Melatonin is a molecule synthesized in our brain by the pineal gland and in the gastrointestinal tract. In the body melathonin is produced from tryptophan amino acid. Melatonin is also synthesized in other organisms including plants.
Melatonin is known for its benefits in the synchrony of circadian rhythm, regulating sleep patterns with day and night.
Melatonin is also an antioxidant and protects tissues from oxidative damage by free radical elements. Further more, melatonin induces production of antioxidants such as superoxide dismtase (SOD) in the body.
Several researches indicate that melatonin protects the gastrointestinal tract from irritation, reduces stress-induced lesion formation and heals ulcer.
Melathonin Food and Herbal Sources
Melathonin is produced by plants and thus, it can be obtained from dietary sources. Below are lists of natural plant sources high in melathonin.
Table 1: Melatonin sources ( Rieter and Tan, 2002).
| Melatonin source | Melatonin content (ng/g) |
|---|---|
| Huang-qin | 7,110 |
| St. John’s wort, flower | 4,390 |
| Fever few, green leaf | 2,450 |
| Fever few, gold leaf | 1,920 |
| St. John’s wort, leaf | 1,750 |
| White mustard seed | 189 |
| Black mustard seed | 129 |
| Wolf berry seed | 103 |
| Fenugreek seed | 43 |
| Sunflower seed | 29 |
| Fennel seed | 28 |
| Alfalfa seed | 16 |
| Green cardamom seed | 15 |
| Tart cherry fruit (Montmorency) | 15 |
| Flax seed | 12 |
| Anise seed | 7 |
| Coriander seed | 7 |
| Celery seed | 7 |
| Poppy seed | 6 |
| Milk thistle seed | 2 |
| Tart cherry fruit (Balaton) | 2 |