Melatonin is the pineal hormone and its activity is associated with the two known receptors-ML1 and ML2. Melatonin is an indoleamine and has found potent role in the biological regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep-mood disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and aging. Melatonin passively diffuses into bloodstream showing its maximum effectiveness. Melatonin preserves mitochondrial homeostasis, increases gene expression for antioxidant enzymes and enhances quality of life. It has proved to be a powerful antioxidant and its efficacy is particularly exhibited in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease whose pathogenesis is associated with the cytotoxic effect of oxygen free radicals. Therapeutic trials with melatonin have been effective in slowing down the progression of some neurodegenerative disorders. Studies suggest that melatonin may have a clinical potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and many other incurable ailments.

doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2007.140404