[Melatonin and its biological significance].

Melatonin is a hormone produced in human by the pineal body, the endocrine gland localized in the central part of cerebrum. It regulates many vital processes. Its main and best known effect is restoring the natural cycle of organism functions. It is safe and non-addictive sleep-inducing drug, which can eliminate disruptions in our circadian rhythm, in such situations as shift working, changing of time zones (during intercontinental air travelling) or insomnia. It improves mood and quality of sleep. Melatonin function consisting in stabilization of biological rhythms, free radical scavenging or immune system stimulating can delay aging processes. Its appropriate supplementation can prolong life even by decades, keeping our body in good both physical and psychological condition. Additionally, profitable for health properties of melatonin include ability to control some illnesses (prophylaxis of cardiovascular system diseases, neoplastic diseases and other functional disorders of organisms). It makes the immune system stronger, decreases susceptibility of the organism to stress, and improves mood and general feeling.