Melatonin supports the bodies innate immune function by regulating gene expression in macrophages, dendric cells, neutrophils, mast cells and natural killer cells.* It has also been found to support oxidative stress levels, immune defenses and lipid metabolism in acute stress-induced sports performance.* Preliminary data from human trials indicate that melatonin has protective effects by balancing cytokine levels.* Melatonin is considered an antioxidant that enters all body cells to help prevent free radical damage. In the brain, melatonin is an important physiological antioxidant due to its lipid and water-soluble properties ability to 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.*
