Melatonin in the Promotion of Health


Book Description

Melatonin is a powerful hormone and antioxidant with numerous effects on the metabolism and the health of humans. Available as a dietary supplement in the United States since 1993, it is one of the most popular over-the-counter alternative remedies available. Comprising contributions from researchers who have studied the role of melatonin in variou







The Pineal Gland and Cancer


Book Description

The link between the pineal gland and cancer is a rapidly emerging research field due to promising experimental and clinical trials with melatonin. The pineal gland acts as a transducer of environmental light to regulate rhythmic processes, including reproductive function in seasonally breeding animals and the entrainment of circadian rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle, in man. This book elucidates the physiological significance of the pineal gland and surveys phenomena and mechanisms of pineal - tumor interaction at the neuroendocrine, neuroimmune, neural, and molecular levels. Yet unidentified low-molecular-weight pineal substances with tumor-inhibiting capacity, a possible involvement of melatonin in electromagnetic field effects on cancer, and the oncotherapeutic potential of melatonin are also addressed. The encouraging results should incite further research to elucidate the exact nature of the link between the pineal gland and cancer for the benefit of patients.




Melatonin


Book Description

Melatonin, the pineal neurohormone, is a pleiotropic molecule acting in the center of the integrative molecular mechanisms of the organism, based on interconnections of the regulatory systems: neural, endocrine, immune, and genetic, conveying into the uniqueness of human architecture. This book provides a systematic and updated overview of melatonin biochemical mechanisms of action, pharmacological features, and clinical uses, clutching the subject with complete details of pharmaceutical formulations designed for different routes of administration and different health issues, aiming at optimal melatonin bioavailability when therapeutically delivered. The book addresses a broad range of audiences, from healthcare professionals, medically and pharmaceutically based, to highly profiled medical specialists and biomedical researchers, helping them to expand their knowledge of the physiological and pathological implications of melatonin and its metabolites.




Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation


Book Description

Clinical practice related to sleep problems and sleep disorders has been expanding rapidly in the last few years, but scientific research is not keeping pace. Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome are three examples of very common disorders for which we have little biological information. This new book cuts across a variety of medical disciplines such as neurology, pulmonology, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, otolaryngology, and nursing, as well as other medical practices with an interest in the management of sleep pathology. This area of research is not limited to very young and old patientsâ€"sleep disorders reach across all ages and ethnicities. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation presents a structured analysis that explores the following: Improving awareness among the general public and health care professionals. Increasing investment in interdisciplinary somnology and sleep medicine research training and mentoring activities. Validating and developing new and existing technologies for diagnosis and treatment. This book will be of interest to those looking to learn more about the enormous public health burden of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation and the strikingly limited capacity of the health care enterprise to identify and treat the majority of individuals suffering from sleep problems.




Serotonin and Melatonin


Book Description

Serotonin and Melatonin: Their Functional Role in Plants, Food, Phytomedicine, and Human Health highlights the significance of the plant sources of serotonin and melatonin in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and food science. Over the last few decades, an enormous amount of research data has been generated on these two neurotransmitters/plant signalers. This book covers topics regarding the occurrence of serotonin and melatonin in medicinal plants and food value plants with their implications for human health, the role of serotonin and melatonin in plant growth development, functions of melatonin and serotonin in the environmental adaptation of plants, and the implications of these molecules in human disorders and treatments. This volume should appeal to scientists and other professionals engaged in basic and applied research on the relevance of serotonin and melatonin to plants, animals, and humans. Features Reviews the global scientific literature and the experimental data of the authors on the occurrence of serotonin and melatonin in medicinal and food value plants and its implications for human health Explains in detail the role of serotonin and melatonin in plant growth development Helps in understanding the complex functions of melatonin and serotonin in the environmental adaptation in plants Discusses the importance of the development of transgenic plants with high amounts of serotonin and melatonin. Describes the current understanding of serotonin and melatonin in human disorders, and also their relevance in the treatment of specific health conditions. Written by acknowledged experts from across the world




Sleep Disorders in Children


Book Description

This book is both an exam guide to children ́s sleep medicine and a practical manual for diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in children. An overview of the most frequent sleep disorders encountered in newborns, infants, children and adolescents is provided. This book discusses the main sleep disorders in detail, including insomnia, respiratory disturbances, movement disorders during sleep, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, and disorders associated with increased sleepiness. It also covers sleep disorders associated with neurological, psychiatric, and medical diseases. This book is divided into two parts. The first part is an introduction to childhood sleep physiology and pathology, epidemiology of sleep disorders, and diagnostic procedures. The second part describes the most frequent sleep disorders in greater depth. Sleep Disorders in Children is aimed at sleep researchers, pediatricians, child neurologists and child psychiatrists, as well as patient organizations and families with affected children.




Dietary Supplements


Book Description




Melatonin


Book Description

Melatonin: Biosynthesis, Physiological Effects, and Clinical Applications provides a thorough review of recent advances in major areas of melatonin research. The book is arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with the history of melatonin and then proceeding to cover its biochemistry and secretion, physiological effects, and clinical significance. New findings and current concepts are emphasized, and a significant amount of previously unpublished data are included. The book will be an important reference for neurobiologists, cell biologists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, neuroendocrinologists, reproductive biologists, psychiatrists, and other researchers and clinicians interested in melatonin.




The Pineal Gland


Book Description