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Potential Therapeutic Approach of Melatonin against Omicron and Some Other Variants of SARS-CoV-2
Rahima Begum1, A N M Mamun-Or-Rashid2,3,4, Tanzima Tarannum Lucy2,3
1Department of Microbiology, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
The Omicron variant (B.529) of COVID-19 caused disease outbreaks worldwide because of its contagious and diverse mutations. To reduce these outbreaks, therapeutic drugs and adjuvant vaccines have been applied for the treatment of the disease. However, these drugs have not shown high efficacy in reducing COVID-19 severity, and even antiviral drugs have not shown to be effective. Researchers thus continue to search for an effective adjuvant therapy with a combination of drugs or vaccines to treat COVID-19 disease. We were motivated to consider melatonin as a defensive agent against SARS-CoV-2 because of its various unique properties. Over 200 scientific publications have shown the significant effects of melatonin in treating diseases, with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Melatonin has a high safety profile, but it needs further clinical trials and experiments for use as a therapeutic agent against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It might immediately be able to prevent the development of severe symptoms caused by the coronavirus and can reduce the severity of the infection by improving immunity.
Insights
Melatonin may be a potential therapeutic agent against the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in preventing severe symptoms and reducing infection severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The Omicron variant (B.529) of COVID-19 has caused global outbreaks due to its high transmissibility and mutations.
- Current therapeutic drugs and vaccines show limited efficacy in reducing COVID-19 severity.
- There is an ongoing need for effective adjuvant therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore melatonin as a potential defensive agent against SARS-CoV-2, specifically the Omicron variant.
- To investigate melatonin's properties for treating COVID-19.
- To assess the potential of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of over 200 scientific publications on melatonin's effects.
- Analysis of melatonin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.
- Consideration of melatonin's safety profile.
Main Results:
- Melatonin exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
- Melatonin has a demonstrated high safety profile in previous studies.
- Melatonin may help prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms and reduce infection severity by enhancing immunity.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin shows promise as a therapeutic agent against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
- Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties suggest a role in managing SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Further clinical trials and experiments are essential to validate melatonin's efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment.
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