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Complementary and alternative medicines patients are talking about: melatonin.
1Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA. leeco@mail.nih.gov
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|February 18, 2006
Summary
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, regulates sleep-wake cycles. Its production increases with darkness, peaking in the early morning hours to promote rest.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Chronobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a key hormone synthesized by the pineal gland.
- Its production is intrinsically linked to the light-dark cycle, responding to darkness.
- Melatonin synthesis involves a biochemical pathway from tryptophan to serotonin, then to melatonin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physiological role of melatonin in the human body.
- To describe the synthesis pathway and regulation of melatonin.
- To characterize the diurnal rhythm of serum melatonin levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on melatonin synthesis and function.
- Analysis of studies measuring serum melatonin concentrations throughout the day and night.
- Biochemical pathway elucidation.
Main Results:
- Melatonin production is initiated by the pineal gland in response to darkness.
- The enzymatic conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, and subsequently to melatonin, is the primary synthesis route.
- Serum melatonin levels exhibit a distinct circadian rhythm, being low during daylight and peaking between 2-4 am.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is a crucial neurohormone regulating circadian rhythms and sleep.
- Its synthesis and secretion are tightly controlled by environmental light cues.
- Understanding melatonin's physiology is vital for addressing sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disruptions.