For new readers: HERE are links to download my CV, ebooks, the best recent posts, and instructions on searching my archives. Also, HERE are links to purchase OSR, DMSO, and chlorine dioxide products, where to find them, and more. Please review Judas Dentistry; the direct link is HERE. I need your help because a passel of mercury-intoxicated dentists are giving me one-star reviews. Finally, if you have a good story or are an expert who wants to be interviewed, please contact me at RobertYohoAuthor@gmail.com.
How to read this post: Look at Parts 1 and 2 carefully. Parts 3 and 4 are the academic proof.
Part 1: The lies
I’ve often suggested that our media functions as a powerful tool of mind control, not too dissimilar from what might be found in the plotlines of classic science fiction. After spending weeks or months immersed in such a controlling narrative, thinking independent thoughts, let alone completely breaking free, becomes a very difficult undertaking. For most individuals, the whisper in the back of their skulls overwhelms their logical reasoning, while their emotional reactions are turned on or off as if by a switch. —Ron Unz from The Unz Review
CNN and the American Medical Association are among the evil forces directed to attack melatonin. Those who know anything about today’s lies understand that this gives melatonin deep credibility. We have seen this pattern with many other cures, including the elephant in the room, chlorine dioxide. When you learn how powerful and utterly harmless melatonin is, you have more proof of how organized medicine and the monsters behind it profit from preventable illnesses.
Alex Vasquez’s summary of how the mainstream media is tearing down melatonin is HERE. This is an excerpt:
I cannot imagine anyone respecting the American Medical Association as a “scientific” organization when the AMA is obviously just a public relations firm for the pharmaceutical industry. AMA and their journals such as Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) do anything and everything to promote the power and profiteering of the medical-pharmaceutical-chemical industry, to keep doctors selectively educated about drugs and vaccines and selectively ignorant about nutrition and vaccines, and above all to keep patients dependent on high-profit drugs. JAMA consistently publishes garbage research to make nutrition look worthless and drugs look miraculous (Vasquez 2021…, and the AMA has been found guilty of trying to create a medical monopoly by attacking nondrug healthcare such as chiropractic (Getzendanner JAMA 1988; … Entire books have been written on this topic, such as Serpent on the Staff: The Unhealthy Politics of the American Medical Association by Howard Wolinsky and Tom Brune.
From Feb 11, 2022:
The source for this section is HERE and another reference is HERE.
Part 2: My Melatonin Journey
I often start at YouTube University. I am not ashamed to admit it, even though YouTube has a lot of nonsense, and I am frequently seduced into wasting time. For example, from watching police shows, I pretend to know when to shoot and when to hold my fire better than the cops. But you can often find excellent sources if you can ignore the trash. (Note: Whenever I upload one of my videos, I am censored within ten minutes.)
This post is based on my study of videos and their cited references. Dr. Frank Shallenberger’s lecture HERE is the best single source. HERE is another one that describes how melatonin works as a disease-preventer and antiaging drug. HERE is a David Perlmutter interview with an expert, Deanna Minich. An essential source is Doris Loh, HERE and HERE, but she is hard to understand, so I will summarize her essential points.
I was naive about melatonin until recently, but my strength is my ability to judge rapidly and change my mind. I think of it as flipping a switch on subjects and people. I see nuance but do not have the bandwidth or patience to sort through lies or academic details that are not clinically relevant.
Melatonin, for example, is a cost-versus-benefit decision. It is risk-free, and the expense is nominal. If a quarter of the research is correct, everyone over 45 should use it. Melatonin has joined my list of best natural treatments.
One of my mentors during my medical residency told me, “Yoho, even a blind squirrel like you occasionally finds a nut.” I have been stumbling over the melatonin acorn for two decades. Hormone guru Neal Rouzier taught me:
It is a hormone.
No dose of melatonin has ever harmed any person or lab animal.
A few people are fatigued the morning after taking it, and some have vivid dreams.
It is the most powerful antioxidant ever discovered.
He recommended up to 100 mg at bedtime for time-shifting to avoid jetlag, but his routine dose was around 10 mg for women and 20 for men.
He liked the long-acting type, but I learned recently that this causes more side effects.
I was in a lecture room then with several people who said that when taking melatonin, their hair changed from grey to its original color—a sign of improved health. AIDS patients’ hair goes white when their T cell counts dip below 200, which is a bad sign for them.
I tried this low dose but could not sleep well, so I abandoned it until Katrina Lewis sent me Dr. Shallenberger’s video a few weeks ago.
Key points I learned recently include:
At 45 years old, melatonin production drops close to zero. Supplementation after this has many of the benefits outlined here.
After taking it orally, it persists in the body for an hour (Doris Loh) or two (other sources).
It avidly suppresses cancer, or at least it prevents metastases.
It has healing and preventive effects on heart disease (see my last post for that).
It has a dominant role in hormone metabolism. Thousands of studies and reviews documented dozens of healthy effects.
Doses of about 200 mg daily or more, sometimes divided throughout the day, are now standard practice in some alternative cancer clinics. The doctors are convinced it halts cancer progress.
Much larger doses than that are being used now. Doris Loh takes three grams daily after her mouse experiments convinced her that larger doses were healthy.
Melatonin has no specific soporific (sleep-inducing) effect and thus can be taken during the day.
Taking it does not suppress your body’s output because melatonin does not have a negative feedback loop, such as the one governing testosterone, which makes your testicles shrink when its natural production declines.
High-dose melatonin often cures or improves arthritis, even osteoarthritis, which is traditionally not considered inflammatory. It also works well for chronic pain, especially night pain.
Shallenberger says that melatonin conquers Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, macular degeneration, and many other diseases of aging. He thinks it is the best longevity drug ever found. People who take it over decades report they look much younger than their stated age.
Melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement in the United States and Canada and is available over the counter. In the EU, melatonin is approved as a prescription medication for insomnia in people over age 54. Many other countries regulate it as a prescription medication. I doubt this is enforced, but you might put your powder in an unidentified container if you are as paranoid as me.
Buy melatonin powder cheaply from bulksupplements.com or purebulk.com. To gauge how much to take, measure the weight of a teaspoon in milligrams using a $20 electronic scale like this one. Use fractional measuring spoons to get the desired dose, which you can eat directly or mix with a small amount of water or juice. Sixty-milligram capsules can be obtained from scientifichealthsolutions.com, but they are far more expensive.
Melatonin has dozens of other effects that improve health.
My perspective and quirky misadventure: In the last decade of my practice, I studied hormones, prescribed them, and wrote Hormone Secrets. One of my firmest perceptions was that low doses were not optimal. For example, many senior men do best with testosterone levels of 1500 ng/dl or higher, two or three times what conventional (do I mean “captured?”) sources recommend. Since I did not tolerate melatonin, I never worked with it, but I knew it was harmless.
After my recent review, I decided that Doris Loh and her rats were right—doses higher than Dr. Shalenberger’s 180 mg daily were likely optimal. So, for two weeks, I took about 3 grams at bedtime, which was fifteen to thirty times Shallenberger’s “high” dose. I was also using CBD oil and about two grams of magnesium glycinate. This combination gave me eight or nine hours of strange-ish sleep nightly. I stopped napping during the day, and my beard began growing like crazy.
But I crashed for three days and could hardly get out of bed. One night, I woke up confused, bumbled into my bicycle, and was so weak that it took ten minutes to get it off me. It was a Herx, or maybe Karma reminded me I was no longer 30. After that, I cut my melatonin to 200 mg at bedtime and have done well since.
Established literature proves melatonin stops cancer, helps heart disease, halts macular degeneration, and improves neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and maybe autism. What is not to like?
Part 3: My referenced summary of these videos
Melatonin, commonly known as a sleep aid, has emerged as a promising compound in cancer prevention and treatment [1]. Recent research suggests it has multiple mechanisms of action against cancer and can enhance traditional cancer treatments while reducing their side effects. Based on expert presentations and scientific literature, here is the current research on melatonin's role in cancer care.
Melatonin is naturally produced in the pineal gland in response to darkness. Research has shown it is "immediately suppressed by all light except red light" [2]. Melatonin is also found in various foods and can be synthesized in the body from serotonin.
Natural Sources
According to research by Reiter et al. [3], dietary sources of melatonin include:
· Nuts (especially pistachios)
· Coffee
· Tomatoes
· Sunflower seeds
· Walnuts
· Cherries
· Almonds
· Strawberries
· Cucumber
Safety Profile
A comprehensive review by Mills et al. [4] found that "none of the studies found any severe adverse effects linked to melatonin." Dr. Pierpaoli, a leading clinical researcher, has successfully used daily doses of up to 200 mg/day for months without significant adverse effects [5]. Animal studies have shown safety at 300 mg/day doses for two years [6].
Side effects occur in about 5% of patients and are limited to:
· Sleep disturbances
· Excessive dreaming
· Morning grogginess (typically resolving by late morning)
Research has identified eight distinct mechanisms through which melatonin fights cancer:
1. Immune System Enhancement: Melatonin fights cancer [7]. Studies show this works by strengthening the immune system.
2. Direct Anti-Cancer Effects: Research demonstrates direct cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations [8]. Melatonin has been shown to interact directly with cancer cells through specific receptor sites.
3. Mitochondrial Function: Melatonin is a mitochondrial stimulant [9] that addresses one of cancer's fundamental characteristics - mitochondrial dysfunction.
4. Glucose Transport Interference: Melatonin enters cells through GLUT4 transporters [10], potentially restricting glucose availability to cancer cells. This mechanism is particularly significant as cancer cells rely heavily on glucose for energy (like a carnivore or ketogenic diet).
5. Anti-Angiogenic Properties: Multiple studies demonstrate melatonin's ability to prevent new blood vessel formation in tumors [11], which limits tumor growth by restricting blood supply.
6. Anti-Metastatic Effects: Melatonin inhibits cancer metastasis [12], through multiple pathways.
7. Cell Differentiation: Melatonin promotes healthy cell differentiation [13], which prevents cells from becoming more aggressive cancer cells.
8. Endothelin-1 Inhibition: Melatonin inhibits survival factors for cancer cells, including the crucial endothelin-1 pathway [14].
Clinical Applications
Cancer Treatment
A meta-analysis by Wang et al. [15] showed that melatonin treatment reduced mortality risk by 34% at one year. The researchers concluded that "the substantial reduction in risk of death, low adverse events reported, and low costs related to this intervention suggest great potential for melatonin in treating cancer." Review Shallenberger’s video for more.
Radiation Protection
Multiple studies, including research conducted for the U.S. Army [16], have shown melatonin protects against radiation damage. Ben-David et al. [17] found that "melatonin administration either alone or in combination with traditional radiotherapy results in a better efficacy toxicity ratio during the treatment of human cancers."
Chemotherapy Enhancement
Clinical trials have consistently shown melatonin to be "an effective adjuvant (ingredient in a medicine that increases or modifies the activity of the other ingredients) drug to all conventional therapies for cancer" [18]. Studies with specific chemotherapy agents show particular promise:
· Adriamycin: Research demonstrated enhanced effectiveness and reduced side effects when combined with melatonin [19]
· Cisplatin: Studies showed reduced kidney toxicity and enhanced therapeutic effects [20]
Dosing Guidelines
Based on clinical research and expert experience [21], therapeutic dosing varies by situation:
· General Prevention: 180mg before bed
· Active Cancer Treatment: 60mg four times daily, or sometimes 120mg four times daily
· Pre-radiation/Imaging: 300mg about two hours before exposure
Important administration guidelines include:
· Take melatonin at bedtime in a completely dark room (except for red light)
· Use quality supplements (avoid tablets and time-release versions)
· Consider timing with sleep-wake cycles
COVID-19 Treatment
A 2022 study in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases [22] examined 158 patients with severe COVID-19. The researchers found that patients receiving 10mg of melatonin daily showed:
· Reduced frequency of blood clotting
· Lower rates of sepsis
· Significantly lower mortality compared to the control group
Breast Cancer Prevention
Research has shown particular promise for melatonin in breast cancer prevention and treatment [23]. Studies indicate melatonin acts as:
· A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
· A Selective Estrogen Enzyme Modulator (SEEM) These properties make it particularly effective for hormone-responsive cancers.
Quality Considerations
Research emphasizes the importance of using high-quality melatonin [24]:
· Avoid tablets (heat from manufacturing can damage the compound)
· Avoid time-release versions
· Use pure powder or properly manufactured capsules
· Be aware that many side effects reported with low-dose melatonin may be related to poor quality or additives
Part 4: Annotated References
The videos and my essay above referenced these, and a PubMed search for melatonin turns up thousands of others.
1. Mills E, Wu P, Seely D, Guyatt G. Melatonin in the treatment of cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis. J Pineal Res. 2005;39(4):360-6.
This systematic review analyzed randomized controlled trials of melatonin in solid tumor cancers, finding that melatonin reduced the risk of death by 34% at one year. The authors reviewed 10 trials involving 643 patients with solid tumors. No severe adverse events were reported, and effects were consistent across melatonin doses and cancer types. The researchers concluded that melatonin shows great potential in cancer treatment due to its substantial reduction in death risk, low adverse events, and low cost.
2. Reiter RJ, et al. Melatonin in the prevention and treatment of cancer. In: Melatonin: Biological Basis of its Function in Health and Disease. 2004.
Reiter's foundational work details melatonin's multiple mechanisms of action in cancer prevention and treatment. The paper explains how melatonin functions as both a direct free radical scavenger and an indirect antioxidant, while also describing its role in immune system modulation and cancer cell growth inhibition. The research presents evidence from both animal and human studies supporting melatonin's anti-cancer properties.
3. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, et al. Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits. Curr Top Med Chem. 2017;17(18):1837-1852.
This comprehensive review examines melatonin's diverse pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications. It details melatonin's presence in food sources and its bioavailability through different routes of administration. The authors also outline melatonin's role in various physiological processes and its potential therapeutic applications beyond sleep regulation.
4. Li Y, Li S, Zhou Y, et al. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Oncotarget. 2017;8(24):39896-39921.
This review consolidates evidence for melatonin's oncostatic properties across different types of tumors. The authors detail eight distinct anti-cancer mechanisms of melatonin, including programmed cell death induction, immune system modulation, angiogenesis inhibition, and anti-metastatic effects. They specifically address melatonin's efficacy in breast, prostate, gastric, and colorectal cancers.
5. Pierpaoli W, Regelson W. Pineal control of aging: effect of melatonin and pineal grafting on aging mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1994;91(2):787-91.
This groundbreaking study examined melatonin's effects on aging and longevity in mice. The researchers demonstrated that high-dose melatonin administration showed no toxic effects over extended periods. The study was one of the first to establish melatonin's safety at doses far exceeding typical supplementation levels.
6. Seely D, Wu P, Fritz H, et al. Melatonin as adjuvant cancer care with and without chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Integr Cancer Ther. 2012;11(4):293-303.
This meta-analysis evaluated melatonin's role as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. When used alongside conventional treatments, melatonin significantly improved tumor remission, one-year survival, and chemotherapy tolerance. The authors noted particular benefit in reducing chemotherapy side effects.
7. Lissoni P, et al. A phase II study of tamoxifen plus melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients. Br J Cancer. 1996;74(9):1466-8.
This phase II clinical trial investigated the combination of melatonin with tamoxifen in patients with metastatic solid tumors. The study demonstrated that melatonin enhanced the therapeutic effects of tamoxifen while reducing its side effects. The researchers found significant improvements in tumor response and patient survival compared to tamoxifen alone.
8. Reiter RJ, et al. Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers. J Pineal Res. 2016;61(3):253-278.
This comprehensive review explains how melatonin functions as a potent antioxidant, with each molecule capable of neutralizing up to 10 free radicals through a cascade of metabolites. The paper details how melatonin's antioxidant properties extend beyond direct free radical scavenging to include regulation of antioxidant enzymes and support of mitochondrial function.
9. Rodriguez C, et al. Regulation of antioxidant enzymes: a significant role for melatonin. J Pineal Res. 2004;36(1):1-9.
This research paper explores melatonin's role in regulating antioxidant enzyme systems. The authors demonstrate how melatonin upregulates key antioxidant enzymes while also acting as a direct free radical scavenger. They explain how this dual action makes melatonin particularly effective in protecting against oxidative stress.
10. Hevia D, et al. Melatonin uptake through glucose transporters: a new target for melatonin inhibition of cancer. J Pineal Res. 2015;58(2):234-250.
This groundbreaking study revealed that melatonin enters cells through glucose transporters (GLUT), competing with glucose for cellular uptake. The researchers demonstrated how this mechanism could help starve cancer cells of glucose while delivering melatonin's anti-cancer effects. This discovery added a crucial new understanding to melatonin's anti-cancer mechanisms.
11. Cos S, et al. Melatonin and cancer: Current knowledge and its application to oral cavity tumours. J Oral Pathol Med. 2016;45(8):613-9.
This review focuses on melatonin's applications in oral cancer treatment. The authors detail how melatonin's anti-angiogenic properties help prevent tumor growth and spread. They also discuss melatonin's potential as an adjuvant therapy in oral cancer treatment protocols.
12. Su SC, et al. Cancer metastasis: Mechanisms of inhibition by melatonin. J Pineal Res. 2017;62(1).
This paper provides a detailed analysis of how melatonin inhibits cancer metastasis. The researchers describe multiple mechanisms, including modulation of cell-to-cell matrix interaction, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cytoskeleton reorganization. Their findings explain why melatonin may be particularly valuable in preventing cancer spread.
13. Mediavilla MD, et al. Basic mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer effects of melatonin. Curr Med Chem. 2010;17(36):4462-81.
This comprehensive review outlines the fundamental mechanisms through which melatonin fights cancer. The authors describe melatonin's oncostatic properties, its role in mitochondrial stimulation, and its effects on hormone-related cancers. They provide detailed explanations of how melatonin modulates cell cycles and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
14. Cutando A, et al. Role of melatonin in cancer treatment. Anticancer Res. 2012;32(7):2747-53.
This paper examines melatonin's therapeutic role in cancer treatment. The researchers review evidence for melatonin's ability to inhibit endothelin-1, a survival factor for cancer cells. They also discuss how melatonin's multiple mechanisms of action make it particularly valuable as an adjunct therapy.
15. Wang YM, et al. The efficacy and safety of melatonin in concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy for solid tumors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2012;69(5):1213-20.
This meta-analysis evaluated melatonin's effectiveness when used alongside conventional cancer treatments. The researchers found that adding melatonin to chemotherapy or radiotherapy improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects. The analysis confirmed a significant survival benefit with melatonin supplementation.
16. Vijayalaxmi, et al. Melatonin as a radioprotective agent: a review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2004;59(3):639-53.
This review, commissioned by the U.S. Army, examines melatonin's ability to protect against radiation damage. The researchers detail how melatonin protects healthy tissue from radiation while potentially making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment. The paper includes specific dosing recommendations for radiation protection.
17. Ben-David MA, et al. Melatonin for Prevention of Breast Radiation Dermatitis: A Phase II, Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Trial. Isr Med Assoc J. 2016;18(3-4):188-92.
This clinical trial tested melatonin's ability to prevent radiation-induced skin damage in breast cancer patients. The researchers found that topical melatonin significantly reduced radiation dermatitis compared to placebo. The study demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of topical melatonin during radiation treatment.
18. Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, et al. Clinical uses of melatonin: evaluation of human trials. Curr Med Chem. 2010;17(19):2070-95.
This comprehensive review evaluates clinical trials of melatonin across multiple applications. The authors conclude that melatonin is an effective adjuvant therapy for cancer treatment, enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments while reducing their side effects. They provide specific recommendations for clinical applications.
19. Lissoni P, et al. Increased survival time in brain glioblastomas by a radioneuroendocrine strategy with radiotherapy plus melatonin compared to radiotherapy alone. Oncology. 1996;53(1):43-6.
This clinical trial demonstrated improved survival in glioblastoma patients when melatonin was added to standard radiotherapy. The researchers found that melatonin not only enhanced treatment effectiveness but also improved quality of life for patients. The study showed particularly impressive results given the typically poor prognosis for glioblastoma.
20. Persson C, et al. Impact of melatonin and cisplatin on advanced gastric cancer: A case report. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2019;11(12):1219-1225.
This case report details the successful use of melatonin alongside cisplatin in treating advanced gastric cancer. The authors describe how melatonin reduced cisplatin-related side effects while potentially enhancing its therapeutic effects. The report provides valuable insights into practical applications of melatonin in cancer treatment.
21. Cardinali DP, et al. Melatonin in the Treatment of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:702585.
This recent systematic review synthesizes current evidence for melatonin's use in cancer treatment. The authors evaluate optimal dosing strategies and timing of administration, providing practical guidelines for clinical use. They also discuss melatonin's potential role in cancer prevention and review quality-of-life outcomes in cancer patients using melatonin.
22. Farnoosh G, et al. The Effect of Melatonin on Thrombosis, Sepsis and Mortality Rate in COVID-19 Patients. Int J Infect Dis. 2022;115:87-91.
This clinical study examined melatonin's effects in severe COVID-19 patients. The researchers found that 10mg daily melatonin supplementation significantly reduced thrombosis, sepsis, and mortality rates. While focused on COVID-19, the study demonstrates melatonin's broader therapeutic potential through its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
23. Sanchez-Barcelo EJ, et al. Melatonin uses in oncology: breast cancer prevention and reduction of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2012;21(6):819-31.
This expert review focuses on melatonin's role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. The authors detail how melatonin functions as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and Selective Estrogen Enzyme Modulator (SEEM). They provide evidence for melatonin's potential in preventing and treating hormone-responsive cancers, particularly on breast cancer applications.
24. Tordjman S, et al. Melatonin: Pharmacology, Functions and Therapeutic Benefits. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(3):434-443.
This comprehensive review examines melatonin's pharmacological properties and quality considerations in supplementation. The authors discuss the importance of properly manufacturing and storing melatonin supplements and explain how heat and processing can affect efficacy. They provide guidelines for selecting and using melatonin supplements effectively while also reviewing its diverse therapeutic applications.
Postscript
If my hair turns from white to dark brown, or I turn into a leprechaun from taking thirty times Shalenberger’s “high” dose, I will send you photographs.
Disclaimer: I can tell you the truth because I resigned my medical license. My posts are informational and not medical advice. Make your health decisions using what help you can find that you trust.
Share this post