‘enlightened and balanced life’

Ref 1: Meng X et al, Nutrients 2017, 9, 367; 1-64

Ref 2: Tajes M et al, J Pineal Res. 2009; 47(3):228-37

Ref 3: Chang HM et al, J Pineal Res. 2009; 47(3):211-20

Disclaimer

Body Satva Essentials’ Team has taken maximum care to ensure authenticity of the information provided, by sourcing from reputed medical journals and books. Body Satva Essentials’ Team urges members to seek professional advice before commencing any regimen of diet, exercise and medication.