Melatonin Profile

Melatonin is the major hormone secreted by the pineal gland and is a key modulator of seasonal and circadian biorhythms. The synthesis and secretion of melatonin is controlled by a circadian clock in the hypothalamus and is synchronised by the light/dark cycle. The production of melatonin is inhibited by daylight and occurs during darkness. Melatonin is therefore inherently involved in the timing of functions such as sleep, mood, reproduction and immune system activity. Melatonin also not only acts as a hormone, but also as a potent antioxidant and is one of the most powerful scavengers of free radicals.