O ne of the hottest new topics of the health world is melatonin, a natural compound made by the pineal gland in the center of your brain, and vitally important when you consider three basic needs: aging, energy, and sleep.
         Thirty years of research has turned up some remarkable results, pointing to the immense value of maintaining a proper level of melatonin every day--and night.
         Early in life, more melatonin is produced than after puberty. As people age, amounts diminish, often evidenced by fatigue and an inability to get proper sleep.
         By supplementing the body's natural ability to make this hormone, many people have reported notable benefits without any safety problems or unpleasant side-effects.

A Natural Sleep
         Since melatonin has been found to affect the body's sleep mechanism, only a little is needed to make a change. For example, people traveling from one time zone to another over long distances may suffer "jet lag." Adjusting to a new set of daylight hours may be easier by taking a melatonin supplement a little while before the time you wish to sleep, even in daylight hours. In this case, it helps to darken the room before sleep, which signals the pineal to step up its own production of melatonin.
         Because melatonin helps restore the body's natural sleep rhythm, it should only be taken before bedtime so that by morning you are not too drowsy for your own safety on the road and at work. When used as directed, it may help you feel more alert and satisfied after a full night's rest.

Do You Look Your Age?
         Melatonin appears to protect us from the damaging and aging effects of oxidation by free radicals. As an antioxidant, it can help prevent cellular damage and DNA changes so critical to living a long and healthy life. And melatonin readily penetrates every cell of the body. In research experiments, it also helps protect from radiation, and some toxic chemicals. Other experiments showed impressive regenerative powers in body tissues after melatonin supplements were given.

Guarding Your Energy
         Melatonin assists the glands in protecting and managing all body systems, resulting in more energy for proper body warmth and vigor each day. Along with helping to preserve the body's energy systems, the immune system is maintained, with studies showing remarkable results.
         Anything helping the body maintain health, and acting as a nutritional stress reliever, has to impact one's sleep, energy level and longevity. Nature's Sunshine has developed a formula to enhance the beneficial effects of melatonin, obtained by NSP from non-bovine sources. It's called Melatonin Extra.

Melatonin Extra Formula
         To improve circulation and absorption of nutrients important to the brain, Ginkgo Biloba concentrate (standardized to 24% glycosides) is added to the formula, along with Ginkgo Biloba leaves.
         In addition, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is included as a famous adaptogen known to benefit all the glands and functions of the body.
         Each capsule contains 30 I.U. (100% USRDA) of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) to protect the melatonin and increase the overall effectiveness of the formula.
         Melatonin is designed to help you respond to some of the age-old questions about health. One capsule of Melatonin Extra Stock# 2830-4 contains 3.0 mg of pure melatonin and should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime, and only by adults. This product should not be taken during the day since it may cause drowsiness. It is not for use by children, teenagers, pregnant or lactating women.