Melatonin

Melatonin is a powerful endogenous hydroxyl radical scavenger that controls circadian (daily) rhythms. Melatonin is synthesized at night in the pineal gland from serotonin. The depleting actions of MDMA on serotonin levels can diminish the formation of melatonin and its neuroprotective antioxidant actions on serotonin neurons.

Depressed levels of melatonin produce sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm desynchronization which can be remedied with melatonin supplements and by ingesting serotonin's direct precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan.

• Melatonin has attenuated methamphetamine-induced toxic effects on dopamine and serotonin terminals in mouse brain due to free radical activity. There are many similarities between MDMA and methamphetamine induced neurotoxicity.
• Melatonin can help resynchronize circadian rhythm imbalances from the misuse of MDMA, taking stimulant drugs and staying up late at night.

Additionally, Melatonin stimulates mRNA levels for superoxide dismutase and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, thereby increasing its antioxidative capacity.

The dosage of melatonin needs to be individually adjusted. If there is a persistent tiredness the following day, reduce the dosage of melatonin. Many people find this quickly dissipates by taking Brain B-12, methylcobalamin.

SPECIAL ONLINE PRICE
$6.00 per bottle (60 capsules - 3 mg)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

1. ODonnell E; Lynch MA. Dietary antioxidant supplementation reverses age-related neuronal changes. Neurobiol Aging, 19(5): 461-7, 1988
   
   
2. Levine S; Kidd. Antioxidant Adaptation. Its Role in Free Radical Pathology. Allergy Reseach, San Leandro, CA. 1985
   
   
3. Hirata H; Asanuma M; Cadet JL. Melatonin attenuates methamphetamine-induced toxic effects on dopamine and serotonin terminals in mouse brain. Synapse. 30(2): 150-5, 1988
   
   
4. Kharlamov A; et al. Neuroprotective effects of melatonin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 398:315-21, 1996
   
   
5. Barlow Walden LR; Reiter RJ. Melatonin stimulates brain glutathione peroxidase activity. Neurochem Int. 26(5): 497-502, 1995
   
   
6. Lyness WH; Moore KE. Increased self-administration of d-amphetamine by rats pretreated with metergoline. Pharm Biochem and Behaviour. 18:721-724, 1983
   
   
7. Samis HV, Capobianco S. Aging and Biological Rhythms. Plenum Press, New York, 1978
   
   
8. Neumeister A; et al. The usual suspects: tyrosine hydroxylase and the serotonin transporter in affective disorders Mol Psychiatry. 55(6): 103 5 , 1998
   
   
9. Samis H ; Zajac-Bartel. Aging and Temporal Organization in Experimental and Clinical Interventions in aging 397-419, ed Walker R Cooper R, Marcel Dekker , New York. 1883
   
   
10. Golden RN; Potter WZ. Neurochemical and neuroendocrine dysregulation in affective disorders. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 9(2):313 27, 1986
    
    
11. Souetre E; et al. Circadian rhythms and depression. Ann Med Psychol (Paris). 143(9):845 70, 1985
    
    
12. Souetre E; et al.. The concept of biological rhythm in psychopathology Rev Electroencephalogr Neurophysiol Clin. 17(4):359 76, 1987
    
    
13. Allen RP; et al. Persistent effects of (+) 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") on human sleep. Sleep. 6(6):560-564, 1993
    
    
14. Gouzoulis E; et al. Sleep-EEG effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDE; "Eve") in healthy volunteers. Biol Psychiatry 32, 1108-117, 1992
    
    
15. Healy D; Waterhouse JM. The circadian system and the therapeutics of the affective disorders. Pharmacol Ther. 65(2):241 63, 1995