Melatonin may exhibit the greatest antioxidant/anti-aging effects yet. Endogenous (body-produced) melatonin, a hormone of the pineal gland, is derived from tryptophan via serotonin.
Melatonin may exhibit the greatest antioxidant/anti-aging effects yet. Endogenous (body-produced) melatonin, a hormone of the pineal gland, is derived from tryptophan via serotonin. This pathway may explain melatonin's reputation as a "natural sleeping aid" when taken before bedtime. Newsweek Magazine (August 7th, 1995) reports that scientists say melatonin could "reset the body's aging clock, turning back the ravages of time." Melatonin levels decline steadily with aging. In an Italian study, mice supplemented with melatonin outlived their life expectancies by nearly one-third! Research suggests that melatonin supplementation may enhance the immune system, protect our cells from disintegration, slow tumor and cataract growth, and offer protection against heart disease. Taking melatonin as a supplement will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep during the night.