A research by McGill University found that melatonin, a hormone found in the body, strengthens old bones
For the study, the researchers conducted experiments on laboratory rats to find out if melatonin regulates the circadian rhythms of elderly rats, which would then reduce the activity of the osteoclasts resulting in slowdown of bone breakdown process.
Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and respond to light and darkness in the environment. Osteoclasts are the cells that degrade bone to initiate normal bone remodeling (among other duties).
In the experiments, researchers at the University of Madrid (cooperating members of the study who were housing the rats) gave melatonin supplements diluted in water to the rats, aged 22 months, which is equivalent to 60 years in humans. Rats in the control group did not receive any melatonin.
After the ten-week experiment, the researchers removed the rats' femurs to see their bone density and strength. The results showed that rats that received the melatonin had significant increase in both bone volume and density and it took more force to break their bones than the rats that were not given melatonin.
Researchers, however, said that more study is required to confirm that the results could be applied to humans too.
"Until there is more research as well as clinical trials to determine how exactly the melatonin is working, we can't recommend that people with osteoporosis go ahead and simply take melatonin supplements," said Tamimi, in a news release. "I am applying for funding to pursue the research and we hope to have answers soon."
The study, 'Melatonin dietary supplement as an anti-aging therapy for age-related bone loss,' was published in the journal Rejuvenation Research.
