Garcinia mangostana L. Fruit Peel-A Novel Source of Melatonin

Background

Melatonin (N-acetyl -5- methoxy-tryptamine) is a mammalian neuro hormone, with numerous biological functions found in animals, plants, microorganisms and one of the extensively used dietary supplements. Phytomelatonin offer a great potential as Nutraceutical in pharmaceutical industry since it is safe with no adverse effects. However, it is reported to be found in negligible quantities. Melatonin is found in all parts of the plant and fruit peels which are considered as waste can be excellent source of Melatonin.

Materials and Methods

The objective of the study was to screen fruit peels for phytomelatonin. Initially a quantitative test of Garcinia mangostana, Citrus aurantifolia, Punica granatum, Cirrullus lanatus, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Citrus lemon, Cucumis melo, Selenicereus undatus, Musa sp., Ananas comosus, Borassus flabellifer, Litchi chinensis and Citrullus sp. fruit peel methanolic extract had positive Reaction with Human Melatonin ELISA Kit and the confirmatory test using HPLC were done

Results and Discussion

Further confirmatory and quantification of melatonin using ELISA Melatonin Kit revealed Garcinia mangostana fruit peel had highest melatonin with 2.2 ng/g peel, when compared to other fruit peels. The HPLC analysis of methanolic extract had a retention time of 1.315 similar to that of standard melatonin.

Conclusion

From the above study it is concluded that fruit peels of Garcinia mangostana is considered as agricultural waste could be potential source of Melatonin which can used as nutraceuticals for a better Human health.