Melatonin for Sleeping
CAS No.: 73-31-4
What’s the Melatonin?
Melatonin powder, is a white to off-white crystalline powder form of melatonin, an endogenous hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the human brain . Its chemical name is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, with the molecular formula C13H16N2O2, CAS number 73-31-4, and a molecular weight of 232.28 . It is odorless with a slightly bitter taste, slightly soluble in water. It is easily soluble in ethanol and methanol, and slightly soluble in chloroform and ethyl acetate .
Core properties and functions
1.Regulating sleep rhythm
It is known as the “dark hormone”, because its secretion is regulated by the light cycle, with nighttime secretion being 5-10 times that of daytime . It acts on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus to send sleep signals to the body, shortening sleep onset time, improving sleep quality, and resetting the biological clock disturbed by jet lag or shift work .
2.Antioxidant and anti-aging
As a potent endogenous antioxidant, its antioxidant capacity is twice that of vitamin E . It can scavenge harmful free radicals and activate antioxidant enzymes, protecting cells from oxidative damage and playing a role in delaying aging .
3.Immune regulation
It can bidirectionally regulate the immune system by activating immune cells such as T lymphocytes and NK cells, and regulating the release of inflammatory factors .
Core Application Fields
Melatonin powder is widely used across three key sectors due to its circadian regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with the following condensed applications:
Pharmaceutical field
It is clinically formulated into prescription and OTC drugs to treat primary insomnia (a safer alternative to sedatives for the elderly), alleviate jet lag in frequent travelers, and manage sleep disorders in shift workers (e.g., medical staff, factory operators). It is also being explored for auxiliary treatment of neuropsychiatric-related sleep issues.
Health products and functional foods
As a dietary supplement, it is processed into tablets, enteric-coated capsules, sublingual lozenges, and kid-friendly gummies for sleep improvement. It is also compounded with vitamins, zinc, or GABA in high-end products to boost immunity and support anti-aging, and added to travel beverages or post-exercise snacks for scenario-specific health needs.
Cosmetics and personal care
It is a key ingredient in nighttime anti-aging skincare. It is paired with retinol or boswellia in these products. This pairing helps fight free radicals. It also helps reduce fine lines. It is also used in sensitive and post-procedure skin repair products. These products can soothe skin redness. They can also rebuild damaged skin barriers. Additionally, it is added to scalp care items. It helps regulate hair follicle growth cycles in these items. It also reduces hair loss and dandruff.
