Regulation of Various Disorders by Melatonin: A Review

Abstract

Melatonin is the natural hormone which is produced by the endocrine gland named as a Pineal Gland. Melatonin is also known as “The Hormone of Darkness”. Melatonin hormone is involved in the circadian regulation and ease of sleep. Low secretion of Melatonin affects biological rhythm. Individuals who are exposed to light at night especially night shift workers on a regular basis experiences biological rhythm disruption. In some studies, it stated that a shortened duration of nocturnal sleep is associated with a high risk of breast cancer. It also disturbs the menstrual cycle in females. Research stated some of the diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fertility, PCOS, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic has led to greater awareness of melatonin because of its ability to act as a potent antioxidant, immune- active agent and mitochondrial regulator. There are different similarities between melatonin and vitamin D on a wide range of their impact on health. There is widespread concern about Vitamin D deficiency as a “sunlight deficiency” and reduced melatonin secretion as a result of “darkness deficiency" from overexposure to artificial blue light. To reduce melatonin disturbance people, have to change the daily life style to maintain the biological rhythm. Keywords: Melatonin, Pineal Gland, Natural Hormone, Biological rhythm.