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Melatonin in plants.

R J Reiter1, D X Tan, S Burkhardt

  • 1Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78229-3900, USA.

Nutrition Reviews
|September 26, 2001
PubMed
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Melatonin, found in plants and animals, acts as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Consuming melatonin-rich foods may boost the body's antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative stress.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Plant Science
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Melatonin was historically considered exclusive to animals.
  • Recent findings confirm melatonin's presence and function in plants.
  • Melatonin is recognized for its antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate melatonin's antioxidant mechanisms.
  • To explore the role of plant-derived melatonin in human health.
  • To assess the impact of dietary melatonin on oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

  • Chemical analysis of melatonin's free radical scavenging activity.
  • In vivo studies to identify melatonin metabolites.
  • Animal experiments feeding melatonin-rich foods.

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Main Results:

  • Melatonin directly detoxifies multiple reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
  • Metabolites of melatonin, such as cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin, are found in vivo.
  • Dietary melatonin intake increased blood melatonin levels in animal models.
  • Melatonin enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, bolstering macromolecule protection.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin exhibits significant direct and indirect antioxidant capabilities.
  • Plant-derived melatonin is bioavailable and can increase blood melatonin levels.
  • Dietary intake of melatonin-rich foods may be a viable strategy to reduce oxidative stress.