Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 5-Methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, acetamide, agomelatine, aMT6s, beta-methyl-6-chloromelatonin, BMS-214778, CAS 73-31-4, hypnotic, indole, luzindole, mel, MEL, melatonine, MLT, MT, N-2-(5-methoxyindol-3-ethyl)-acetamide, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, neurohormone, ramelteon (CAS 196597-26-9, TAK-375), tryptophan.
• Brand names: Accurate Release®; Appleheart Melatonin®; Circadin®; Inspired by Nature®; Mel®; Melatonin Controlled Release®; Melatonin Olympian Labs®; Melatonin Tablets®; Melatonin Time Release®; Melatonin-BioDynamax®; Melatonin-Metabolic Response Modifier®; Melatonin-New Hope Health Products®; Melatonin-Optimum Nutrition®; Melaxen®; Nature's Bounty®; Puritan's Pride®; Rozerem®; Twinlab® Melatonin; Valdoxan®.
• Combination product examples: Melatonex® (vitamin B6); Melatonin Forte® (Piper methysticum, kavalactones, valeriana); Melatonin PM Complex® (vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B3); Melatonin spray® (gamma-aminobutyric acid, pyridoxal-5-phosphate); Super Snooze with Melatonin® (valerian root, hop, skullcap, chamomile, passion flower).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background

• Endogenous melatonin is an indole neurohormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland, from the amino acid tryptophan (1), with regulation of day-night changes in synthesis regulated by changes in the activity of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (2). The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, suggesting the involvement of melatonin in circadian rhythm and regulation of diverse body functions. Levels of melatonin in the blood are highest prior to bedtime.
• Melatonin acts on MT(1) and MT(2) melatonin receptors located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei, the site of the body's master circadian clock. Melatonin may reset disturbed circadian rhythms and may promote jet lag recovery and other circadian rhythm sleep disorders, including delayed sleep phase syndrome and work shift sleep disorder (3;​4).
• Administration of exogenous melatonin has been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep, such as jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), and insomnia, for which there exists an ample body of research.
• Many of melatonin's proposed therapeutic or preventive uses are based on its antioxidant activity (5;​6;​7;​8;​9;​10;​11;​12;​13;​14;​15;​16;​17;​18;​19;​20;​21;​22;​23;​24;​25;​26;​27;​28;​29;​30;​31;​32;​33;​34;​35;​36;​37;​38;​39;​40).
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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