title: Pharmacological Properties of Melanin and its Function in Health.
abstract: The biological pigment melanin is present in most of the biological systems. It manifests a host of biological and pharmacological properties. Its role as a molecule with special properties and functions affecting general health, including photoprotective and immunological action, are well recognized. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, radioprotective, hepatic, gastrointestinal and hypoglycaemic benefits have only recently been recognized and studied. It is also associated with certain disorders of the nervous system. In this MiniReview, we consider the steadily increasing literature on the bioavailability and functional activity of melanin. Published literature shows that melanin may play a number of possible pharmacological effects such as protective, stimulatory, diagnostic and curative roles in human health. In this MiniReview, possible health roles and pharmacological effects are considered.
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, National Guard & Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Adila Salih
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: ElObeid
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Afaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamal-Eldin
authors.affiliation: Physics and Astronomy Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohamed Anwar K
authors.initials: MAK
authors.lastname: Abdelhalim
authors.affiliation: Physics and Astronomy Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Adil M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Haseeb
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008543:Melanins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D008543:Melanins; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents