Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey.

Abstract

We are commenting recent discoveries on the presence of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK and AMK in honey. Serotonin and melatonin, products of the tryptophan metabolism, are widely produced in nature, serving as hormones, neurotransmitters, biological regulators, neurotransmitters and antioxidants, in a context dependent fashion. Dopamine and tryptamine are important neurotransmitters across different species. Honey is used as one of the most popular healthy food substances. Detection of above molecules in honey accompanied by detection of vitamin D₃ and its hydroxyderivatives, is consistent with their detection in insects and plants. Their presence in honey enhances spectrum of its beneficial effects for human health and implicates that these molecules must play important role in social insects physiology, bees development and colony functions.