“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm. It is involved in photic regulations of various kinds, including adaptation to light intensity, daily changes of light and darkness, and seasonal changes of photoperiod lengths. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while light suppresses its activity. Jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. Melatonin helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. Many researchers also believe that melatonin levels are related to the aging process. In addition to its hormonal actions, melatonin has strong antioxidant effects. It also helps strengthen the immune system.
Pharmacology
After administration, melatonin binds with its receptors. Two types of melatonin receptor subtypes - MT1 & MT2 have been identified in humans. Melatonin receptors are found in the brain and some peripheral organs. The MT1 subtype is present in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland and the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. The MT2 subtype is mainly present in the retina. Increased level of Melatonin initiates neural & endocrine signals to optimize the levels of neurotransmitters e.g. increased serotonin, increased GABA & decreased dopamine, which induces & sustains sleep, as well as, maintains the body's circadian rhythm.