Melatonin directly scavenges free radicals generated in red blood cells and a cell-free system: Chemiluminescence measurements and theoretical calculations

摘要

Melatonin, a pineal secretory product, has properties of both direct and indirect powerful antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to compare the radical-scavenging, structural and electronic properties of melatonin and tryptophan, precursor of melatonin.