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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption
12:02

Human Primary Trophoblast Cell Culture Model to Study the Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Disruption

Published on: July 30, 2016

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Antioxidant properties of melatonin and its potential action in diseases

Cigdem Karaaslan1, Sibel Suzen

  • 1Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Tandogan, Ankara, Turkey. cigdemka@gmail.com.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|February 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin (MLT) and its metabolites are potent antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. This review highlights MLT

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oxidative stress and free radicals are linked to aging and diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
  • Despite the known role of oxidants, antioxidant therapies have shown limited efficacy.
  • Melatonin (MLT) and its metabolites are established endogenous antioxidants and free-radical scavengers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the antioxidant and physiological roles of melatonin (MLT).
  • To highlight MLT's potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases.
  • To draw attention to MLT's broad-spectrum antioxidant capabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on melatonin and oxidative stress.
  • Analysis of research on MLT's physiological functions.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding MLT's therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin (MLT) effectively scavenges free radicals and exhibits broad-spectrum antioxidant activity.
  • MLT plays roles in circadian rhythm regulation and immune function.
  • Evidence suggests MLT's involvement in numerous physiological processes.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful endogenous antioxidant with diverse physiological roles.
  • MLT demonstrates potential for disease prevention and treatment.
  • Further research into MLT's therapeutic applications is warranted.

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