In addition to the field of health products, melatonin (melatonine, MT)has many functions. Melatonin has free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, can scavenge reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species, strengthen mitochondrial function, and increase antioxidant defense, prevent tissue damage, block transcription factors of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce Inflammation in the body, etc.
1. Antioxidant There is evidence that melatonin can directly scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Melatonin stimulates multiple antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. As a direct scavenger of free radicals, melatonin has the ability to detoxify and can indirectly or directly increase the activity of the antioxidant defense system.
2. Effects on glucose and lipid metabolism Long-term treatment with melatonin reduces hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperleptinemia, and restores hepatic desaturase activity in rats with type 2 diabetes.
3. Effects on the immune system Studies have found that melatonin has the potential to stimulate the immune system, helping to strengthen it. It has certain potential therapeutic effects in improving aging-related immune deficiencies, relieving stress, and regulating mood.
4. Regulation of autophagy Autophagy is involved in the circulation of intracellular substances, and its main business is to maintain cellular bioenergy. Studies have found that melatonin can be used as a regulator of autophagy. No matter how melatonin appears to help regulate autophagy, it can effectively improve the autophagy response mechanism and most likely deactivate autophagy. These include combating aging and the development of a range of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections, and obesity, and in different contexts, all play a role in the regulation of autophagy to some extent.
5. Anti-inflammatory effect Melatonin regulates the immune system while reducing chronic and acute inflammation. Experimental and clinical data have found that melatonin is anti-inflammatory by helping to mobilize pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in various pathological conditions.