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Possible Application of Melatonin in Long COVID.

Biomolecules
January 1, 1970
Daniel P Cardinali et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Melatonin
decrease
the signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection
-
-
may be particularly effective at reducing
#1
Melatonin
decrease
delirium
COVID patients in the intensive care unit
-
effective in treating
#2
Melatonin
decrease
the circadian imbalance
COVID patients in the intensive care unit
-
effective in restoring
#3
Melatonin
decrease
several COVID-19 comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular diseases
-
-
aids in the prevention of
#4
Melatonin
decrease
cognitive deterioration ("brain fog") and pain in the ME/CFS syndrome-like documented in long COVID
long COVID patients
-
application as a neuroprotective agent to control
#5
Abstract

Clinical sequelae and symptoms for a considerable number of COVID-19 patients can linger for months beyond the acute stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection, "long COVID". Among the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, cognitive issues (especially memory loss or "brain fog"), chronic fatigue, myalgia, and muscular weakness resembling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are of importance. Melatonin may be particularly effective at reducing the signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory agent. Melatonin is also a chronobiotic medication effective in treating delirium and restoring the circadian imbalance seen in COVID patients in the intensive care unit. Additionally, as a cytoprotector, melatonin aids in the prevention of several COVID-19 comorbidities, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular diseases. This narrative review discusses the application of melatonin as a neuroprotective agent to control cognitive deterioration ("brain fog") and pain in the ME/CFS syndrome-like documented in long COVID. Further studies on the therapeutic use of melatonin in the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are warranted.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMelatoninSARS-CoV-2Fatigue Syndrome, ChronicPost-Acute COVID-19 SyndromeCOVID-19 Drug Treatment
Study Links
Citation Metrics
Total Citations19
Citations/Year6.3
Relative Citation Ratio2.36
NIH Percentile79.2%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
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