Melatonin

Melatonin, 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, is a hormone found in all living creatures from algae to humans, at levels that vary in a diurnal cycle.

Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors, while others are due to its role as a pervasive and extremely powerful antioxidant with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

Melatonin was released into the general health supplement market in the United States in 1993, and met with good consumer acceptance and enthusiasm.