Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 23, 2024 5 months, 2 weeks, 4 days, 17 hours, 22 minutes ago
Medical News: Melatonin is a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep. It's produced in the brain's pineal gland, but it also comes from other parts of the body like the retina, gut, liver, kidneys, and more. This hormone is vital in managing the body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, which dictates our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production increases with darkness and decreases with light, making it crucial for healthy sleep patterns.
Melatonin: A Potential Ally for Heart And Vascular Health
Melatonin's Broader Benefits
Recent studies by researchers from University of Coimbra-Portugal that are covered in this
Medical News report, have revealed that melatonin does more than just help us sleep. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. Additionally, melatonin has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is often a precursor to various diseases.
Melatonin and Vascular Health
Melatonin plays a significant role in maintaining vascular health. The endothelium, a thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels, is crucial for regulating blood flow and preventing conditions like atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Melatonin helps protect these endothelial cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can damage blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular diseases.
The Role of Melatonin in Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular diseases. Melatonin has been found to help manage diabetes by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and regulating blood sugar levels. This makes melatonin a potential ally in preventing diabetes-related vascular issues.
Melatonin's Mechanisms of Action
Melatonin works in multiple ways to protect the cardiovascular system:
-Antioxidant Properties: Melatonin directly scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell damage.
-Anti-inflammatory Effects: It decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins involved in inflammation) and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels.
-Regulation of Blood Pressure: Melatonin helps regulate blood pressure by promoting the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
-Protection Against Atherosclerosis: Melatonin prevents the build-up of plaques in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Research Highlights
Several studies have highli
ghted melatonin's potential benefits for heart health:
-Antioxidant Activity: Melatonin's ability to neutralize free radicals helps protect the heart and blood vessels from oxidative damage.
-Anti-inflammatory Action: By reducing inflammation, melatonin helps prevent endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
-Blood Pressure Regulation: Research shows that melatonin can help lower blood pressure, particularly in people with nocturnal hypertension (high blood pressure at night).
Melatonin Supplementation
Melatonin supplements are widely available and often used to treat sleep disorders. However, their potential benefits extend beyond sleep. Melatonin supplements could be beneficial for people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or high blood pressure. The typical dosage ranges from 1 to 10 mg per day, but it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Safety and Side Effects
Melatonin is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people might experience mild side effects like daytime drowsiness, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues. Long-term safety data is limited, so it's crucial to use melatonin under medical supervision, especially for extended periods.
Conclusion
Melatonin is a multifaceted hormone with significant potential benefits for cardiovascular health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to regulate blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis, make it a promising candidate for preventing and managing heart diseases. Ongoing research continues to explore melatonin's full potential, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to enhance cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/747
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