Nootropic & neuropeptide research compounds
Melatonin
Also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine
The pineal hormone that signals darkness to the body clock — one of the most-trialled sleep and circadian compounds.
In 60 seconds
Registered medicine in some countries (prolonged-release forms) and a supplement in others; supported by several meta-analyses of randomised trials. Meta-analyses report a favourable short-term safety profile; dose and timing strongly affect results.
- A meta-analysis of randomised trials assessed melatonin’s effect on sleep quality.
- A dose–response meta-analysis examined how timing and dose explain inconsistent sleep results.
- Meta-analyses of melatonin versus placebo or hypnotics in chronic insomnia.
Mechanism
Melatonin acts on MT1/MT2 receptors to shift circadian timing and promote sleep onset; it is also a direct antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule in research models.
Research status
Registered medicine in some countries (prolonged-release forms) and a supplement in others; supported by several meta-analyses of randomised trials.
Key studies
A meta-analysis of randomised trials assessed melatonin’s effect on sleep quality.
Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials — J Neurol, 2022 · PMID 33417003
A dose–response meta-analysis examined how timing and dose explain inconsistent sleep results.
Optimizing the Time and Dose of Melatonin as a Sleep-Promoting Drug: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis — J Pineal Res, 2024 · PMID 38888087
Meta-analyses of melatonin versus placebo or hypnotics in chronic insomnia.
Efficacy of melatonin for chronic insomnia: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses — Sleep Med Rev, 2022 · PMID 36179487
A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials in primary sleep disorders.
Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders — PLoS One, 2013 · PMID 23691095
Safety signals in the literature
Meta-analyses report a favourable short-term safety profile; dose and timing strongly affect results.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
Related compounds we stock
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Comparisons
Questions
What is Melatonin?
The pineal hormone that signals darkness to the body clock — one of the most-trialled sleep and circadian compounds. Melatonin acts on MT1/MT2 receptors to shift circadian timing and promote sleep onset; it is also a direct antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule in research models.
What is the research status of Melatonin?
Registered medicine in some countries (prolonged-release forms) and a supplement in others; supported by several meta-analyses of randomised trials.
What safety signals are reported for Melatonin?
Meta-analyses report a favourable short-term safety profile; dose and timing strongly affect results.
Does Living Water Labs stock Melatonin?
Not at present. Melatonin is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
More in Nootropic & neuro
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
