SYNTHESIS AND CHEMISTRY OF MELATONIN AND OF RELATED COMPOUNDS. A REVIEW

Melatonin from Microorganisms, Algae, and Plants as Possible Alternatives to Synthetic Melatonin

Melatonin dietary supplements are widely consumed worldwide, with developed countries as the largest consumers, with an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 10% until 2027, mainly in developing countries. The wide use of melatonin against sleep disorders and particular problems, such as jet lag, has been added to other applications, such as anti-aging, anti-stress, immune system activation, anticancer, and others, which have triggered its use, normally without a prescription. The chemical industry currently covers 100% of the needs of the melatonin market. Motivated by sectors with more natural consumption habits, a few years ago, the possibility of obtaining melatonin from plants, called phytomelatonin, arose. More recently, the pharmaceutical industry has developed genetically modified microorganisms whose ability to produce biological melatonin in bioreactors has been enhanced. This paper reviews the aspects of the chemical and biological synthesis of melatonin for human consumption, mainly as dietary supplements. The pros and cons of obtaining melatonin from microorganisms and phytomelatonin from plants and algae are analyzed, as well as the advantages of natural melatonin, avoiding unwanted chemical by-products from the chemical synthesis of melatonin. Finally, the economic and quality aspects of these new products, some of which are already marketed, are analyzed.

Melatonin in different food samples: Recent update on distribution, bioactivities, pretreatment and analysis techniques

Melatonin (MLT) plays a significant role on maintaining the basic physiological functions and regulating various metabolic processes in plentiful organisms. Recent years have witnessed an increase in MLT's share in global market with its affluent functions. However, the worrisome quality issues and inappropriate or excessive application of MLT take place inevitably. In addition, its photosensitive properties, oxidation, complex substrate concentration and trace levels leave exact detection of MLT doubly difficult. Therefore, it is essential to exploit precise, sensitive and stable extraction and detection methods to resolve above questions. In this study, we reviewed the distribution and bioactivities of MLT and conducted a comprehensive overview of the developments of pretreatment and analysis methods for MLT in food samples since 2010. Commonly used pretreatment methods for MLT include not only traditional techniques, but also novel ones, such as solid-phase extraction, QuEChERS, microextraction by packed sorbent, solid phase microextraction, liquid phase microextraction, and so on. Analysis methods include liquid chromatography coupled with different detectors, GC methods, capillary electrophoresis, sensors, and so on. The advantages and disadvantages of different techniques have been compared and the development tendency was prospected.

Application of exogenous melatonin in vitro and in planta: a review of its effects and mechanisms of action

Melatonin is a natural indolamine that regulates many physiological functions in plants. The most prominent role of melatonin in plants has been its ability to work as an anti-stressor agent. Exogenous melatonin can prevent cell death and promote cell proliferation through its antioxidant properties, enhancement of polyamine biosynthesis, and the ability to shift cell metabolism in case of stressors like sugar starvation. Melatonin scavenges reactive oxygen species and thus preventing damage to cell membranes and other organelles. Its application in different plant culture systems reveals its important physiological and biochemical roles during the growth and development of these cultures. It has been observed that the exogenous melatonin protects callus culture, reduces cold-induced apoptosis in cell suspension, and stimulates adventitious and lateral roots formation. This review presents the physiological and biochemical effects of exogenous melatonin on in vitro culture systems, including its impact on biomass accumulation, growth, and development of plants.

Naturally occurring melatonin: Sources and possible ways of its biosynthesis

According to recent reports, the global market for melatonin is worth 700 million USD in 2018 and would reach 2,790 million USD by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% during 2019 to 2025. Having regard to the prevalence of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders and a clear tendency to increase the demand for melatonin, and the current lack of alternative green and cost-efficient technologies of its synthesis, the supply of this remedy will not be enough to guarantee melatonin supply and affordability on a global scale. The emergence of naturally occurring melatonin and its isomers in fermented foods has opened an exciting new research area; there are still, however, some obscure points in the efficient microbiological biosynthesis of melatonin. This review summarizes the research progress and recent evidence related to melatonin and its isomers in various foodstuffs. Additionally, one possible way to synthesize melatonin is also discussed. The evidence pointed out that the presence of melatonin and its isomers is not exclusive for grapes and grape-derived products, because it can be also found in sweet and sour cherries. However, different species of both Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be used to obtain melatonin and melatonin isomers in the process of alcoholic fermentation biotechnologically. The availability of L-tryptophan has been a key factor in determining the concentration of indolic compounds produced, and the utilization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria could help in the formation of melatonin isomers during malolactic fermentation. These approaches are environmentally friendly alternatives with a safer profile than conventional ones and could represent the future for sustainable industrial-scale melatonin production.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed C-C Coupling of 1,4-Naphthoquinones with the C-3 Position of Indole Derivatives in Water

An atom-economical and environmentally benign approach for the synthesis of indole-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones from indoles and 1,4-naphthoquinones using readily available Lewis acidic B(C₆F₅)₃ in water and with the recycling of water and part of the catalyst is reported. The reaction proceeded through the B(C₆F₅)₃-catalyzed C(sp²)-H and C(sp²)-H bond coupling of 1,4-naphthoquinones with the C-3 position of indole derivatives in water. This methodology provides a facile protocol for the synthesis of some new indole-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones in satisfactory yields and with a broad substrate scope. When compared to known methods for the synthesis of indole-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones, this protocol is practical and efficient and does not require a transition-metal catalyst or toxic organic solvents. In addition, we utilized a simple filtration process for complete recycling of the solvent and the part of the catalyst in each reaction cycle.

The Potential of Phytomelatonin as a Nutraceutical

Phytomelatonin (plant melatonin) is chemically related to the amino acid tryptophan and has many diverse properties. Phytomelatonin is an interesting compound due to its outstanding actions at the cellular and physiological level, especially its protective effect in plants exposed to diverse stress situations, while its vegetable origin offers many opportunities because it is a natural compound. We present an overview of its origin, its action in plants in general (particularly in plant species with high levels of phytomelatonin), and its possibilities for use as a nutraceutical with particular attention paid to the beneficial effects that it may have in human health. The differences between synthetic melatonin and phytomelatonin, according to its origin and purity, are presented. Finally, the current market for phytomelatonin and its limits and potentials are discussed.

A microwave assisted intramolecular-furan-Diels-Alder approach to 4-substituted indoles

The key steps of a versatile new protocol for the convergent synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted indoles are the addition of an alpha-lithiated alkylaminofuran to a carbonyl compound, a microwave-accelerated intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition and an in situ double aromatization reaction.

A Cycloaddition Approach toward the Synthesis of Substituted Indolines and Tetrahydroquinolines

The intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of 2-substituted aminofurans (IMDAF) results in the formation of various indolines and tetrahydroquinolines. The isolation of these ring systems from the IMDAF reaction can be rationalized in terms of an initial [4 + 2]-cycloaddition that first produces an oxa-bridged cycloadduct, which was not detected since it readily underwent nitrogen-assisted ring opening. Proton exchange followed by an eventual dehydration provides the aromatic product. In certain cases, the intermediate cyclohexadienol can be isolated and independently converted to the final product in high yield. The starting 2-aminofurans were readily prepared from furanyl acyl azide by a Curtius rearrangement in the presence of an alcohol. Alkylation of the resulting N-alkyl carbamate with an alkenyl bromide allows for the synthesis of a wide variety of cycloaddition precursors. The scope of the IMDAF reaction was evaluated by using mono- and disubstituted alkenes, electron rich and electron deficient olefins, and acetylenic tethers. Cyclic 2-amidofurans were also synthesized using a related intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of 2-amido-substituted oxazoles which contain a tethered alkyne. This transformation represents a new route to this rare heterocyclic ring system. The sequential cycloaddition method was used for a formal synthesis of the pyrrolophenanthridone alkaloid hippadine.