15/03/2026
In our Oligoscan testing, we often talk about the Oxidative Stress index and oxidative protection. Then we will share our thoughts on how to protect our bodies against oxidative stress, which is at the root of most disease if out of balance. Fabulous article below explains oxidative stress and how Melatonin functions as a protective molecule
Most antioxidants donate a single electron to neutralize one free radical. Then they are oxidized and done.
Melatonin operates differently. When it scavenges a reactive oxygen species, it is converted into c3-OHM, which itself is an active radical scavenger. c3-OHM is then converted to AFMK, then AMK, then AMMC. Each metabolite in the chain independently neutralizes additional radicals.
The theoretical yield: up to 10 reactive oxygen species neutralized per parent molecule.
The limitation: this cascade has been characterized in chemical assays and rodent models. Harthe et al. (2003) found AFMK was not detectable in human plasma at physiological melatonin concentrations. Whether oral melatonin generates sufficient tissue-level metabolites to function as an antioxidant at this level in humans remains unconfirmed (but is still an interesting proposition).
The biochemistry is real. The clinical translation is an open question.
Galano et al., J Pineal Res, 2012 | Harthe et al., Life Sci, 2003