Douglas Laboratories Melatonin P.R. Support for Restful Sleep Melatonin P.R. contains 3 mg of high-purity melatonin in a prolonged-release tablet, formulated to slowly break down and release in the small intestine. Ingredients Serving Size: 1 Tablet Amount/Serving Melatonin 3 mg Other Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, silica, and vegetable stearate. Does Not Contain: Yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, artificial preservatives, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Suggested Use As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 tablet 1 hour before bedtime as directed by your healthcare professional only. Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications (especially MAO inhibitors, immunosuppressant drugs, anticoagulation therapy or antihypertensive medication), or have a medical condition (including autoimmune, seizure, psychiatric or depressive disorders), or if you are experiencing long term sleep difficulties, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Not to be administered to children unless directed by your healthcare professional. Long-term use of melatonin has not been studied. This product may cause drowsiness. Do not use before or while operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery. Keep out of the reach of children. Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. More Info. Melatonin is a natural hormone nutrient that is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by the pineal gland in the back of the brain. Melatonin also occurs in small amounts in a variety of foods. In the body, melatonin appears to regulate sleep/wake cycles, support normal immune function, and protect cells from free radical damage. Most of the research on melatonin has focused on its role in maintaining normal sleep/wake rhythms. The perception of daylight in the eyes is a signal for the pineal gland to inhibit melatonin synthesis and release. At night or in the dark, the body’s melatonin production rises. The rise in plasma melatonin is thought to be responsible for bringing on sleep. Nocturnal melatonin production is highest in children and begins to decline from adolescence on until it is virtually absent in the elderly. Melatonin supports normal immune function by helping maintain the activity of circulating natural killer cells. It also has been found to function as an antagonist for occasional stress-induced immune-suppression. Melatonin is considered an antioxidant that enters all body cells to help prevent free radical damage. In the brain, melatonin is perhaps the most important physiological antioxidant. Due to its lipid and water-soluble properties, it can freely cross the blood-brain barrier. In vitro studies show that melatonin is more effective than glutathione in scavenging toxic hydroxyl radicals, and also more efficient than vitamin E in neutralizing peroxyl radicals which can induce DNA damage. Furthermore, melatonin stimulates the main antioxidant enzyme of the brain, glutathione peroxidase.
