Melatonin
Pineal indolamine hormone synthesized from tryptophan via serotonin. Binds MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, governing circadian rhythm entrainment and sleep onset. Functions as a potent endogenous antioxidant with mitochondrial targeting, scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Modulates immune function via T-cell regulation and inhibits NF-kB inflammatory signaling.
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- PMID:15649737Meta-analysis of melatonin for treatment of sleep disorders — Sleep Med Rev, 2005
- PMID:21276245Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers — J Pineal Res, 2011
- PMID:28648359Therapeutic potential of melatonin in immunomodulation — Front Immunol, 2017
- PMID:31882271Melatonin and mitochondrial function — Curr Neuropharmacol, 2020
Melatonin is the most misunderstood compound in the supplement aisle. People take 10mg because the bottle says to. The physiological dose is 0.3mg. MIT patented that number in 1995. Everything above 1mg is pharmacological, not replacement. The real story with melatonin is not sleep — it is the most powerful endogenous antioxidant you produce. Mitochondrial targeting. Free radical scavenging at concentrations your liver cannot achieve with oral vitamin C. The sleep effect is the side show. The cellular protection is the main act.
This is not medical advice
Discuss with a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any compound. This page documents what the research literature describes — it is not a prescription.
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