Pistacia atlantica as an inexpensive source of melatonin

Background: Melatonin is involved in regulation of circadian rhythm and alleviation of sleep disorders, such as insomniadue to jet lag and shift work, as it plays a major role in synchronization of the sleep/wake cycleMaterials and methods: This study is devoted to extraction and determination of melatonin in Pistacia atlantica using anultrasound-assisted solid-liquid extraction (SLE) combined with UV-Vis Spectroscopy. The volume and type of extractionsolvent, sonication time, and extraction temperature on the extraction efficiency were optimized.Results: Under optimum conditions, use of ۳۰ mL of ethanol and ۳۰ min sonication time caused to achieve the limit ofdetection (LOD) of ۰.۰۴۷ ppm. The method accuracy was confirmed according to the calculation of recovery using standardaddition method that, exhibited the successful applicability of the present method for real sample analysis. In addition, theobtained results were compared to those using gas chromatography/Mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Combination of SLE andUV-Vis leads to greater sensitivity and lower cost for accurate and repeatable extraction of melatonin from Pistacia atlanticawith acceptable recovery and RSD% (۱.۰۴%).Conclusion: Therefore, we efficiently extracted and purified of melatonin from an inexpensive source (Pistacia atlanticafruit). The extracted melatonin can be replaced synthetic drugs.

Keywords:

Melatonin , Solid-liquid extraction , Ultrasound-assisted extraction