Melatonin is a hormone that is produced primarily in the pineal gland of the brain. Its synthesis involves several biochemical steps from the amino acid tryptophan. Here’s a simplified overview of how melatonin is made:
1. **Tryptophan Hydroxylation**: The process begins with the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) through the action of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. This enzyme adds a hydroxyl group