Melatonin improved the outcomes of women with ART: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Abstract
Objective: To systematically evaluate whether the melatonin supplementation could improve the embryo development and pregnancy outcomes of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251003042). The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before March 5, 2025 are included to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin on infertile women undergoing ART. Eligible studies reported at least one embryo development or pregnancy-related outcome. Primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate; secondary outcomes including oocyte yield, fertilization rate, MII oocyte number, and high-quality embryo formation. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on stimulation protocols, melatonin dosage, and population characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and pooled effect sizes were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models depending on heterogeneity. Totally, eleven RCTs with a total of 1,481 participants were analyzed here.
Data sources: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
Results: Melatonin supplementation significantly improved clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.22-2.07). Regarding embryo development, melatonin significantly increased the number of high-quality embryos (MD = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.07-0.79), MII oocyte (SMD=0.99, 95% CI: 0.29-1.69), and fertilization rates (OR =…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,481 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis
- Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
- Identification of key pathways and genes in polycystic ovary syndrome via integrated bioinformatics analysis and prediction of small therapeutic molecules
- Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression Alters AMPK Phosphorylation in the Endometrium: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systems pharmacology to investigate the interaction of berberine and other drugs in treating polycystic ovary syndrome
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.