1: Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2001 Dec;21(6):605-16.

Melatonin-dopamine interactions: from basic neurochemistry to a clinical setting.

Zisapel N.

Department of Neurobiochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
navazis@post.tau.ac.il

To review the interaction between melatonin and the dopaminergic system in the
hypothalamus and striatum and its potential clinical use in dopamine-related
disorders in the central nervous system. Medline-based search on
melatonin-dopamine interactions in mammals. Melatonin. the hormone produced by
the pineal gland at night. influences circadian and seasonal rhythms, most
notably the sleep-wake cycle and seasonal reproduction. The neurochemical basis
of these activities is not understood yet. Inhibition of dopamine release by
melatonin has been demonstrated in specific areas of the mammalian central
nervous system (hypothalamus, hippocampus, medulla-pons, and retina).
Antidopaminergic activities of melatonin have been demonstrated in the striatum.
Dopaminergic transmission has a pivotal role in circadian entrainment of the
fetus, in coordination of body movement and reproduction. Recent findings
indicate that melatonin may modulate dopaminergic pathways involved in movement
disorders in humans. In Parkinson patients melatonin may, on the one hand,
exacerbate symptoms (because of its putative interference with dopamine release)
and, on the other, protect against neurodegeneration (by virtue of its
antioxidant properties and its effects on mitochondrial activity). Melatonin
appears to be effective in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. a severe movement
disorder associated with long-term blockade of the postsynaptic dopamine D2
receptor by antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenic patients. The interaction of
melatonin with the dopaminergic system may play a significant role in the
nonphotic and photic entrainment of the biological clock as well as in the
fine-tuning of motor coordination in the striatum. These interactions and the
antioxidant nature of melatonin may be beneficial in the treatment of
dopamine-related disorders.

PMID: 12043836 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Please excuse my total ignorance, but I'm enticed by you "Current Blend". Is this just an all over feel good blend or have you specifically picked each one for Parkinsons? Thanks, I find your post very interesting!

These are the things that I have tried and/or researched enough to attempt to take regularly. It is up-to-date at the moment but slips from time to time.

I just realized that I didn't answer your question. They are all PD oriented. The ALA-ALC-Carnosine combination boosts mitochondrial function and fights glycation. The B-vitamins pop up in the nervous system every time you turn around. Ginseng and gingko help with stress damage and the former is a top adaptogen. Turmeric does so many things that I won't try to list them all. Fish oil is anti-inflammatory and provides one of the primary building blocks of brain tissue.

Thank you! You have been most helpful...