Melatonin as a Secondary Therapy for COVID-19

Abstract

The authors on the basis of analytical review of the world literature analyzed the pharmacological activity of melatonin in the aspect of clinical use in COVID-19. Melatonin is traditionally considered a hormone of the pineal gland, which provides the interaction of organism with environment for information about the light regime of the environment. Until recently, the main scope of this drug was various sleep disorders. However, subsequent studies revealed that the melatonin’s ability to exert anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antineoplastic, neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-gonadotropic effect and have some therapeutic activity for pharmacotherapy of tinnitus, migraine, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, breast cancer, diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

The article found that a valuable effect of melatonin is its ability to reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing the intensity of inflammation and «cytokine storm» in patients with COVID-19.

The paper notes that melatonin’s role as antioxidant, reduce the risk of oxidative stress during inflammation, but also as a factor of prevention of the development of «cytokine storm», with the development of which is associated with high risks of mortality at COVID-19. Melatonin is effective in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 by reducing vascular permeability, levels of General anxiety, use of sedatives and improve sleep quality.

Found that melatonin can be used in combination with drugs and therapies COVID-19. For example, melatonin and alpha-lipoic acid may decrease kidney damage from oxidative stress caused by a combination of antiviral medications lopinavir/ritonavir. Using melatonin to mitigate medical and social problems in the context of a global pandemic may be substantial and socially responsible measure to preserve and maintain the health of the population.

The authors found that the pharmacological activity of melatonin in the aspect of clinical use in COVID-19 is associated with its antioxidant and anti-stress activity that can be used effectively in conditions of coronavirus infection.