Maratonin

Maratonin is not a term with a widely recognized definition in established scientific literature. In many cases, it is a misspelling or variant of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. No standard chemical structure, production pathway, or biological role for a molecule named “maratonin” is acknowledged by major databases. Because of this ambiguity, articles using the term should clarify whether they intend melatonin or a fictional or speculative concept.

Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland in humans and other vertebrates. It is synthesized from serotonin through the enzymes arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase. Melatonin secretion follows the light-dark cycle, rising in darkness to signal nighttime. In humans, the hormone helps regulate circadian rhythms and promotes sleep onset. When used as a dietary supplement, melatonin is typically taken to alleviate jet lag, shift-work sleep disorder, and some types of insomnia. It has a relatively short half-life, and side effects can include drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Interactions with certain medications are possible and should be discussed with a health professional.

In fictional or speculative contexts, maratonin may be described as a different compound or a fictional analogue with sleep-modulating effects. Such uses are not part of established science and should be treated as imaginative rather than factual.