Introduction
Melatonin（CAS73-31-4）, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” is a naturally occurring compound produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a vital role in regulating the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that governs the sleep-wake cycle. Beyond its well-known function in promoting restful sleep, melatonin also influences various biological processes, including antioxidant defense, immune regulation, and cellular protection.
In recent years, melatonin supplements have gained popularity as a natural aid for improving sleep, alleviating jet lag, and managing stress. Produced either through chemical synthesis or biofermentation, melatonin powder is widely used in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
This article examines the properties of melatonin, its mechanism of action, health benefits, safety profile, and industrial applications.
What is Melatonin powder（CAS73-31-4）?
Melatonin, also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain. It is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and released in a rhythmic pattern that tracks the day-night cycle. Levels rise in the evening, signaling the body to prepare for sleep, and fall in the morning to help promote wakefulness.
In addition to regulating sleep, melatonin also has antioxidant effects and may affect immune responses and circadian rhythms. Synthetic melatonin is widely used as a dietary supplement and is being studied for various therapeutic purposes, including sleep disorders and jet lag.
Mechanism of Action
Melatonin exerts its effects primarily through two G-protein-coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2, located in the brain and other tissues. Activation of these receptors modulates neuronal activity and circadian signaling, helping to synchronize internal clocks with the external environment. MT1 and MT2 signaling pathways influence cyclic AMP (cAMP) and other intracellular cascades, leading to adjustments in sleep timing, sleep architecture, and overall circadian alignment. Melatonin’s receptor-mediated actions are complemented by its antioxidant properties, contributing to cellular protection during sleep and rest periods.
Benefits of Melatonin powder（CAS73-31-4）
Improves sleep quality
Melatonin’s most significant and well-known benefit is its comprehensive effect on sleep optimization. As a regulator of the body’s clock, it effectively shortens the sleep latency, helping people fall asleep faster. At the same time, melatonin helps stabilize and deepen the entire sleep cycle, making sleep more regular and of higher quality, providing important natural support for people suffering from insomnia.
antioxidant capacity
Melatonin is known as one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, far surpassing the effects of many traditional antioxidants. It not only directly eliminates various harmful free radicals but also indirectly stimulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, thus providing comprehensive protection and effectively reducing oxidative stress damage to cells and DNA. This is crucial for delaying aging and maintaining cellular health.
Protecting mitochondria and anti-aging
The key contribution of melatonin to cellular health lies in its protective effect on mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy factories of cells and are susceptible to oxidative damage. Melatonin can penetrate and protect mitochondrial structure, maintaining its efficient operation, which directly supports cell vitality and energy generation. This deep cellular protective mechanism is an important foundation for melatonin to exert anti-aging effects.
Regulating the biological clock
Melatonin is an essential component that helps the body adapt to external temporal changes. It can effectively resynchronize the human body’s biological clock and has a significant alleviating effect on the time difference reaction caused by frequently crossing time zones.
In addition, it also helps individuals who work shifts adjust their sleep-wake cycle, reduce physiological and cognitive disorders, and improve their work and quality of life.
Regulating immune function and neuroprotection
In addition to its sleep and antioxidant effects, melatonin also has a regulatory effect on the immune system, helping to balance inflammatory responses. More importantly, due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide antioxidant protection, melatonin is becoming a research hotspot, exploring its potential protective effects on neurons and its potential applications in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Safety and Side Effects
Safety Profile
Melatonin is generally considered safe at recommended doses, with a common dosage range of 0.5-5 mg per day. Most people have good tolerance, and in rare cases may have mild side effects such as drowsiness, headache, or dizziness. There are few safety studies on long-term use, but overall toxicity is low. If there is a chronic use plan or combined use with other drugs, it is recommended to consult medical professionals to assess risk and suitability.
Possible Mild Side Effects
While melatonin is well-tolerated by most users, some individuals may experience mild and transient side effects. These commonly include:
- Daytime Drowsiness: The most frequent complaint, which often results from taking too high a dose or from the melatonin not being fully cleared from the system by morning.
- Headache or Dizziness.
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort.
Usage Precautions
Although safe for most, users should exercise caution under certain conditions:
- Chronic Use: Individuals considering long-term use should consult a healthcare professional to monitor potential effects and ensure it remains the appropriate course of action.
- Medication Interactions: Melatonin may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), immunosuppressants, and drugs for diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Special Populations: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with autoimmune disorders should always consult their doctor before beginning supplementation.
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Melatonin is suitable for individuals who experience sleep disorders or insomnia. For many people, carefully timed supplementation can help initiate sleep and improve overall sleep quality, particularly when other sleep hygiene practices are insufficient. Always start with a low dose and adjust under guidance from a healthcare professional.
Suitable User Groups
Elderly population
Elderly individuals often have diminished melatonin production, which can contribute to lighter or more fragmented sleep. Supplemental melatonin may help restore a more stable sleep pattern in this group, with attention to lower starting doses to minimize daytime sleepiness and interactions with medications.
Travelers and shift workers
Travelers dealing with jet lag and workers with rotating or night shifts frequently experience circadian disruption. Melatonin can aid in realigning the sleep-wake cycle when used strategically (timing relative to local time) and in conjunction with other sleep strategies, potentially reducing sleep latency and improving wakefulness during the day.
Broader use and considerations
Beyond sleep-specific indications, some individuals seek melatonin for antioxidant support or general anti-aging considerations. Although benefits may extend beyond sleep, such uses should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially when taking other medications, managing chronic conditions, or considering use in children or pregnant individuals.
Applications of Melatonin powder（CAS73-31-4）
Nutritional Supplements: Sleep and Stress Support
The largest market share of melatonin is concentrated in the field of nutritional supplements, mainly used in sleep aid formulas. It is available to consumers in a variety of forms to meet different use preferences, including standard capsules and tablets, convenient gums and chewing tablets, and sublingual spray or liquid preparations designed to achieve rapid absorption. These products are designed to help users regulate disrupted sleep cycles and alleviate insomnia caused by stress.
Pharmaceuticals and Advanced Research
In the pharmaceutical field, the potential of melatonin is being explored in depth, with applications extending far beyond sleep aids. Scientists are investigating its powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which could potentially be used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, alleviate pain, and slow age-related cognitive decline. Its role in maintaining mitochondrial health makes it an important research target for developing anti-aging compounds and supporting cellular vitality.
Cosmetics and Dermatological Products
Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, has been incorporated into cosmetic formulations, particularly for nighttime use. It is added to night creams and serums to leverage its high antioxidant capacity, helping skin cells combat oxidative stress accumulated during the day. By supporting the skin’s natural repair mechanisms during sleep, melatonin helps maintain the skin barrier function and protects against environmental damage.
Animal Health and Veterinary Uses
Melatonin also has important uses in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry. It is widely used in livestock and farmed animals to effectively regulate reproductive cycles, particularly in seasonally breeding species, to optimize breeding programs. Furthermore, in certain animal models, melatonin has been used to reduce stress and anxiety, thereby improving overall animal health and productivity.
Research and Biotechnology
As an important biomolecule, melatonin is a key tool in scientific research. It is used as a biochemical reagent in laboratories worldwide for in-depth research on circadian rhythms, hormone signaling pathways, and the complex effects of oxidative stress on cells. Its application in basic biology continues to drive scientific discoveries in related fields.
Why Choose Runtai Chemical as Your Melatonin Powder（CAS73-31-4） Supplier
- Expertise and purity: Runtai Chemical offers high-purity melatonin powder with consistent quality for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.
- Competitive value and supply reliability: The company emphasizes competitive pricing and a stable international logistics network, enabling predictable procurement for global customers.
- Formulation support and regulatory documentation: Runtai provides technical support for product integration, including formulation guidance and regulatory documentation such as certificates of analysis and safety data sheets.
- Global presence and responsive service: With a global export footprint and responsive customer service, Runtai can assist customers from R&D through scale-up and commercialization.
Conclusion
Melatonin is far more than just a sleep aid — it is a biologically essential hormone that supports the body’s natural rhythm, protects against oxidative stress, and contributes to overall physical and mental well-being. Its proven efficacy and safety have made it a valuable ingredient in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations worldwide.
Runtai Chemical, a professional melatonin supplier in China, provides high-purity, cost-effective melatonin powder with stable global supply and dedicated technical support. Whether you are developing sleep supplements, health products, or advanced skincare formulations, Runtai Chemical is your reliable partner for innovative melatonin applications and long-term cooperation.
FAQs About Melatonin（CAS73-31-4）
1. What’s the difference between melatonin and regular sleeping pills?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, while most sleeping pills are synthetic sedatives that act directly on the central nervous system to induce sleep. Unlike sleeping pills, melatonin helps the body adjust its internal biological clock without causing dependence or morning drowsiness.
2. How long does it take for melatonin to work?
Typically, melatonin starts working within 30–60 minutes after ingestion. The exact timing depends on the dosage form and individual metabolism. For best results, take melatonin supplements 30 minutes before bedtime to help synchronize your natural circadian rhythm.
3. Can melatonin be used by children or elderly people?
Yes, but under professional guidance. Melatonin for kids is sometimes recommended for children with sleep disorders or jet lag, but the dosage should be much lower than that for adults. Elderly people may also benefit from melatonin supplementation, as natural production decreases with age, helping improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
4. What’s the best time to take melatonin supplements?
The best time to take melatonin is about 30–60 minutes before sleep. For people adjusting to new time zones or shift work, taking melatonin at the same time each night helps the body gradually establish a healthy sleep rhythm.
5. How should melatonin powder be stored to maintain stability?
Melatonin powder should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Properly sealed packaging and storage below 25°C can help maintain the shelf life of melatonin and ensure long-term stability and potency.
