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Melatonin may be Helpful in Treating Autoimmune Diseases

by Dr. Jennifer Bennett

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in our brains.  It is famously known for its effect on our circadian rhythms—melatonin is the main hormone that is produced when we are going to sleep, and it helps us to stay asleep.  However, it has several other functions in the body as well, and it is melatonin’s role in inflammation regulation that has become an increasingly important focus of autoimmune research.

A recent study was published that highlighted the possible therapeutic effects of melatonin for treating autoimmune diseases.  This study reviewed multiple other medical studies in which researchers treated autoimmune diseases by using melatonin as a means of lowering inflammation, reducing disease progression, and decreasing the severity of symptoms. Specifically, research has suggested that melatonin has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in our bodies.

In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive, and in doing so, attacks certain of the body’s own cells, tissues, and organs.  It has been shown that melatonin has the ability to directly bind to important cells involved in autoimmune diseases, thereby either turning off the signals that cause the cell to become hyperactive, or activating signals that help to decrease inflammation.

The review study looked at specific autoimmune conditions and their response to treatment with melatonin.  These diseases included multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease).  In both animal and human models, researchers found that almost all of the conditions were positively affected by melatonin treatment in various ways, mostly by means of decreasing inflammation and reducing the response of the immune system. The most pronounced effects were found when treating multiple sclerosis, lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.  When treating multiple sclerosis, melatonin was shown to help reduce sleep disruption, as well as reduce the onset and severity of MS symptoms.  In lupus, melatonin was shown to decrease autoantibody levels in the blood, thereby decreasing the amount of inflammatory cells produced by the immune system.  In both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, melatonin reduced the severity and frequency of attacks, and decreased the inflammatory markers commonly seen in these conditions.

It is important to note that dosage of melatonin is a very important consideration for treatment. In all of the studies the researchers reviewed, melatonin was given in high doses to achieve these results. Doses that are effective for humans have yet to be determined, but most studies have shown that high doses in humans are generally well tolerated and have minimal to no side effects.  If you have an autoimmune condition and are looking for ways in which to improve your condition, talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement or medication.

Update 11/12/13: To clarify, this review study found potentially beneficial effects in all autoimmune conditions EXCEPT rheumatoid arthritis.  The authors of this study concluded that melatonin “has a beneficial effect in a number of models excepting rheumatoid arthritis.”  Although the mechanism is largely unknown, melatonin may actually increase inflammation and joint damage in those with RA and care should be taken when supplementing melatonin for rheumatoid arthritis.

Looking for more information on autoimmune diseases? Get our FREE ebook The 5 Foundations of Autoimmune Diseases, register for one of our FREE online webinars, or check out our blog for additional articles.

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