ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT This chapter reviews the literature on Chinese traditional medicines that have been shown to contain melatonin, and discusses the possible therapeutic links between melatonin and the indications and treatments in which these remedies are used. The feasible uses of these herbal products as possible sources of natural melatonin are discussed. Melatonin in a traditional Thai sleeping remedy is reported, as well as melatonin in Thai herbs with anti-inammatory, antibacterial, and glucose control applications. The melatonin contents of a number of Thai herbs, fruits, and vegetables used in traditional Thai medicine is reported for the rst time. Finally, the potential of herbal melatonin as a source of melatonin is discussed, with consideration of the probable doses needed to achieve an equivalent to endogenous nighttime levels as an alternative to synthetic melatonin for use in jet lag, sleep disorders, headaches, etc. The need for studies on the effects of storage and herbal medicine preparations on melatonin stability is highlighted.
