Melatonin

Melatonin

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an endogenously produced indoleamine synthesized primarily in the pineal gland. It plays a central role in the regulation of circadian rhythms, seasonal biological cycles, and antioxidative defense mechanisms. In research settings, Melatonin is employed to study sleep regulation, cellular protection, and hormonal modulation. It is provided exclusively for laboratory and analytical use.


Overview

Melatonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan through a multistep enzymatic pathway involving serotonin as an intermediate. The compound’s secretion is closely linked to the light–dark cycle, with peak plasma concentrations typically observed at night. In laboratory models, Melatonin acts as a pleiotropic signaling molecule influencing circadian rhythm entrainment, mitochondrial homeostasis, redox balance, and immune system modulation.

Research has also investigated its potential role as an endogenous antioxidant, capable of neutralizing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and upregulating the expression of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Melatonin has been further examined as a signaling modulator in the regulation of reproductive hormones, neuroprotective pathways, and cellular aging.


Chemical Makeup

• Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 232.28 Da
• Observed Mass (Batch # 2025027): 232.3 Da
• Purity (HPLC, LCMS-confirmed): 99.17 %
• Form: Crystalline powder
• Analysis Method: Reverse-phase HPLC (UV 280 nm) and LCMS (ESI+ mode), calibrated with reference standard.
• Appearance: White to faintly off-white crystalline powder

Research and Preclinical Studies

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Regulation

Melatonin acts on MT₁ and MT₂ receptors located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, the body’s central circadian pacemaker. Research demonstrates its capacity to phase-shift circadian rhythms, providing an investigative tool for chronobiology and sleep regulation studies.

Antioxidant and Mitochondrial Effects

Studies have shown that Melatonin exhibits both direct and indirect antioxidant activity. It scavenges free radicals and promotes the transcription of antioxidative enzymes, making it an important molecule for studying oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics.

Neuroendocrine and Immune Modulation

Melatonin has been explored for its influence on neuroendocrine function and immune signaling. Experimental data suggest regulatory roles in cytokine balance, inflammatory response, and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Cellular Protection and Aging

Research on Melatonin’s potential cytoprotective and anti-aging effects focuses on its ability to stabilize mitochondrial function, maintain membrane potential, and reduce DNA damage in aging models. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are key areas of investigation in cellular senescence and longevity studies.


Summary

Melatonin (Batch # 2025027) demonstrates a measured molecular mass of 232.3 Da and a confirmed purity of 99.17 %. Analytical validation supports its integrity for use in experimental and analytical research applications exploring circadian biology, neuroendocrinology, oxidative stress, and cellular protection mechanisms. This compound is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use.


References

1. Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Galano A. “Melatonin: exceeding expectations.” Physiology (Bethesda). 2014;29(5):325-333. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25180259/
   
2. Hardeland R, Cardinali DP, Srinivasan V, et al. “Melatonin—a pleiotropic, orchestrating regulator molecule.” Prog Neurobiol. 2011;93(3):350-384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21193011/
   
3. Acuña-Castroviejo D, Escames G, Venegas C, et al. “Melatonin in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism: mitochondrial protection.” Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(4):6908-6938. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24752558/
   
4. Arendt J, Skene DJ. “Melatonin as a chronobiotic.” Sleep Med Rev. 2005;9(1):25-39. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15649736/
   
5. Pandi-Perumal SR, Srinivasan V, Maestroni GJM, et al. “Melatonin: Nature’s most versatile biological signal.” FEBS J. 2006;273(13):2813-2838. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16817850/
   
6. Cardinali DP, Pevet P. “Basic aspects of melatonin action.” Sleep Med Rev. 1998;2(3):175-190. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15310406/
   
7. Claustrat B, Leston J. “Melatonin: physiological effects in humans.” Neurochirurgie. 2015;61(2-3):77-84. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25818301/
   
8. Tan DX, Manchester LC, Terron MP, et al. “Melatonin as a natural antioxidant: from molecular mechanisms to clinical significance.” Brain Res Bull. 2007;73(1-3):203-213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17499606/
   
9. Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral S, Tan DX, et al. “Melatonin as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant: one molecule, multiple actions.” Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017;74(21):3863-3881. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28567501/
   
10. National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Melatonin compound summary.” https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Melatonin
    

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.