Melatonin: Translation of Ongoing Studies Into Possible Therapeutic Applications Outside Sleep Disorders
Abstract
PURPOSE: Melatonin, a natural hormone mainly synthesized by the pineal gland, is regulated by circadian rhythm. Synthetic melatonin is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for any indication. However, melatonin receptor agonists such as ramelteon and tasimelteon are US Food and Drug Administration approved and are considered by the American Academy of Family Physicians for the treatment of insomnia. Due to the availability of over-the-counter products in some countries and the increasing use of melatonin, it is interesting to highlight knowledge regarding the potential benefits of melatonin outside sleep disorders.
METHODS: This narrative review included published reports in EMBASE and MEDLINE databases between 1975 and 2021 relating to the therapeutic applications of melatonin.
FINDINGS: Based on the quality of the evidence published to date, the most promising non-insomnia indications are for treating ischemia/reperfusion injury, primary headache disorders, fibromyalgia, glucose control, and blood pressure control.
IMPLICATIONS: Most of the studies were preclinical and in in vivo and in vitro phases. More clinical trials are needed before recommending melatonin as a treatment in clinical practice.
Read the paper
Related studies
- A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Evidence Base of Melatonin, Light Exposure, Exercise, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients with Insomnia Disorder
- Use of Melatonin and/on Ramelteon for the Treatment of Insomnia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Influence of evening light exposure on polysomnographically assessed night-time sleep: A systematic review with meta-analysis
- Use of melatonin in children and adolescents with idiopathic chronic insomnia: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and clinical recommendation
- Significant potential of melatonin therapy in Parkinson’s disease – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Meta-Analysis: Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary Sleep Disorders
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.