Open AccessMiracle or myth? (Melatonin research)
Author(s) -
J Arendt
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
problemy èndokrinologii
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.124
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 2308-1430
pISSN - 0375-9660
DOI - 10.14341/probl11768
Subject(s) - melatonin , panacea (medicine) , circadian rhythm , chronobiology , miracle , mechanism (biology) , rhythm , drug , ultradian rhythm , pharmacology , psychology , medicine , endocrinology , alternative medicine , political science , epistemology , philosophy , pathology , law
Perhaps more is said about melatonin today than about any other hormone. He is considered almost a panacea for all diseases, a source of youth; in terms of US sales, it currently competes with vitamin C and aspirin. Unfortunately, the role of melatonin is excessively exaggerated, and the claims are largely unfounded or supported only by data obtained in animal experiments [1, 2]. To clarify the mechanism of action of this hormone and its relationship with physiological chronobiology, much more research is needed. In particular, it remains to be determined the most optimal time of appointment and dosage of melatonin for people, allowing to achieve the maximum effect of this drug on the circadian rhythm of a person and on many functions dependent on it.