Process Research and Development of Melatonin

Abstract

A short, simple, and industrially feasible process for the preparation of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine), starting from phthalimide and 1-bromo-3-chloropropane, in essentially four steps is discussed. The present article elucidates the preparative process along with the impurity profile of each intermediate.

The Potential of Phytomelatonin as a Nutraceutical

“…Practically all melatonin supplements that are marketed are made from synthetic melatonin, although some of plant origin can be found (see below). Previously, melatonin was obtained from animal sources such as cows, but due to the risk of viral infection, synthetic production is often preferred, using a simple and very productive process [ 107 , 108 , 109 ]. There are various production methods involving several synthetic routes, as shown Table 3 .…”

Fischer indole synthesis applied to the total synthesis of natural products

“…142 Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) 3 (darkness hormone) is an indolamine hormone which is made by the photoreceptor cells of the retina and the pineal gland in vertebrates, additionally it was rst isolated in 1958 by Lerner and Case at Yale University. 143 They found the light-related features within the skin cells of amphibians. The molecule produced the collection of the pigment melanin inside the melanocytes which is causing the skin to lighten.…”

“…Furthermore, melatonin has been displayed medicinally functions as inhibitor of the onset of Alzheimer's disease, treatment of sleep disorders and in protection against oxudative stress. 143 In recent years, much was appealed about the therapeutic possessions of the hormone melatonin. This interest has resulted in the of publication of two general scientic books preserving that the hormone can cure the symptoms of some kinds of cancer, acting as hypertensive in case of high blood pressure, treating Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, and coronary heart disease as well as being used as sleep aid, sexual vivacity, and durability.…”

Analysis of melatonin in foods

“…When administered to mice, it was able to reduce the chronic oxidative stress related to aging (Nogues et al, 2006) and it might even reduce blood pressure in males with chronic hypertension (Scheer et al, 2004). In addition, the protective effects against carcinogens (Karbownk et al, 2001) and the possible use in therapeutic prevention of Alzheimer's, cancer and coronary disease has encouraged the industrial production of melatonin, and today many synthetic organic routes have been developed (Prabhakar et al, 1999).…”