Melatonin

Melatonin — Pineal Neurohormone for Circadian and Antioxidant Research

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is the principal neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, first isolated and characterized by Aaron Lerner at Yale University in 1958. As the master regulator of circadian rhythmicity and a potent endogenous antioxidant, melatonin has been the subject of over 30,000 published studies spanning chronobiology, free radical chemistry, immune regulation, and neuroprotection. Our injectable-grade lyophilized melatonin provides researchers with a high-purity preparation suitable for in-vitro and in-vivo experimental protocols requiring precise dosing and sterile reconstitution.

Mechanism of Action

Melatonin exerts its biological effects through both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Receptor-mediated actions occur via MT1 (MTNR1A) and MT2 (MTNR1B) G-protein-coupled receptors, which modulate cyclic AMP production, protein kinase C activity, and intracellular calcium signaling in target tissues. MT1 receptors mediate acute effects on neuronal firing and vasoconstriction, while MT2 receptors primarily regulate circadian phase-shifting. Receptor-independent actions include direct free radical scavenging (hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radical, peroxynitrite) and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, catalase) through NRF2 pathway activation.

Key Research Areas

• Circadian Biology: Melatonin remains the gold standard chronobiotic agent in research, with demonstrated phase-shifting capacity in suprachiasmatic nucleus slice preparations and robust entrainment effects on peripheral clock gene expression (Per1, Per2, Bmal1, Clock) across multiple tissue types.
• Antioxidant Defense: Research has demonstrated that melatonin's antioxidant capacity extends beyond direct radical scavenging—its metabolites (AFMK, AMK) retain radical-scavenging activity, creating a "free radical scavenging cascade" that provides sustained protection against oxidative damage in neuronal and hepatic tissue models.
• Immune Modulation: Studies have documented melatonin's immunoregulatory effects, including enhanced IL-2 and IFN-γ production by T-helper cells, increased natural killer cell activity, and modulation of inflammatory cytokine networks through NF-κB pathway inhibition.
• Mitochondrial Protection: Research has revealed that melatonin accumulates in mitochondria at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than plasma levels, where it directly protects respiratory chain complexes, inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and preserves membrane potential under oxidative stress.

Technical Specifications

• Dosage per vial: 10mg lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC verified)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 232.28 Da
• Storage: -20°C, protected from light

Why Researchers Choose Peptides BioLab

Every batch of Melatonin supplied by Peptides BioLab undergoes rigorous HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis, ensuring ≥98% purity verified by an independent Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Our product is supplied as a lyophilized powder for maximum stability, shipped worldwide in temperature-controlled packaging.

Related Research Compounds

Researchers studying circadian biology and neuroprotection may also find these compounds relevant: DSIP, Epitalon, and Pinealon. For a complete overview, browse our product catalog.

For research purposes only — Not for human consumption. All products are intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory use.