Melatonin

n-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (also known as melatonin) is a hormone of the tryptamine class. it is found in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. in animals, it functions as a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness; it may have different functions in other organisms.

melatonin is active and can be taken sublingually and buccaly by placing it into one’s mouth and allowing it to absorb over a period of 15-25 minutes. it is less active when taken orally.

melatonin is commonly used as a medication for insomnia; however, there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove any benefit in this area. it is sold over-the-counter in most pharmacies within the united states and canada. in other countries, it may require a prescription or not be available.

it should be noted that when purchasing melatonin, dosages may range from 3 – 10mg. while not dangerous, this dosage range is well beyond the effective dose of .25 mg, and may increase instances of drowsiness the next day.

chemistry

melatonin is comprised of a monoamine chain attached to an indole ring at the third carbon. a monoamine chain is made up of an amine group attached to an ethane chain. this monoamine chain can be found in many neurotransmitters, including histamine, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. it is also found in many psychoactive substances such as members of the tryptamine and phenethylamine chemical classes.

melatonin, being a tryptamine, shares many structural properties with psychedelic substances. however, it lacks their associated psychedelic effects. where many tryptamines have a group bonded to the ethylamine, melatonin has an acetyl group.

pharmacology

melatonin is a non-selective melatonin receptor agonist, acting at both the mt₁ receptor and the mt₂ receptor.