Melanin vs. Melatonin

Main Difference

Both, Melanin and Melatonin are the chemical substances found in living organisms which are responsible for several function in the body. Their functions, existence and synthesis clearly tells that they are a lot different to each other but people often get confuse while using them as they have quite a similar pronunciation. Melanin is the pigment that is produced by the melanocytes within the stratum. They determine the skin colour and work as a shield against the UV rays, which can cause skin cancer. On the other hand, Melatonin is the hormone, which is produced by the pineal gland. It regulates the modulation of wake/sleep patterns and photoperiodic (seasonal function). The lacking of melatonins can cause sleeping disorder and can indulge one in to deep anxiety, whereas lack of melanin can cause skin cancer.

Difference Between Melanin and Melatonin

Comparison Chart

What is Melanin?

Melanin is the pigment in human body (animal) that is mostly held responsible for the skin colour of an individual, although they perform various functions other than that, but theyr are prominently recognized on this particular function. The final color of skin totally depends on the melanins, which is a pigment produced by the melanocytes, which are present in the ear, hair, skin and CNS (Central Nervous System) of the body. The color of an individual’s skin directly depends upon the presence of melanin and the distribution of melanosomes within the skin. In human body, melanins generally have two polymers; pheomelanin: it is red/yellow and is produced in pheomelanosomes, and eumelanin: it is dark brown/black and is produced in eumelanosomes. Other than determining skin colour, these pigments also perform several other functions. The most important out of them is providing the resistance against the Ultra Violet (UV) Rays, which can cause the skin cancer.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is the hormone, which does multi tasking in the human body. It is produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the center of brain between two hemispheres.Melatonin is biosynthesized using the amino acid Tryptophan while it is being produced in the pea size pineal gland. It regulates the modulation of wake/sleep patterns and photoperiodic (seasonal function). In easy words, we can say that melatonin is responsible for the continuation of human routine cycle or it works as a clock of the human system as it sets the sleep and wake patterns and also looks after several other timing related tasks like food taking timing. Melatonin is also used as a drug for those suffering with insomnia, which is a disease of sleeping disorder. Other than that, it also works as an effective drug against the anxiety and mirgarines.