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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 40001911 DOI: 10.3390/biology14020143

Melatonin from Plants: Going Beyond Traditional Central Nervous System Targeting-A Comprehensive Review of Its Unusual Health Benefits.

Biology (Basel) 14(2)

Authors: Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Otávio Augusto Garcia Simili, Adriano Cressoni Araújo, Elen Landgraf Guiguer, Rosa Direito, Vitor Engrácia Valenti, Vitor de Oliveira, Juliana Santos de Oliveira, José Luiz Yanaguizawa Junior, Jefferson Aparecido Dias, Durvanei Augusto Maria, Rose Eli Grassi Rici, Manuela Dos Santos Bueno, Kátia Portero Sloan, Lance Alan Sloan, Sandra Maria Barbalho

Affiliations

  • Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil.
  • Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil.
  • Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), Marília 17500-000, SP, Brazil.
  • Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines, Universidade de Lisboa (iMed.ULisboa), Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Autonomic Nervous System Center, School of Philosophy and Sciences, São Paulo State University, Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil.
  • Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, New York, NY 10595, USA.
  • Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
  • Development and Innovation Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05585-000, SP, Brazil.
  • Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-220, SP, Brazil.
  • Texas Institute for Kidney and Endocrine Disorders, Lufkin, TX 75904, USA.
  • Clinical Department, School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
  • UNIMAR Charity Hospital, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Marília 17525-902, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

Melatonin is indispensable for the homeostasis of plants and animals. In humans, it can help prevent or be an adjuvant treatment for several diseases mainly related to the immune system, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Moreover, a melatonin-rich diet is linked to several health benefits, such as regulation of circadian rhythm, regulation of the immunological system, epilepsy control, delaying the aging process, and diminishing hormones related to cancer. This review aimed to show the effects of melatonin in diseases beyond its traditional use. The results showed it can present scavenging of free radicals, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and modulating the immune system. Moreover, it can improve insulin resistance, blood pressure, LDL-c, adipose tissue mass, adhesion molecules, endothelial impairment, and plaque formation. These effects result in neuro- and cardioprotection, improvement of liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, COVID-19, polycystic ovaries, and sepsis. We conclude that plant melatonin can benefit patients with many diseases besides sleep problems and neurodegeneration. Plant melatonin may be more cost-effective and present fewer adverse events than synthetic. However, more clinical trials should be performed to show adequate doses, formulation, and treatment time.

MeSH

Dysbiosis, Melatonin, Cardiovascular Diseases, Neoplasms, Central Nervous System, Sepsis, Immune System, Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Therapeutics, Nervous System

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