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Melatonin: pharmacological aspects and clinical trends
Emiliano Ricardo Vasconcelos Rios1, Edith Teles Venâncio, Nayrton Flávio Moura Rocha
1Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil. emilianovasconcelos@yahoo.com.br
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, offers therapeutic potential for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. Research indicates its sedative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects warrant further investigation for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone produced by the pineal gland.
- Its production is regulated by the dark/light cycle.
- Melatonin influences circadian rhythms and has diverse physiological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic possibilities of melatonin.
- To explore its mechanisms of action via MT1 and MT2 receptors.
- To highlight current and potential pharmacological applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical trials.
- Discussion of melatonin's receptor-mediated actions.
- Analysis of reported pharmacological effects.
Main Results:
- Melatonin is used for circadian rhythm disorders, sleep disturbances, jet lag, and shift work disorder.
- It mediates physiological functions through MT1 and MT2 receptors.
- Reported effects include sedative, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and analgesic activities.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin has significant therapeutic potential, particularly for sleep and circadian rhythm regulation.
- Emerging research suggests applications in neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases.
- Further confirmatory studies are needed to validate many of its reported effects and uses.
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