Melatonin in the Promotion of Health : CRC Press : 9781439839799 : 1439839794 : 06 Oct 2011 : 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 diseasesAnesthesia and surgeryBone health Breast cancerCardiovascular diseasesDiabetesAge-related macular degeneration and uveitisMelanoma, solar skin damage, and collagen synthesisThe prevention