Peculiarities of current melatonin application — successful experience and new opportunities
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The paper presents current information about the physiological functions and pharmacological properties of hormone melatonin. Consideration was given to the results of clinical trials, confirming melatonin efficacy in the treatment of insomnia of various etiology in patients of different age groups in comparison of other hypnotics, both as monotherapy and combined therapy of arterial hypertension with the purpose of regulation of circadian rhythms in case of desynchronosis (jet lug, shift work, syndromes sleep phase disturbances). An experience of exogenous melatonin application at coronavirus disease (COVID‑19) has been analyzed. The review is based on search results in the PubMed, Medline, Scopus databases for the period 1997–2021 for the keywords melatonin, therapeutic use, insomnia, hypertension, circadian rhythm disturbances, COVID‑19. Data showed that melatonin was an effective and safe medication that can be recommended in all cases of sleep disturbances and for patients of any age with or without concomitant pathology. It is well tolerated and goes well with other drugs. Melatonin efficacy and safety was registered at its simultaneous use with antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and anti‑inflammatory drugs in elderly and middle‑aged people with arterial hypertension. Owing to its anti‑inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antioxidant effects, melatonin diminishes the risk of infections, inflammation, and oxidative stress in case of disease development, it promotes health in people at risk, has a neuroprotective effect in patients with COVID‑19, can serve as an adjuvant to boost anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 vaccines. As an antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory agent, melatonin counteracts acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by viral and bacterial infections. Melatonin preparation Melafresh (Prime Health Ltd., Canada) proved to be an effective addition to the therapy of sleep disorders of various etiology, especially in cases of their onset due to inconsistent circadian rhythms, it prevents or attenuates desynchronosis of circadian rhythms, violation of daily sleep/wakefulness cycles, decreases the number of episodes of awakening at night, restores full sleep after psycho‑emotional overload and stress, and promotes easy awakening. One of Melafresh advantages is its drug form (sublingual tablets) as it increases its bioavailability and concentration in blood.
Source: Ukrainian Therapeutical Journal
Authors: N. K. Svyrydova, I. O. Belkina, N. O. Karpenko
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3207765160