V. Srinivasan
Amnon Brzezinski • Sukru Oter
Samuel D. Shillcutt
Editors

2014

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule that is widely distributed in nature and is synthesized by most of the living organisms including unicellular organisms, fungi, plants, and animals. Melatonin synthesis in human beings is unique as this hormone is synthesized in many areas of the body in much higher concentration than that is produced by the pineal gland, which is considered as the major site of its production. Melatonin displays multiplicity of actions that ranges from chronobiotic, hypnotic, antioxidative, oncostatic, immune regulating, to controlling reproduction including the timing of puberty. In addition to these, its participation in the control of human mood and behavior has attained clinical significance.