Difference between revisions of "Melanin - melatonin"
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*'''Melatonin''' is a hormone involved in photoperiodic, or circadian, rhythms. It is derived from serotonin and produced in the pineal gland. It is used medicinally in the treatment of sleep disorders and of jet lag: its efficacy has not (2019) been proved. It is available over the counter in North America, but only with a prescription in the UK. It can sometimes stimulate the production of '''melanin''' in humans. | *'''Melatonin''' is a hormone involved in photoperiodic, or circadian, rhythms. It is derived from serotonin and produced in the pineal gland. It is used medicinally in the treatment of sleep disorders and of jet lag: its efficacy has not (2019) been proved. It is available over the counter in North America, but only with a prescription in the UK. It can sometimes stimulate the production of '''melanin''' in humans. | ||
| − | ::'''''[[etymology|Etymological]] note''''': both '''melanin''' and '''melatonin''' are derived from the [[Greek]] [[adjective]] μέλας ('melas'), meaning 'black', with a form in combinations μελανο- ('melano-'). The standard chemical [[suffix]] '-in' is added to '''melanin''', while 'tonic' (in the sense of stimulating' or 'bracing') is added to '''melatonin'''. | + | ::'''''[[etymology|Etymological]] note''''': both '''melanin''' and '''melatonin''' are derived from the [[Greek]] [[adjective]] μέλας, μέλαν ('melas', 'melan'), meaning 'black', with a form in combinations μελανο- ('melano-'). The standard chemical [[suffix]] '-in' is added to '''melanin''', while 'tonic' (in the sense of stimulating' or 'bracing') is added to '''melatonin'''. |
Revision as of 20:18, 24 July 2019
Do not confuse melanin with melatonin. They and share an etymology, but are some way apart in meaning.
- Melanin is a general name used for a variety of naturally occurring pigments found in plants and animals. In humans, melanin is the pigment most affecting sakin colour. Exosure to sunlight increases the melanin in the skin, giving suntan. Deficiency of melanin is the prime cause of albinism.
- Melatonin is a hormone involved in photoperiodic, or circadian, rhythms. It is derived from serotonin and produced in the pineal gland. It is used medicinally in the treatment of sleep disorders and of jet lag: its efficacy has not (2019) been proved. It is available over the counter in North America, but only with a prescription in the UK. It can sometimes stimulate the production of melanin in humans.
- Etymological note: both melanin and melatonin are derived from the Greek adjective μέλας, μέλαν ('melas', 'melan'), meaning 'black', with a form in combinations μελανο- ('melano-'). The standard chemical suffix '-in' is added to melanin, while 'tonic' (in the sense of stimulating' or 'bracing') is added to melatonin.
