Review article

https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2021-0027

Melatonin as a powerful antioxidant

AGNIESZKA CHRUSTEK ; Department of Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
DOROTA OLSZEWSKA-SŁONINA ; Department of Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland

Abstract

Melatonin is a hormone that has many body functions and, for several decades, its antioxidant potential has been increasingly talked about. There is a relationship between failure in melatonin production in the pineal gland, an insufficient supply of this hormone to the body, and the occurrence of free radical etiology diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and others. Despite the development of molecular biology, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, the exact mechanism of melatonin antioxidant activity is still unknown. Nowadays, the use of melatonin supplementation is more and more common, not only to prevent insomnia, but also to slow down the aging process and provide protection against diseases. The aim of this study is to get acquainted with current reports on melatonin, antioxidative mechanisms and their importance in diseases of free radical etiology.

Keywords

melatonin; antioxidants; lipid peroxidation; free radicals; oxidative stress

Hrčak ID:

243896

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/243896

Publication date:

30.9.2021.

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