what is Melatonin?
Melatonin, also known as melatonin, is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and has a wide range of actions and functions. Since its first discovery in 1953, melatonin research has continued to advance, revealing to us its importance in a number of areas, including sleep, reproduction, and immunity.
73-31-4
natural field
232.278
1.175 g/cm³
Discovery of Melatonin：
The discovery of melatonin dates back to 1953, when it was observed to cause a melanin-producing cell to light up, hence the name "melatonin". This hormone is secreted by the pineal gland in the human body and is therefore also known as pinealotropin. The secretion of this hormone has a distinct circadian rhythm, with suppressed secretion during the day and active secretion at night.
Melatonin's role in sleep
One of the main functions of melatonin is to regulate sleep and arousal. It can shorten the time of arousal before bedtime and the time of falling asleep, improve the quality of sleep, so that the number of awakenings during sleep is significantly reduced, the light sleep stage is short, the deep sleep stage is prolonged, and the arousal threshold of the next morning is decreased. These functions make melatonin an important substance for improving sleep quality.
Other effects of melatonin:
1.Adjustment of jet lag:
Melatonin has a strong function of adjusting jet lag, which can help people quickly adapt to new time zones.
Endocrine system regulation: Melatonin can inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, so that gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone, and follicular estrogen are reduced, and can act directly on the gonads to reduce the content of androgens, estrogens and progesterone.
2.Immunomodulation: Melatonin has powerful neuroendocrine immunomodulatory activity, which can enhance the body's immunity against infection and disease.
3.Antioxidant and anti-aging: Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that can scavenge free radicals and slow down the aging process of the human body.
4.Whitening and Spot Removal: Melatonin inhibits the formation of melanin, which helps to whiten and remove spots.
5.Anti-cancer effects: Melatonin can inhibit cell reproduction, reducing the possibility of estrogen disorders in women that can induce cancer.
How to get melatonin?
The body can synthesize melatonin on its own at night, but you can also get it through food and supplements. Melatonin-rich foods include walnuts, oats, sesame seeds, and milk. In addition, many health food stores sell melatonin supplements. Although it is safe to take in small quantities for short periods of time, prolonged use or abuse of melatonin in large quantities may bring about a number of side effects, such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, and so on. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor or dietitian before using melatonin supplements.