Chemicals and Drugs

Melanins

Insoluble polymers of TYROSINE derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (SKIN PIGMENTATION), hair, and feathers providing protection against SUNBURN induced by SUNLIGHT. CAROTENES contribute yellow and red coloration.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Insoluble polymers of TYROSINE derivatives found in and causing darkness in skin (SKIN PIGMENTATION), hair, and feathers providing protection against SUNBURN induced by SUNLIGHT. CAROTENES contribute yellow and red coloration.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Melanin
  • Allomelanins
  • Phaeomelanins

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

28 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, deficiency, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

78; was MELANIN 1963-77

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D12.125w.072.050w.875.379w
  2. D23.767w.620w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 110

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Melanins. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D008543. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D008543
  2. Melanins. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin
  3. Melanins. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187526