Ghosh S
The basic structure of melatonin is evolutionarily conserved. Hence, it was speculated that melatonin may be present in different animals (from unicellular to multi-cellular) and even in plants. Melatonin in plans is generally regarded as Phyto-melatonin. Like the role of melatonin in animals, Phyto-melatonin can perform several functions like attenuation of apoptosis, prevention of free radical generation, protection against Ultraviolet Radiations (UV) irradiation, etc. But, unlike phytoestrogen, the role of Phyto-melatonin in animals is an unexplored area. Hence, the present study aimed to note the role of Phyto-melatonin in the maintenance of general health and immunity of goats. To fulfill the aim, we supplemented the goats with a Phyto-melatonin-rich diet i.e. corn (Zea mays) which is having 1.4 ng/gm of the dry weight of tissue and they are also edible to goats. We noted the significantly high level of body weight, hematological (Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) level, total Red Blood Cell (RBC) count and Percentage Hb), immunological (Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Percentage Lethal concentration, Percentage Sustained Release (SR) of PBMCs), metabolic (plasma glucose, cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), protein levels and HDL: LDL ration), free radical (Sphincter Of Oddi (SOD), catalase, GPx levels), hormonal (estrogen, melatonin), cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) levels and significantly low level of 2,3-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). However, plasma testosterone was unaffected upon Phyto-melatonin treatment. Thus, for the first time role of Phyto-melatonin as a protective molecule with improving effect on the health and immunity of Indian goat Capra hircusis being proposed, as the effect of Phyto-melatonin supplementation can be brought back to normal and this dietary supplement might be utilizing the similar pathway as commercial melatonin. There are so many less expensive and readily available sources of Phyto-melatonin that require the proper knowledge of exploitation of these sources for the extreme benefit for animals as well as for human beings in the near or far future.