Melatonin

Melatonin: The Underrated Cancer Fighter

Often referred to as the "sleep hormone," melatonin is widely recognized for its role in regulating sleep patterns. However, its potential as a cancer preventative and treatment agent deserves greater attention, especially for individuals with disrupted sleep cycles, such as long-haul flight attendants and night shift workers.

Leading melatonin expert Professor Russell Reiter posits that everyone with cancer should consider taking 60 mg of melatonin about 45 minutes before bedtime. Professor Ben Williams also included melatonin in his brain cancer protocol.

Melatonin's Remarkable Anti-Cancer Properties

Melatonin has been shown to exhibit a range of anti-cancer activities, acting in at least five distinct ways against various types of cancer:

1. Modifying estrogen receptors
2. Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)
3. Inhibiting metastasis (spread of cancer cells)
4. Restricting angiogenesis (formation of blood supply to tumors)
5. Restoring mitochondrial function

In addition, melatonin serves as a chemosensitizer and radiosensitizer, making cancer cells more vulnerable to anti-cancer compounds and reducing side effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Melatonin's Impact on Hormone Production, Glucose Uptake, and Cholesterol

Melatonin may also suppress estradiol production, block glucose uptake by cancer cells, and regulate cholesterol levels. By promoting cellular healing and maintaining a healthy metabolism, melatonin creates an environment less conducive to cancer development.

Exploring Higher Doses of Melatonin

While some researchers have experimented with daily doses of 60-180 mg of melatonin, often in time-release form, there is still limited research on the effects of these higher doses in lung, breast, and colorectal cancer patients. Similarly, while intravenous high-dose melatonin is being used at some cancer centers without reported side effects, more controlled clinical trials are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of high-dose melatonin supplementation.

In conclusion, melatonin's anti-cancer properties should not be overlooked. However, further research is necessary to determine optimal dosage and administration methods for various types of cancer.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123278/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29484412/

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18289162/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8627858/

5. https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-020-01531-1

6. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/7/3779

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359598221_Use_of_Melatonin_in_Cancer_Treatment_Where_Are_We