Protective Effects of Melatonin and Its Supplements on the Arterial Mechanics

Abstract

Melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine), a neurohormone, is synthesized from tryptophan taken up by the pineal gland cells. It affects several cardiovascular functions such as arterial blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac rhythms, and mechanical properties of the large arteries and aorta. Melatonin and its supplements, generally made in a laboratory, can improve several cardiovascular functions such as arterial blood pressure and arterial mechanics.