Melatonin could inhibit breast cancer growth: study

by Reuben Chow
Natural News
Feb 6, 2014

(NaturalNews) A recent study carried out by researchers from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Foundation for Research Support of the State of Sao Paulo has revealed that melatonin, a hormone which regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, could help slow the growth of certain types of breast cancer tumors.

Published online in PLoS One, the study suggested that melatonin could inhibit tumor growth and cell production plus block new blood vessels in ER-negative breast cancer models from forming.

Melatonin is a hormone naturally made by the pineal gland, an endocrine gland in the brain. Production of melatonin takes place in the dark and is inhibited by light. Melatonin is also available in supplemental form.

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, and one strategy used in slowing the spread of cancer is by blocking this process. For the study, the researchers looked at how melatonin affected angiogenesis in ER-negative breast cancer – they analyzed the association both in vitro and in vivo using mice.

The study team found that the tumors in the mice which were given melatonin for three weeks became significantly smaller and had less vascular growth, while the average tumor volume of the mice not given melatonin increased significantly. The in vitro studies revealed similar findings. In addition, the treated mice displayed excessive movement but neither aggressive behavior nor irritability. They also did not experience lethargy or weight loss.