1. What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It plays a critical role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm—the biological clock that governs sleep-wake cycles.
Research shows that melatonin also functions as a potent antioxidant and an immune modulator, with growing interest in its potential roles in healthy aging, cognitive health, and inflammatory regulation.
2. Melatonin Structure
Molecular Formula： C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂
Molecular Weight：232.28g/mol
CAS Number：73-31-4
3. Melatonin Research
[1] Mechanisms
l Circadian entrainment: Acts on MT₁/MT₂ receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to synchronize circadian rhythms.【1】
l Antioxidant defense: Directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and GPx.【2】
l Anti-inflammatory & immune modulation: Suppresses NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS; reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators.【3】
l Mitochondrial protection: Accumulates in mitochondria, where it preserves redox homeostasis and reduces apoptosis.
l Bioactive metabolites: AMK and AFMK contribute additional neuroprotective and antiproliferative effects.【4】
[2] Clinical Observations
l Shown to improve sleep latency and quality in circadian rhythm-related conditions such as delayed sleep phase and jet lag.
l Used in clinical settings for insomnia in older adults, with evidence supporting better sleep quality.
l Research suggests benefits in REM sleep behavior disorder, preoperative anxiety reduction, athletic recovery, and mood stabilization.【5】
l Emerging studies indicate potential in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s models, attributed to antioxidative and amyloid-β reduction effects.
✅ Why Consider Melatonin (Research Context)?
⏳ Sleep & circadian support – assists in resetting biological rhythms.
🛡️ Antioxidant powerhouse – scavenges free radicals and protects mitochondria.
🌡️ Anti-inflammatory – downregulates NF-κB, COX-2, and cytokine cascades.
🧠 Neuroprotection & cognition – linked to memory support and reduced oxidative stress.
🫀 Immune modulation – influences NK cells, lymphocytes, and macrophage activity.
🔄 Broad systemic roles – studied in reproductive health, metabolic signaling, and cardiovascular balance.
4. Future Research
A. Neurodegeneration & Aging
Investigated in Alzheimer’s disease models for cognition and amyloid clearance.
Research into AMK metabolites shows promise for hippocampal memory protection.
B. Immune & Autoimmune Disorders
Trials explore its potential role in allergies, autoimmune disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
C. Cancer Biology & DNA Repair
Shift-work studies suggest enhanced DNA repair capacity and reduced UV-induced DNA damage.
D. Cardiometabolic & Reproductive Health
Studied for effects on blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS-related rhythms.
E. Delivery Innovations
Development of transdermal patches, nanocarriers, and receptor-selective analogs to optimize circadian precision.
4. Application Area
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Sleep & Circadian Studies
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Investigated in insomnia, jet lag, shift work, and delayed sleep phase
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Cognitive & Psychiatric
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Research in mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and mood disorders
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Immunology & Inflammation
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Supports studies in chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and gut barrier repair
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Antioxidant & Cellular Protection
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Reduces oxidative stress in radiation, mitochondrial disorders, and age-related decline
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Reproductive Health
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Explored for cycle regulation, seasonal hormone rhythms, and fertility-linked studies
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Sports & Recovery
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Studied in post-surgical recovery, athletic stress adaptation, and inflammation mitigation
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6. Safety & Regulatory Notes
General research use only – melatonin is widely available but purity and dosing vary.
Not FDA-approved for disease prevention or treatment beyond specific indications.
Reported effects in research: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, rare endocrine modulation.
Ongoing monitoring: long-term safety and drug interaction studies are still under evaluation.
✅ Summary
Melatonin is a multifunctional peptide hormone best known as the “sleep hormone,” but research highlights its wider antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immune-regulatory roles.
It is a cornerstone molecule in chronobiology and wellness research, with applications ranging from sleep quality and circadian rhythm regulation to healthy aging, mitochondrial protection, and cognitive support.
Future studies will continue to expand its relevance in neurodegeneration, immune health, and precision circadian therapeutics.
⚠️ Disclaimer
ALL ARTICLES AND PRODUCT INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition, ailment, or disease. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
