Melatonin as an Add-On Treatment of COVID-19 Infection: Current Status

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Melatonin, traditionally viewed as a pineal gland hormone, has diverse physiological roles beyond its endocrine function.
• Evidence indicates melatonin is synthesized and active in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract and retina.
• Beyond hormonal actions, melatonin exhibits potent antioxidant and immune-modulating properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of melatonin as an adjunctive therapy for COVID-19.
• To explore melatonin's non-hormonal actions, including its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.
• To discuss recent findings and the need for further clinical trials on melatonin for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on melatonin's physiological roles and reported effects in COVID-19.
• Analysis of a recent randomized controlled study on melatonin's efficacy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Discussion of ongoing and planned randomized controlled trials.

Main Results:

• A recent randomized controlled study showed low-dose melatonin significantly improved COVID-19 symptoms and accelerated patient discharge.
• Melatonin treatment decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines while modulating immune gene expression.
• No adverse side effects were reported in the melatonin-treated group.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin's antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions suggest its potential as an effective add-on therapy for COVID-19.
• Further rigorous clinical trials, including dose-response studies and safety evaluations, are critical.
• Ongoing research aims to confirm melatonin's efficacy and explore its applications in other severe diseases.