Antioxidant effects

As an antioxidant, melatonin has been shown in vitro to be a highly efficient scavenger of the very reactive and toxic hydroxyl radical. Indeed, on an equimolar basis, melatonin proved significantly more efficient in neutralizing the hydroxyl radical than the two well-known scavengers, glutathione and mannitol. Likewise, melatonin was found to also scavenge the peroxyl radical which is generated during lipid peroxidation; in this regard it was roughly twice as effective as vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).

Melatonin’s antioxidant activities have been well documented. When rats are treated with the chemical carcinogen safrole, this agent induces the generation of free radicals which in turn extensively damage nuclear DNA; this damage is almost totally eliminated if the animals are co-treated with melatonin. Also, damage to DNA in human lymphocytes due to ionizing radiation, another treatment which is known to induce free radical formation, is greatly reduced if the cells are treated with melatonin prior to radiation. Cytosolic protein seems also to be protected from free radical damage when melatonin is present.

Antiaging benefits

We also know that membrane lipid peroxidation, which is induced by several means, all of which involve free radicals, is drastically attenuated and reduced in the presence of melatonin.

Considering melatonin’s ability to cross all morphophysiological barriers and its ability to enter every cell and all subcellular compartments, the implication is that this indole may play a very important role in the antioxidative defence system of the organism. These findings potentially have important implications for a wide variety of age-related diseases and to aging itself.

Eye disorders

When newborn rats are treated with a glutathione-depleting drug at birth, by 2 weeks of age the animals have cataracts. Their cataracts form because oxidants damage protein in the presence of low intracellular levels of glutathione. Cataracts induced by this means are essentially prevented if the glutathione-depleted rats are supplemented with melatonin.

A recent study has also highlighted an amazing effect of Dr. Pierpaoli’s Melatonin Zn Se ® (which also containing zinc and selenium). A trial with 100 patients over 24 months showed that at 6-months patients taking 3mg daily of melatonin Zn se ® halted their progression of AMD (age related macular degeneration), a disorder that to date has been very difficult to treat and is the most common eye disorder associated with aging, furthermore AMD is the disorder most commonly linked with blindness. What’s even more remarkable about the study (published in Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 1057:384-392) is that patients at 12 months showed reversal of their AMD which continued until the trial ended at 24-months.

Dr. Pierpaoli commented on the study himself when he said; “this is a superb result that once again highlights that melatonin is a remarkable molecule- responsible for rejuvenation throughout the body. Whilst this particular study has suggested the efficacy of melatonin is derived from its ability as an antioxidant, as well as being a control for pigment in the eye and through its ability as a regulator for light reaching the photoreceptors, I also believe that its role in re-establishing the circadian wake-sleep cycle for repair purposes and its amazing ability to help re-synchronize the entire hormone system has had a great part to play in these results of halting and reversing AMD. Naturally we should not understate the ability of the additional zinc and selenium in the Melatonin Zn Se® in playing their roles by furthering nutrition and protecting the eyes from further damage. Hopefully additional research will furnish us with the answers as to the precise mechanism of action, but it is exciting that we now have some conclusive proof of melatonin’s ability to improve the hitherto untreatable condition of AMD, a serious condition that can lead to blindness. We should all spread the word about this, for it is truly a breakthrough.”

Please check back soon to read a new article giving more detail about this incredible new research.

Longevity effects

Tests on both rats and mice melatonin caused a significant 20% increase in their lifespan. If melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could be because melatonin reduces free radical damage; stimulates an aging immune system; protects the cardiovascular system; preserves a youthful circadian rhythm; and stimulates the production of growth hormone. For these reasons, melatonin is considered to be a vital anti-aging substance.

Purity and substance

Whilst melatonin supplements have become widely available, IAS offers the best type in terms of quality and synergy. It is a formula that has been created by Dr. Pierpaoli himself and the exact type used in all of his numerous clinical trials, it is called Melatonin Zn-Se ®.

Melatonin Zn Se is a pharmaceutical grade melatonin produced in Switzerland that is bonded with selenium and zinc. These substances work synergistically with melatonin and produce a much greater affect, (even by themselves, zinc and selenium are important anti-aging supplements).

If you've tried other melatonins and didn’t notice a significant effect, you should try Dr. Pierpaoli’s, and you’ll soon feel the difference. There is no one in the world that has conducted more research or understands melatonin better than Dr. Pierpaoli.

In fact Dr. Pierpaoli has prepared a user’s guide to his Melatonin Zn Se; it can be read by clicking here.

Dosage:
Take half to one (maximum two) 3mg tablets at bedtime only. Only use Melatonin Zn-Se ® when you are prepared to sleep and have the light switched off, this is because light entering the eye destroys Melatonin.

Side effects:
A small number of users experience varying degrees of mild headaches and morning grogginess; however this is rare and can often be overcome by reducing the dose.

Caution:
Melatonin should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a foetus or infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (Melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukaemia (for the same reason), and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance). Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high doses can act as a contraceptive.

What our customers say...

I had to write to say how impressed I am with this supplement. It works! This is a most excellent formulation of Melatonin and I am now looking forward to receiving my next order. I am really grateful to have this kind of help during my difficult menopausal years. S.L., Canada I found that the difference with Melatonin Zn Se ® is very substantial. Normally I have to take at least 9mg of other Melatonin's to aid my sleep, but I found that 3mg of Melatonin Zn Se ® was much more effective. So much so, that I am now only using half a tablet! Phil Micans PharmB Melatonin Zn Se ® represents a breakthrough in the use of Melatonin supplements; call it genius or luck, but my patients are now obtaining excellent results with it! Walter Pierpaoli, MD Melatonin Zn Se ® is without doubt the most effective Melatonin I've ever used. Normally I haven't noticed any strong sleep enhancement effects with other types, but Melatonin Zn Se ® almost knocks me out! David Butler BSc

Topical Melatonin

We now also offer a unique topical melatonin cream. Apart from being a potent anti-oxidant that can protect the skin against the free radical ravages of aging, topical melatonin has been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles after only 1-month of treatment, on average by 43.9% (tests conducted by the University of Munster, Germany).

During this period, melatonin cream is also noted as making the skin smoother to the touch and enhancing a more youthful type appearance. Overall, melatonin cream applied to the skin creates firmer, more glowing and smoother skin, with less prevalence of wrinkles.

Importantly, our particular Melatonin topical called PraevoSkin ® (with its combination of unique ingredients, including Melatonin), has been shown to be efficacious in the prevention of skin damage during radiation.

One study, (which was a double blinded, randomised and prospective 6-weeks clinical trial, using the criteria of the American Society of Radiology to rate harmful side effects of radiation treatment), has shown that PraevoSkin ® application before, during and after treatment can:

• Enable continuous radiation treatment without acute side effects that might otherwise have forced a treatment break or truncation of treatment.
• Allow damaged tissue to heal.
• Reduce reliance on traditional break in therapy used to help skin heal.
• Be a promising option to help prevent skin damage during radiation.

This not only means that this particular Melatonin topical cream is effective for protecting the skin of those undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but also makes it a superb after-sun (or sunburn) treatment. For sun protection, this product would be most effective when combined with an excellent sun blocker cream such as Solaris ®

http://www.antiaging-systems.com/a2z/melatonin.htm