Which is the best choice for gastroesophageal disorders: Melatonin or proton pump inhibitors?

Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the synthesis of melatonin from tryptophan and serotonin.

Figure 2 Photographs of the face of a HIV positive patient with an esophageal ulcer of 6 cm (about 3. 2 inches) who used the dietary supplementation with melatonin, vitamins and amino acids in four different time periods (with permission)[8,9]. A: March 2002: Before the ulcer appeared (patient weighed 80 kg); B: October 12, 2003: During the period of the ulcer (patient weighed 40 kg); C: November 14, 2003: After 32 d of treatment (patient weighed 70 kg); D: July 2, 2004: after 9 mo of treatment. The patient now has body weigh as of March 2002 (80 kg).

Figure 3 Endoscopy records performed on patient (of the group A)[8,9]. A: July 2003: Showing the ulcer (indicated by an arrow); B: July 2004: Showing that the ulcer had practically disappeared after 9 mo of treatment.

Figure 4 Histological cuttings of a biopsy from a patient with an ulcer of 6 cm (3. 2 inches)[8,9]. A: During the period of ulcer; B: After the treatment with melatonin, vitamins and tryptophan.

Figure 5 Chemical structure of melatonin and omeprazole.

Figure 6 Action mechanism of melatonin.