Melatonin Clinical Applications

Melatonin has several clinical applications:

• Helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm
• Promotes immune cell activity
• Provides antioxidant activity directly and indirectly
• Maintains normal inflammatory balance

Melatonin is primarily produced by the pineal gland but also in other parts of the body such as the bone marrow, platelets, GI tract, eyes, skin, and lymphocytes. Its chemical precursor is serotonin, a neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan. Synthesis and production of melatonin are affected by light exposure to the eyes; serum concentrations of melatonin are typically low during the daytime hours and increase as night falls. Melatonin has important effects on circadian rhythms and has been reported to have significant effects on reproduction, sleep-wake cycles, and antioxidant function.