Original Article International Journal of Basic and Applied Physiology Int J Basic Appl Physiol., 8(1), 2019 Page 82 ASSESSMENT OF MELATONIN LEVELS IN NORMAL HEALTHY YOUNG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, POST HYPNOSIS AND YOGA PRACTITIONERS Avnish Dave*, Jayant Makwana**, Rashmin Sompura***, Renu Sharma***, Bhaskar Vyas**** , Mausmi Dave Jaymesh Thadani****, * Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Shantabaa Medical College and Hospital, Amreli, **Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute, Silvassa and corresponding Author, ** *Department of Psychology, M.S. University Vadodara, , ****Samanvaya Trust, & Total Potential Cells (P) Ltd. Vadodara Abstracts: Background: Melatonin, a hormone secreted by pineal gland in response to circadian rhythm has receptors on all the cells in human body. Thus, its effects can be wide ranging. The standards in the western adult are established as 2-4 pg/μl. However, the data for Indians are lacking. The research aims as to arrive at normal levels for melatonin in adult Indian subjects and to further study melatonin levels in yoga practitioners as well as after a session of hypnotic trance. Study was conducted at M S University , psychology department in 20 healthy volunteers and 20 regular yoga practitioner. Melatonin level in blood was measured by ELISA. Results: The melatonin range was found to be 0.8-54.2 pg/μl. Median values ranges from 12.2 – 17.2 pg/μl in controlled subjects. The average concentration of melatonin was found to be 15.56 ± 10.96 pg/μl. The results in yoga practitioners were ranging from 17.08 – 75.45 pg/μl with average concentration as 34.25 ± 11.89 pg/μl and post hypnosis session were ranging from 1.92 – 32.693 pg/μl with average concentration as 12.86 ± 10.93 pg/μl . Statistical analysis is done.Conclusions: Melatonin levels were found to be higher in yoga practitioners (17.08 – 75.45 pg/μl ) compared to controlled(12.2 – 17.2 pg/μl and posthypnotic (15.56 ± 10.96 pg/μl) values. Key Words: Melatonin hypnosis yoga Author for correspondence: Dr.Jayant Makwana, Department of Physiology, NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute, Silvassa, e- mail: jmak1629@gmail.com Introduction: Melatonin is a hormone produced by pineal gland. It regulates the body functions with synchronization to circadian rhythms. Sunlight inhibits its secretion while with darkness, pineal gland releases melatonin through neuronal signaling from supra chiasmatic nucleus. During regular hours of sleep, the secretion rises to reach a peak around 4:00 am and, subsequently the levels decline to arrive to a standard norm of 2-4 pg/μl during the day. Where in the Melatonin synthesis is regulated by only two genes, the receptors (MT1 and MT2 ) for melatonin are present on the cell surface all over the body 1 . Once Melatonin enters the cells through MT1, the enzyme aryl alkylamine N-acetyl transferase (AANAT) causes further processing of melatonin which is then released via autocrine fashion and circulates in the body. The result may be hyperplasia and regeneration. Physiological processes of melatonin have been extensively studied 2,3,,4 . The kinetic modality of melatonin extends to several hormones like hypothalamic release factor, pituitary hormone and peptides like Gastro Intestinal and brain peptides, Gastro Intestinal and pancreas, circulatory peptides, opiate peptides, neurohypophyseal peptides etc. Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles, and reduced interactions with surroundings 5 . The repair and regeneration in this process can be attributed to a large extent to the variegated actions of melatonin on several information substances release and interactions. However, the therapeutic application was limited to counter effect of jet lag. W Pierpaoli and W Regelson 6 has found that melatonin helps in delaying aging and also helps in rejuvenation. Meditation is an altered state of consciousness that seems akin to sleep to an extent. Hatha–yoga and Raj–yoga iIs a form of meditation. The benefits through yoga practice in health promotion and lifestyle diseases are well documented.