Melatonin as a potential antihypertensive treatment. Fedor Simko. 2007; Journal of Pineal Research – Wiley InterScience

By | July 8, 2010

Yet many sites that will not cite the study they refer to (lazy) state that melatonin can constrict the cardiac arteries.

Abstract: The number of patients with well-controlled hypertension is alarmingly low worldwide and new approaches to treatment of increased blood pressure (BP) are being sought. Melatonin has a role in blood pressure regulation. The nighttime production of melatonin is found to be reduced in hypertensive individuals. Administration of melatonin decreased BP in several animal models of hypertension, in healthy men and women, and in patients with arterial hypertension. Most promising results were achieved in patients with non-dipping nighttime pressure, in which the circadian rhythm of BP variation is disturbed. Several potential mechanisms of BP reduction are considered. Melatonin can, via its scavenging and antioxidant nature, improve endothelial function with increased availability of nitric oxide exerting vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. Melatonin seems to interfere with peripheral and central autonomic system, with a subsequent decrease in the tone of the adrenergic system and an increase of the cholinergic system.

via Melatonin as a potential antihypertensive treatment. Fedor Simko. 2007; Journal of Pineal Research – Wiley InterScience.