Abstract: The novel compounds of formula: ##STR1## in which R is isopropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, CH.sub.3, Br or I; or H R.sub.1 is CH.sub.3 or cyclopropyl and R.sub.2 is H or Br, and when R.sub.1 is cyclopropyl and R.sub.2 is H, R is other than H, and when R.sub.1 is CH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 is H, R is other than H, and when R.sub.1 is CH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 is H, R is other than I, and when R is CH.sub.3 and R.sub.2 is H, R.sub.1 is other than CH.sub.3, and when R is phenyl and R.sub.2 is H, R.sub.1 is other than CH.sub.3, exhibit superior activity in the treatment of pathologies which interfere with the circadian rhythm. A novel method of preparation is described according to which the pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel compounds, as well as compounds already known, are administered transdermally. The novel method of administration results in sustained peripheral blood level. Novel pharmaceutical compositions are described suitable for transdermal administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug for human use, having contraceptive and menstrual cycle controlling properties, characterized in that the drug comprises N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine or melatonin, in a dose of 100-200 mg per day, N-acetyl-2-bromo-5-methoxytryptamine or 2-bromomelatonin in a dose of 25-50 mg per day, N-acetyl-2-iodo-5-methoxytryptamine or 2-iodomelatonin, in a dose of 20-40 mgs per day, in association with a progestine compound. The administration is carried out for 23 days, by using an association of 2-iodomelatonin and/or melatonin and/or 2-bromomelatonin and a progestinic compound, followed by 5 days in which only 2-iodomelatonin and/or melatonin and/or 2-bromomelatonin is administered; the drug having oncostatic preventive and therapeutic properties, in mammary tumours and melanomas, characterized by the use of 2-iodomelatonin, melatonin and 2-bromomelatonin respectively with doses of 20-40 mgs., 100-200 mgs.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing an indole derivative of the tryptamine type particularly melatonine, comprising the steps of 1) reacting potassium phthalimide and 1,3-di-bromopropane to obtain 3-bromopropylphthalimide; 2) reacting 3-bromopropylphthalimide with sodium acetoacetic ester in ethanol to obtain ethyl-2-acetyl-5-phthalimidopentanoate; 3) reacting the product from step 2) with diazo-p-anisidine to obtain 2-carboxyethyl-3-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-methoxy-indole; 4) reacting the 2-carboxyethyl-3-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-methoxy-indole with 2N/NaOH and then 20% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to obtain impure 5-methoxytriptamine, which is purified by means of hexamethyldisilazane. The mono and disubstituted derivatives are obtained and the monosubstituted derivative is hydrolyzed with aqueous methanol and then recrystallized from ethanol. The N-acetyl derivative is prepared by reaction with acetic anhydride. Melatonine of high purity is obtained for prophylaxy and also against AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome).

Abstract: A method of synthesizing an indole derivative of the tryptamine type particularly .?.melatonine,.!. .Iadd.melatonin .Iaddend.comprising the steps of 1) reacting potassium phthalimide and 1,3-di-bromopropane to obtain 3-bromopropylphthalimide; 2) reacting 3-bromopropylphthalimide with sodium acetoacetic ester in ethanol to obtain ethyl-2-acetyl-5-phthalimidopentanoate; 3) reacting the product from step 2) with diazo-p-anisidine to obtain 2-carboxyethyl-3-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-methoxy-indole; 4) reacting the 2-carboxyethyl-3-(2-phthalimidoethyl)-5-methoxy-indole with 2N/NaOH and then 20% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to obtain impure 5-methoxytriptamine, which is purified by means of hexamethyldisilazane. The mono and disubstituted derivatives are obtained and the monosubstituted derivative is hydrolyzed with aqueous methanol and then recrystallized from ethanol. The N-acetyl derivative is prepared by reaction with acetic anhydride. .?.Melatonine.!. .Iadd.Melatonin .Iaddend.