Melatonin in plants

Abstract

A widespread occurrence of melatonin (MEL) in plant kingdom has been reported. MEL is a highly conserved molecule occurring in evolutionary distant organisms. Its role in plants seems to be similar to that in animals. Although MEL function in plants is not well known, yet a hypothesis can be put forward that it probably functions as a night signal, coordinating responses to diurnal and photoperiodic environmental cues. It has also been suggested that MEL is an independent plant growth regulator, probably its action is analogous to IAA and it may mediate the actions of other plant growth regulators. Due to its antioxidant properties MEL may also stabilize cell red-ox status and protect them against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other harmful environmental influence.

Determining diurnal and seasonal changes in melatonin andtryptophan contents of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

“…Since then, it was found in varying amounts in almost all life forms including eukaryotic unicellular organisms, prokaryotes, fungi, algae, animals, and plants (Posmyk and Janas, 2009;Tan et al, 2012). Although some preliminary findings had been reported previously (Van Tassel et al, 1993;Kolár and Macháčková, 1994), the first evidence that melatonin indeed existed in plants came independently from two different groups of researchers (Dubbels et al, 1995;Hattori et al, 1995).…”

“…Although some preliminary findings had been reported previously (Van Tassel et al, 1993;Kolár and Macháčková, 1994), the first evidence that melatonin indeed existed in plants came independently from two different groups of researchers (Dubbels et al, 1995;Hattori et al, 1995). In the following years, the existence of melatonin in various quantities has also been proven in different organs of a variety of plants, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs (Chen et al, 2003;Paredes et al, 2009;Posmyk and Janas, 2009;Arnao, 2014). Recently, genetically engineered rice and tomato plants were reported to have enhanced melatonin contents Byeon et al, 2014).…”

“…On the other hand, Kang et al (2013) presented new evidence that the last step in the pathway (conversion of N-acetylserotonin to melatonin), regulated by the enzyme N-acetyl serotonin methyltransferase, determines melatonin production in plants. Phytomelatonin levels vary not only among plant species but also within varieties of the same species (Paredes et al, 2009;Posmyk and Janas, 2009;Arnao and Hernández-Ruiz, 2015b). While no detectable amount of melatonin was reported in potato (Badria, 2002), the highest melatonin contents (> 3700 ng g -1 ) were detected in Chinese herbs and medicinal plants that are frequently used to delay aging and to cure diseases resulting from the action of free radicals (e.g., neurological disorders) (Chen et al, 2003).…”

Melatonin treatment of pre-veraison grape berries modifies phenolic components and antioxidant activity of grapes and wine

“…Phenolics accumulation in plants is closely related to environmental stress. As an important antioxidant, melatonin can scavenge excess free radical and protect plants against environmental stress (Posmyk & Janas, 2009). On our study, the low concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids in the grape berries and wines of melatonin treatment group could be connected with the application of melatonin reducing the grape damage from environmental stress.…”

Concentrations and profiles of melatonin and serotonin in fruits and vegetables during ripening: A mini-review

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] At present, relatively little is known about the temporal profiles of these compounds during fruit and vegetable development. Improved knowledge in this area would help guide our understanding of fundamental plant physiology, as well as potentially facilitate better control of melatonin and serotonin concentrations and relative abundances in functional foods.…”