Melatonin, known as N acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine is a multitasking hormone produced by the pineal gland and other organs of the body such as bone marrow, retina, and skin. The secretion of Melatonin is regulated by the “master biological clock” of the hypothalamus, in the human brain. It plays a vital role in Cancer Treatment through different applications and may have therapeutic significance.
Melatonin has a primary oncostatic property on different types of cancers, as indicated by epidemiological applications. The underlying reasons for Melatonin being an active cancer-fighting agent are its antioxidant property, modulation by Melatonin receptors, stimulation of apoptosis, regulation of tumor metabolism, inhibition of metastasis, and induction of epigenetic alteration.
Melatonin as an alternative cancer treatment
- Research shows that Melatonin induces a significant decrease in tumor size and promotes immunity against carcinogenic compounds.
- The Melatonin hormone is involved in redox processes of the cells, enhancing the augmentation of Natural Killer Cell activity and protects receptors from the toxic side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
- Melatonin can also be an excellent candidate for the prevention and treatment of several types of cancer, such as gastric cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and Colorectal Cancer.
Research conducted on Melatonin with respect to preventing cancer
Studies have been conducted on Melatonin’s effect on tumor growth and the side effects of cancer treatments.
- Melatonin is shown to inhibit tumor growth and cell proliferation in estrogen-responsive human Breast Cancer.
- Studies show that Melatonin inhibits angiogenesis by decreasing the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptor 2 and increasing the influence of insulin growth factor 1 and epidermal growth factor.
- Studies also show that the Melatonin hormone participates in the activation of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, preventing tumor development, and fighting against potential carcinogens.
- Under various researches, it is observed that Melatonin can also be used to treat specific Chemotherapy repercussions and reduce the side effects of cancer treatments.
- Some research also shows that Melatonin’s effects on breast cancer, out of all the other types of cancer, is the most significant because of the antiproliferative effect in Breast Cancer cells in vitro.
- Yet another research showed how Melatonin inhibited the growth of breast tumors in mice with its administration in the preliminary stages.
- The biomodification of cancer Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy by the administration of Melatonin confirms decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of Cancer Treatment on patients with poor clinical status and solid metastatic tumors.
- Controlled trials that examined the relationship between Melatonin levels and neoplastic activity concluded that Melatonin, through its antiproliferative, antioxidative, and immunostimulatory actions, should be considered a naturally oncostatic agent.
Have any side effects been reported from intaking Melatonin?
Melatonin is a product that is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. It is only given at prescribed conditions for safety or effectiveness. It may cause drowsiness. Patients should not work on any heavy equipment until familiar with its effects. It has only been accepted as a supplementary form of treatment during cancer treatments, as the hormone is believed to be a cell-protector, involved in antioxidative processes and immunomodulation.
In conclusion, Melatonin may have multiple effects and plays a vital role in the apoptosis of cells. For research purposes, the biomodulation of cancer treatments by using Melatonin can confirm a reduction in toxicity and an increase in the efficacy of Chemotherapy on patients.
