ALSUntangled #61: melatonin.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of melatonin as an alternative treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Results Summary
The study found that melatonin has plausible mechanisms and some positive pre-clinical results, with two cases showing recovery of lost motor function when used in combination with other supplements. However, the retrospective study was small and flawed, suggesting slower progression and longer survival in ALS patients taking melatonin, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Population
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Effective Dosage
Not specified.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | neutral | - | - | - | has plausible mechanisms | #1 |
melatonin | neutral | - | - | - | some positive pre-clinical studies | #2 |
melatonin | neutral | - | - | - | some negative pre-clinical studies | #3 |
cocktails of supplements including melatonin | increase | lost motor function | - | - | associated with recovery | #4 |
melatonin | decrease | disease progression | patients in the PRO-ACT database who reported taking melatonin | - | progressed more slowly | #5 |
melatonin | increase | survival | patients in the PRO-ACT database who reported taking melatonin | - | lived longer | #6 |
melatonin | no change | safety | - | - | appears safe | #7 |
ALSUntangled reviews alternative and off-label treatments for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we review melatonin. We show that it has plausible mechanisms, some positive (and some negative) pre-clinical studies, two cases in which cocktails of supplements including melatonin were associated with recovery of lost motor function, and a very small, flawed retrospective study suggesting that patients in the PRO-ACT database who reported taking melatonin progressed more slowly and lived longer compared to those who were not taking it. Melatonin appears safe, but an optimal dose and route of administration for ALS have not been determined. Based on all this, we support a pilot trial of melatonin in people with ALS but we cannot yet recommend it as a treatment.