Dahlia,© Stanislav Butygin, Dreamstime.com
Melatonin, a naturally occuring hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, is best known for its importance in regulating normal sleep and wake cycles.
Nevertheless, melatonin, has also been shown to prevent breast cancer and inhibit progression of breast cancer.
One mechanism by which melatonin helps reduce the risk of breast cancer is its ability to act like tamoxifen, in that it blocks estrogen receptors on breast cells and breast cancer cells. Melatonin is endowed with a growth inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells; this mechanism has been related to an antiestrogenic activity, exerted by inhibiting the estradiol receptors on the cell from binding to the DNA.
Like soy, melatonin blocks the receptors but it does so without the side effects and risks of cancer that are associated with tamoxifen. Nevertheless, melatonin may prevent excessive production of estrogen in the first place, furthering the preventative potential of melatonin.
In addition, a variety of immune system cells have melatonin receptors and the ability to produce melatonin, suggesting its importance in immunity so critical for the destruction of cancer cells. It also works synergistically with antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids in causing breast cancer apoptosis, and with vitamins A and D3 in preventing the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, melatonin is more effective if it is used in combination with a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
For more info on the relevant breast cancer research:
Melatonin-estrogen interactions in breast cancer, Preventive and curative effect of melatonin
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2009:Thermography in early detection of breast cancer
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