The major hormone produced by the pineal gland is melatonin. The pineal gland (also
called the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis or the "third eye") is a small
endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It produces the serotonin derivative melatonin,
a hormone that affects the modulation of wake/sleep patterns and seasonal functions.
Secretion of melatonin is enhanced whenever the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated.
Of greater interest, however, is the fact that secretion increases soon after an
animal is placed in the dark; the opposite effect takes place immediately upon exposure
to light.
The pineal gland (also called the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, epiphysis or the
"third eye") is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain. It produces the
serotonin derivative melatonin, a hormone that affects the modulation of wake/sleep
patterns and seasonal function
The gland controls the various biorhythms of the body in response to light and dark.
It works in harmony with the hypothalamus which directs the body's thirst, hunger,
sexual desire and the biological clock that determines the ageing process.
Other roles identified for melatonin include involvement in the functioning of the
immune system and cancer initiation. The newly discovered free radical scavenging
and antioxidant activities of melatonin may also be important.
