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Protective Effect of Melatonin Administration against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review
Antonio Molina-Carballo1,2,3, Rafael Palacios-López4, Antonio Jerez-Calero1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Medicine Faculty, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Melatonin may prevent and treat COVID-19 by reducing inflammation and inhibiting viral proteins. Further clinical trials are recommended to establish optimal dosage and administration protocols for this safe therapeutic alternative.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases
- Immunology and Molecular Biology
Background:
- COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant global health challenges, including the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Melatonin's potential role in mitigating COVID-19's impact has emerged as a subject of recent scientific interest.
- Existing treatments for COVID-19 are limited, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review on the potential of melatonin in preventing and treating COVID-19.
- To evaluate the scientific evidence supporting melatonin's efficacy and safety as an alternative therapeutic option.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was performed using major health and generic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, etc.).
- Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines.
- The review assessed studies investigating melatonin's role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 40 selected studies indicated that melatonin can prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- High doses of melatonin demonstrated a potential coadjuvant therapeutic effect in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Melatonin was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and protein-inhibitory (Mpro, MMP9) activities.
- The reviewed studies suggest melatonin has a favorable safety profile and can be an effective therapeutic alternative for COVID-19.
- Further clinical trials are essential to determine specific dosage and administration protocols for melatonin in COVID-19 management.
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