1 Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre, RAS
185910 Petrozavodsk, Pushkinskaya, 11
2 Petrozavodsk State University
185910 Petrozavodsk, Lenina, 33
e-mail: shibaeva@krc.karelia.ru
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine) is a hormone, an indole compound, which for a long time was considered as associated only with animals and humans. After 30 years of its discovery, it was detected also in plants. Ubiquitous presence and high concentrations of melatonin in higher plants, as opposite to animals, led to introduction of the term “phytomelatonin” in 2004. At present, proved biological effects of phytomelatonin appear to be antioxidant, antistress, and growth-promoting ones. At the same time, melatonin contribution to circadian rhythms and photoperiodic regulation, although well studied in animals, in plants is still in doubt. It is surmised that melatonin could be used in agricultural practice for enhancement of plants stress-tolerance and productivity. The present review deals with the history of melatonin studies in plants and recent achievements in finding its new functions.
