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Product Description
Melatonin is an indole-type hormone whose biosynthesis is regulated by light cycles. Melatonin levels are 5–10 times higher at night than during the day, peaking at 2–3 AM. Common analysis methods include HPLC-UV and HPLC-fluorescence. It promotes sleep, adjusts circadian rhythms, has anti-aging effects, and regulates immune functions. At high doses (>3 mg/day), some users may experience headaches, nausea, and hormonal disruptions. Melatonin is a yellow to orange crystalline powder, odorless and tasteless, and is light-sensitive. It is widely present in cell membranes, particularly in mitochondrial membranes, and is mainly distributed in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Despite a total body content of only 500–1500 mg, it plays a crucial role. Melatonin is vital for the electron transport chain in mitochondria, participating in ATP synthesis, which provides energy for muscle contraction and other cell functions, thus impacting all cells, especially those with high energy demands like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. Melatonin levels decline with age, making it particularly important for the heart and addressing age-related heart discomfort. In health foods and pharmaceuticals, melatonin in China is approved only for improving sleep, suitable for those with poor sleep. In the US, melatonin is allowed for structural/function claims, including sleep improvement, circadian rhythm adjustment, antioxidant effects, and stress-induced immune protection. The EU EFSA recognizes melatonin claims for relieving jet lag discomfort.
Melatonin Production Process
Various chemical synthesis methods are used. For example, in pyridine, treat 5-methoxytryptamine with acetic anhydride at room temperature to obtain N,N-diacyl derivatives, which are then converted in an alkaline solution with an 80% yield. In biological systems, melatonin is synthesized as follows:
① Tryptophan is hydroxylated at position 5 to form 5-hydroxytryptophan.
② 5-hydroxytryptophan is decarboxylated to form 5-hydroxytryptamine.
③ 5-hydroxytryptamine is acetylated to form N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine.
④ N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine is methoxylated to form melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine), with the key enzyme being hydroxy-O-methyltransferase.
Benefits and Effects of Melatonin
Melatonin's primary biochemical role is as a cofactor in the electron transport chain, participating in ATP synthesis through various redox reactions. Since most cell functions depend on adequate ATP supply, melatonin is essential for all tissues and organs. Additionally, melatonin is a major lipid antioxidant, preventing free radical formation and changes to proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Applications of Melatonin
Used in food, pharmaceuticals, and other fields.
Packaging and Storage of Melatonin
【Storage Conditions】Store in a sealed, light-proof container, away from high temperatures, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place.
【Packaging】Bulk: 25 kg/cardboard drum; Sample: 1 kg/foil bag; Custom packaging available upon request.
【Shipping】Courier or logistics; domestic courier within three days, logistics within five days. Prices generally include domestic shipping costs.
【Shelf Life】Two years
Extraction Sources
Melatonin is an indole-type hormone secreted by the pineal gland in mammals and humans, present in nearly all biological organisms including prokaryotes, single-celled organisms, fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Its biosynthesis is regulated by light cycles, with nighttime secretion being 5–10 times higher than daytime, peaking at 2–3 AM. Production methods include biological extraction from cow and sheep pineal glands, involving freezing, alcohol extraction, defatting, centrifugation, and elution to purify and concentrate the melatonin. Biological extraction is limited by animal sources, high cost, and low yield.
