The interaction of melatonin with water containing either sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) or soybean phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) reversed micelles has been investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy, at a molar ratio of melatonin:surfactant 1:800 for AOT and 1:400 for lecithin reversed micelles, and by varying the water:surfactant molar ratio (R).
Our results suggest that in the presence of domains from apolar organic solvent to surfactant and to water, melatonin positions itself in the micellar phase, with a preferential location in the surfactant polar head group domain, independent of the nature of the surfactant and the amount of water encapsulated into the micellar core. Effects are due to the hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties of melatonin.
The effectiveness of melatonin as an electron donor and free radical scavenger has been recently recognized. While supporting the hypothesis that melatonin may provide antioxidant protection without the benefit of receptors, present findings may suggest that the molecule could easily scavenge aqueous as well as lipophilic radicals.
Commentary by Dr. Calapai:
Melatonin has received a great deal of attention over the past few years, and has been used to help with insomnia, and jet lag. Some of the latest studies also show that it is a great antioxidant.
This article describes it as being beneficial toward free radicals that are in liquid as well as lipid form. Melatonin is usually dosed at 3 mg at bedtime. Some may also take it during the day.
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Melatonin