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 various disease and physiological states, Melatonin in the Promotion of Health, Second Edition provides a wide variety of expert reviews on the biology of melatonin relevant to health. Beginning with a history of melatonin and its relation to circadian rhythms, the book examines its use in a host of applications, including: Gut motility and gastrointestinal diseases Anesthesia and surgery Bone health Breast cancer Cardiovascular diseases Diabetes Age-related macular degeneration and uveitis Melanoma, solar skin damage, and collagen synthesis The prevention of DNA damage Mental disorders, sleep, and issues related to jet lag and shift work The data gathered from a large number of carefully controlled animal and human studies have clearly implicated melatonin in the control mechanisms of a wide variety of physiological and psychological activities, making it a potent candidate for therapeutic use in the treatment of a diverse range of diseases. This volume demonstrates that continued studies of this molecule raise the exciting prospect of providing new avenues of treating numerous diseases more effectively and with less side-effects than those found in conventional treatment modalities.

"This new edition presents information on how melatonin is synthesized and produced in the body as well as how this hormone affects several diseases. The book heavily focuses on prevention as well as treatment of various human disease states including behavior disorders, mental disorders, breast cancer, bone health, and gastrointestinal diseases. It covers the role of melatonin in the prevention of oxidative stress, mutagenesis, sun damage, ocular health, gut motility, and detoxification. It also presents mechanisms of melatonin action in humans including cell modulation, signaling mechanisms, protective effects, and melatonin receptors as well as its role as an antioxidant"--Provided by publisher.

Designed for researchers, physicians, and lay people interested in the topic, Melatonin in Health Promotion examines virtually all aspects of the multifunctional hormone melatonin, a subject of intense scientific research and general interest. Topics addressed include how melatonin is synthesized; possible harmful side effects; and the role this hormone plays in diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and cancer.

Melatonin: A Ubiquitous Pleiotropic Molecule equips researchers with an understanding of the molecular biology of melatonin in plants. The book explores the occurrence of melatonin in several plant species, covering key aspects, including its biosynthesis, physiological function in plant growth and development, and signaling pathways. It then discusses the benefits melatonin has for plant and agricultural development, as well as how it can be utilized as a therapeutic in the treatment of human diseases. The role it can play in the oxidative stress response and circadian rhythm modulation are covered, as well as its nutraceutical potential for human health. The book also covers the importance of melatonin in a range of fields, including drug discovery and disease resistance, agriculture, botany, and biotechnology, and is an ideal reference for researchers across these disciplines. Examines melatonin’s pivotal role as a signaling molecule, elucidating its involvement in a diverse array of biological responses within plants Covers essential aspects like melatonin biosynthesis, regulation, antioxidant properties, and its involvement in stress management in plants Provides an interdisciplinary study of melatonin and its potential uses, including disease management, crop improvement, and nutraceutical development Addresses melatonin’s multifaceted role in regulating key physiological processes in the human body, including circadian rhythms, sleep–wake cycles, and neurological protection Delves into melatonin’s dual role as an immunomodulator influencing immune cells and a powerful antioxidant combating free radicals and alleviating oxidative stress Explores melatonin’s therapeutic and anticancer potential, emphasizing its importance in cardiovascular health, neurology, and cancer research, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics

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.

Women's health and nutrition concerns have moved to the forefront of research with the mandate by the National Institutes of Health to include women in formerly male-only studies assessing responses to diet and disease. This second edition of a popular and highly praised resource provides new research results that detail the prevalence of and different manifestations of diseases in women. With more contributions by leading authorities, Nutritional Concerns of Women, Second Edition updates the knowledge base of nutrition and health interactions unique to women through the life cycle. It includes new chapters on obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases. Additionally, it covers societal influences, nutrition in the adolescent female, menopause, and vegetarianism. This new, awaited edition also examines the roles that gender and culture play on nutrition. Equally useful to the dietitian, clinician, physician, researcher, student, or educated layman, this useful and practical book provides you with a wealth of information. Nutritional Concerns of Women, Second Edition facilitates nutrition recommendations for women and helps women integrate health issues and nutrition into guiding principles for everyday life.

Proper nutrition is the single most important component of preventative health care. Heart disease, diabetes, and other ailments are all linked to dietary habits. Accurate nutritional assessment can be a matter of life or death. Laboratory Tests for the Assessment of Nutritional Status explores the expanded number of nutrients that can now be evaluated. The author makes a compelling case for the practice and advancement of this critical health care tool. Nutritional assessment identifies undernutrition, overnutrition, specific nutrition deficiencies, and imbalances. Diligent assessment determines the appropriate nutrition intervention and monitors its effects. This book is a total revision of the 1974 version of the same title co -authored by Sauberlich. Since then, remarkable progress has been made on the methodologies applicable to nutrition status assessment and to the expanded number of nutrients that can be evaluated, especially trace elements. The introduction of high-performance liquid chromatography, amperometric detectors, and other technologies has advanced nutritional assessment by leaps and bounds. Today, nutritionists can gauge the value of microminerals, trace elements, and ultratrace elements. Sauberlich's revision updates the reader to the latest and most important trends in nutrition. These laboratory methods for the assessment of nutritional status are vital for identifying individuals as well as populations with nutritional risks.