What is melatonin? Can it really reduce melanin levels?

Melatonin belongs to the class of indole heterocyclic compounds, and its chemical name is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, also known as pineal hormone, melatonin, and melatonin.

Melatonin is synthesized and stored in the pineal gland, and sympathetic nerve excitement controls the release of melatonin from pineal cells. The synthesis of melatonin in mammals is controlled by the nervous system, originating from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, directly or indirectly projecting to the preganglionic sympathetic neurons of the first thoracic segment of the spinal cord, and finally reaching the pineal gland to regulate melatonin synthesis. The secretion of melatonin has a clear circadian rhythm, with secretion suppressed during the day and active secretion at night.

Although melatonin contains the word "melatonin" in its name, it has no direct connection with the melanin on the skin. The origin of the word "melatonin" does not mean to directly fade the skin or other objects, but because melatonin can regulate our sleep-wake cycle and help improve sleep quality.

When we have poor sleep for a long time, melatonin can regulate the endocrine system, reduce the number of awakenings during sleep, prolong the time of deep sleep, and thus improve the quality of sleep. In general, the main function of melatonin is to improve sleep, anti-oxidation and protect cells, rather than directly remove melanin from the skin.

How is melatonin synthesized and what are the characteristics of its synthesis?

Synthesis characteristics

The synthesis of melatonin is regulated by nerves and light cycles, especially the activity of sympathetic nerves and the dark stimulation of the night environment will promote the synthesis of melatonin.

During sympathetic nerve activity, by releasing norepinephrine, the key enzymes in the synthesis of melatonin are further activated, promoting the production of melatonin.

Synthesis steps

Tryptophan first undergoes a series of biochemical reactions, including hydroxylation, decarboxylation and methoxylation, to form 5-hydroxytryptophan.

5-Hydroxytryptophan is further converted into 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Under the action of adenylate cyclase, 5-hydroxytryptamine is activated by the release of norepinephrine (NE), the synthesis of cAMP increases, and the sNAT enzyme (a key enzyme in the synthesis of melatonin) is further activated.

What are the benefits of melatonin?

Improve sleep

Melatonin is an important hormone for regulating sleep. It can shorten the time to fall asleep and reduce the time of waking up before going to bed, reduce the chance of waking up at night, thereby increasing the time of deep sleep and effectively improving the quality of sleep. It has a strong function of adjusting jet lag, which is especially beneficial for people who fly for a long time, travel for a long time or travel for a long time.

Antioxidant and anti-aging

Melatonin has a significant antagonistic effect on the peroxidation reaction caused by exogenous toxins and the damage to body tissues caused by free radicals, so it has an anti-aging effect. Melatonin can scavenge free radicals, resist oxidation and inhibit lipid peroxidation, protect cell structure, prevent DNA damage, and reduce the content of peroxides in the body.

Enhance immunity

Melatonin can enhance the body's immune function and has a regulatory effect on the immune system. It can activate TH cells to release interleukins and interferons, increase the activity of NK cells, and enhance the proliferation effect of lymphocytes, thereby improving the body's resistance to disease.

Regulate hormone secretion

Melatonin can inhibit the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, reduce the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, gonadotropin, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and can directly act on the gonads to reduce the levels of androgens, estrogens and progesterone.

What can melatonin be used for?

Food field

Melatonin can be used as a natural and healthy food additive, added to beverages, foods, etc., to increase their nutritional value and meet consumers' demand for healthy and natural foods. For example, some health products and beverages add melatonin to help improve sleep quality.

Beauty and skin care field

Melatonin can inhibit the formation of melanin, reduce the formation of spots, and make the skin whiter and brighter. It can also improve the skin's immunity and enhance the skin's ability to resist the external environment.

Health care field

Improve sleep

The main function of melatonin is to regulate the sleep cycle and help the body enter a deep sleep state. For people with insomnia and poor sleep quality, melatonin has a significant improvement effect. According to research, melatonin can shorten the time to fall asleep, reduce the number of awakenings at night, increase deep sleep time, and improve overall sleep quality.

Regulate the biological clock

Melatonin can participate in the regulation of the biological clock and regulate the circadian rhythm. Therefore, it is also used to treat jet lag, help people adapt to new time zones faster, and reduce the discomfort caused by jet lag.

What should I pay attention to when using melatonin?

Although melatonin has many benefits, it should not be taken for a long time, otherwise it may lead to negative feedback regulation of endocrine in the body, resulting in dependence and drug resistance.

When taking melatonin, you must strictly follow the doctor's advice and avoid taking the medicine or adjusting the dosage without authorization.

Melatonin has a certain effect on liver and kidney function, and regular monitoring is recommended during use.

When using melatonin, you should pay attention to maintaining a good sleeping environment and sufficient sleep time, and avoid staying up late for a long time.

In daily life, you should pay attention to a light diet, avoid eating irritating foods, and avoid eating foods with a high fat content to avoid affecting sleep quality.