Melatonin and related compounds: Chemical insights into their protective effects against oxidative stress

Annia Galano, Dun Xian Tan, Russel J Reiter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) arises when the balance between the production of oxidants and their removal is disturbed; OS is associated with a wide variety of health disorders. Finding strategies that efficiently reduce OS is an active area of research. Objective: This review summarizes the chemical insights concerning the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of melatonin and related compounds. Method: We consider not only naturally-occurring but also synthetic derivatives. Different chemical routes that may be involved in their AOC are analyzed and some trends in activity are provided. Conclusion: Based on the data gathered so far it can be stated that melatonin and related compounds constitute a chemical family with remarkable protective effects against OS. Their action includes both primary and secondary AOC, and –collectively-they can be considered as multifunctional protectors against OS. Current challenges and future perspectives in this area of research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2077-2095
Number of pages19
JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry
Volume21
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Antioxidant activity
  • Free radical scavenging
  • Kinetics
  • Metal chelation
  • Rate constants
  • Reaction mechanisms
  • Trends in activity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry

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