Melatonin
Hormone released by the pineal gland / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Melatonin, an indoleamine, is a natural compound produced by various organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes.[1] Its discovery in 1958 by Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues stemmed from the isolation of a substance from the pineal gland of cows that could induce skin lightening in common frogs. This compound was later identified as a hormone secreted in the brain during the night, playing a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm, in vertebrates.[2][3]
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IUPAC name
N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide | |
Other names
5-Methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine; N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine; NSC-113928 | |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.725 |
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MeSH | Melatonin |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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Properties | |
C13H16N2O2 | |
Molar mass | 232.281 g/mol |
Melting point | 117 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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In vertebrates, melatonin's functions extend to synchronizing sleep-wake cycles, encompassing sleep-wake timing and blood pressure regulation, as well as controlling seasonal rhythmicity (circannual cycle), which includes reproduction, fattening, molting, and hibernation.[4] Its effects are mediated through the activation of melatonin receptors and its role as an antioxidant.[5][6][7] In plants and bacteria, melatonin primarily serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress, indicating its evolutionary significance.[8] The mitochondria, key organelles within cells, are the main producers of antioxidant melatonin,[9] underscoring the molecule's "ancient origins" and its fundamental role in protecting the earliest cells from reactive oxygen species.[10][11]
In addition to its endogenous functions as a hormone and antioxidant, melatonin is also administered exogenously as a dietary supplement and medication. It is utilized in the treatment of sleep disorders, including insomnia and various circadian rhythm sleep disorders.