For a long memory

Melatonin, as it turned out, effectively strengthens long-term memory

Georgy Golovanov, Hi-tech+

It seems that melatonin, which is usually recommended to be taken as a means to improve sleep, can be safely attributed to drugs that strengthen memory and clarity of thinking. In experiments with mice, Japanese scientists have proved that this substance and two of its metabolites help to retain memories longer.

One of the easiest ways to test the memory of mice is to take advantage of their natural tendency to study unfamiliar subjects that they prefer to already known. The trick is that in order for the subject to be familiar, you need to remember it. As in humans, cognitive decline in mice manifests itself in adulthood and in poor memory, and then even a familiar object seems new to them.

Studying melatonin metabolites, scientists from The Tokyo University of Medicine and Dentistry has suggested that they can stimulate cognitive abilities, according to a TMDU Melatonin press release: Finally, a supplement that actually boosts memory. In order to test this hypothesis, they introduced mice to objects and gave them a dose of melatonin and two metabolites an hour later. The next day they tested the animals' memory. And found its improvements.

The most effective metabolite was AMK (N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine). All three substances accumulated in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for turning experiences into memories.

It is enough for young mice to see an object three times in one day to remember it the next day. The old ones usually do not recognize such an object. However, one dose of AMC 15 minutes after the first acquaintance with the object was enough for them to also retain memories of it even after four days.

And the last thing that scientists have discovered: the formation of long-term memory cannot be enhanced after the conversion of melatonin into AMC in the brain is blocked.

Article by Iwashita et al. The melatonin metabolite N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine facilitates long‐term object memory in young and aging mice published in the Journal of Pineal Research – VM.

Scientists hope that further studies will show the similarity of the reaction to melatonin in mice and in humans. In this case, AMC therapy may be effective in the treatment of cognitive disorders and Alzheimer's disease.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru