Studies in Natural Products Chemistry
Volume 46, 2015, Pages 519–545
Chapter 11 – Phytomelatonin: Searching for Plants with High Levels for Use as a Natural Nutraceutical
Chapter 11 – Phytomelatonin: Searching for Plants with High Levels for Use as a Natural Nutraceutical
Abstract
Melatonin
is a pleiotropic substance that is widely distributed in all kingdoms.
Discovered in animals in 1958, this neurohormone is synthesized in the
pineal gland and has multiple physiological actions in mammals, where it
is related with some dysfunctions and diseases. In plants, so-called
phytomelatonin was discovered in 1975. As in the case of animals,
phytomelatonin has diverse physiological roles at different
developmental stages of plants. Also, this indolic compound plays a
relevant role in plant stress situations. Early problems concerning the
detection and quantification of phytomelatonin in plant tissues have
been resolved with the widespread use of techniques based on mass
spectrometry. Phytomelatonin levels in plant samples vary widely, from
picograms to micrograms per gram of tissues. A classification of the
plants analyzed to date with regard to their phytomelatonin content is
presented. The possible use of phytomelatonin as a nutraceutical for
humans has led to two fronts being opened up: the search for plant
materials with a high phytomelatonin content, and intervention to obtain
phytomelatonin-rich plants, either by modifying their biosynthetic
capacity or through selective agricultural techniques. Finally, the
possible beneficial effects of the intake of phytomelatonin and other
plant indolic compounds in the diet are discussed.
Keywords
- antioxidant;
- circadian rhythm;
- indoles;
- free radical;
- fruits;
- medicinal herbs;
- melatonin;
- nutraceutical;
- phytomelatonin;
- plant foodstuffs;
- seeds;
- vegetables
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
