MELATONIN
August 1988
in “
Clinical endocrinology
”
TLDR Melatonin may help with sleep issues, depression, and cancer, but more research is needed.
The 1988 review on melatonin by J. Arendt discussed its synthesis from tryptophan, regulation by light-dark cycles, and roles in circadian rhythms and seasonal biological processes. Melatonin was found to influence reproductive cycles and coat growth in animals, and its secretion patterns in humans varied seasonally, potentially affecting reproductive function. Research suggested melatonin's potential in treating rhythm disturbances, jet-lag, and psychiatric conditions like depression and SAD, though results were mixed. Melatonin also showed promise in cancer treatment, particularly hormone-dependent tumors, by reducing tumor incidence in rats and suppressing cancer cell growth in vitro. The review emphasized the need for further research to clarify melatonin's therapeutic potential and mechanisms.
