Melatonin is a hormone predominantly produced by the pineal gland in the brain, primarily in response to darkness. It regulates the body's circadian rhythms, helping to control sleep-wake cycles.
Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening and fall in the morning.
Beyond its role in regulating sleep, melatonin has several other physiological functions, largely attributable to its antioxidant properties.
Function:
1. Regulation of Sleep:
Melatonin's most well-known role is in the regulation of sleep patterns.
It helps signal the body to prepare for sleep, facilitating the onset of sleepiness when darkness falls.
2. Antioxidant Activity:
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that can directly scavenge free radicals and upregulate antioxidant enzymes.
It is particularly effective against hydroxyl radicals.
3. Immune System Support:
Melatonin has been shown to enhance immune function, partly through its antioxidant activity and partly through modulation of immune responses.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects:
It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Medical Benefits:
1. Sleep Disorders:
Melatonin supplementation is used to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag, by aligning the body's internal clock with environmental cues.
2. Neurodegenerative Diseases:
Its antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects make melatonin a candidate for neuroprotection in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
3. Cancer:
Melatonin has been explored for its anti-cancer properties, potentially inhibiting cancer cell growth and improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.
4. Cardiovascular Health:
There is interest in melatonin's ability to protect against cardiovascular diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.