Italian scientists have discovered that melatonin, the sleep hormone, is found in certain wine-making grapes.

The scientists have also found that the amount of melatonin in the grapes can be increased by treating grape vines with a plant vaccine called Benzothiadiazole. Perhaps wine made from these grapes will become even more popular among those trying hard to get some sleep?

But some scientists are not convinced that the substance they found in the grapes is actually melatonin. Richard Wurtman from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT claims that past research looking for melatonin in foods has never been successful. He thinks that the Italian scientists may simply have found a substance that has similar characteristics to the sleep hormone.

Perhaps further research will have to be undertaken to convince the sceptics, although I am not sure why melatonin-rich wine is particularly useful. It seems like a supplement could easily do the trick for insomniacs rather than having to drink wine. But perhaps I need to test it out first, by keeping a glass of Merlot by my bedside for the next time I am woken up at 6 AM...

For more info:

Science Daily - Another Grape Excuse to Hit the Bottle
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060616135307.htm

Chemistry & Industry Magazine
http://www.chemind.org/CI/index.jsp