5-methoxytryptophol (5-MTX) is an indolamine synthesized from the pineal gland hormones. This indolamine, synthesized from serotonin and melatonin, has been shown to be biologically active in different species. In particular, its activation is regulated by radiation stimuli such as sunlight. 5-methoxytryptophol-mediated receptors play a role in the regulation of cerebral artery contractility, intracarrhythmia, and the regulation of the renal function. It also shows immunomodulator, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties with different mechanisms. To date, studies examining the mechanism of 5-MTX have been done, but these are insufficient to explain it. In our study, all of these studies were examined, and we aimed to explain the pharmacological and therapeutic effect of 5-MTX as a review. In particular, the fact that melatonin secreted in the dark and 5-MTX released in the light create a 24-hour protective effect will bring a new perspective to new studies. This will lead to the creation of a new clinical and scientific research, which will lay groundwork for the creation of alternative treatment regimens.
Keywords: 5-methoxytryptophol, melatonin, serotonin