Does Melatonin help with Covid 19 Virus and what are the other benefits?
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain to promote healthy sleep and regulate the body’s internal clock. It can also be taken in the form of a dietary supplement, and studies have shown melatonin to be effective in improving sleep and treating headaches, anxiety and other health conditions.
It’s primarily responsible for regulating your body’s circadian rhythm to manage your natural sleep cycle. It’s often used as a sleep aid to combat issues like insomnia.
Most recently, though, researchers have focused their attention on the effect melatonin might have on COVID-19 and the vaccines created to prevent it.
According to a Cleveland Clinic study, melatonin may help prevent COVID-19 or aid in the treatment of COVID-19 due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers found that melatonin reduced the likelihood of study participants getting COVID-19 by 28%.
Currently, there is no approved drug that is safe and effective in mitigating severe or critical COVID-19. Many health experts have recommended repurposing old antivirals – like remdesivir and dexamethasone – to reduce the risk of developing severe illness. More recently, some have recommended melatonin as a potential therapeutic that can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In the study, which was published in the journal Diseases, the scientists discussed the potential benefit of melatonin for COVID-19 patients. They discussed evidence implying that melatonin prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection, has anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant properties, counteracts chronodisruption, and combats many comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Previous studies suggest that melatonin may be an effective antiviral agent amid the coronavirus pandemic. In one study, the researchers found that a drug combination of melatonin and mercaptopurine effectively hits the HCoV-host subnetwork and was recommended as a possible drug combination for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Apart from preventing infection with SARS-CoV-2, melatonin has also been noted for its anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant properties.
Health benefits of taking melatonin
Melatonin supplements may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery.
In fact, studies show that melatonin may improve eye health, reduce symptoms of seasonal depression and even provide relief from acid reflux.
Benefits of Melatonin
⦁ Support Better Sleep
⦁ Reduce Symptoms of Seasonal Depression
⦁ Increase Levels of Human Growth Hormone
⦁ Promote Eye Health
⦁ May Help Treat GERD
Melatonin is safe and associated with minimal side effects, but may interact with some medications. It’s currently not recommended for children.
Sources
https://www.sharp.com
https://www.news-medical.net
www.healthline.com
