Melatonin vs. phytomelatonin: Therapeutic uses with special reference to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

AbstractMelatonin—a tiny tryptophan derivative in the bovine pineal extract. Since then, this wonder molecule is known to regulate a wide variety of physiological and psychological activities of lower and higher vertebrates including the human beings. The exact mechanisms of melatonin actions are poorly understood and explained to date, but the coexistence of endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, and intracrine actions and feedback effects are suggested mostly to be mediated by the specific receptors found in the respective target organs. Melatonin exhibits a remarkable contextual diversity of functions as circadian pacemakers, hypothalamic/pituitary axes to vasomotor effects, immunomodulatory, antioxidative actions, anti-apoptotic effects (direct and indirect), etc. Melatonin with such efficacy and safety may therefore eventually drive its use with other plant extracts containing phytomelatonin in universally effective clinical applications and an adjuvant therapy specially during Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) for treatment in near future and can be proved as a best medicinal tool.