Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Melatonin-mediated actions and circadian functions that improve implantation, fetal health and pregnancy outcome.

Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)
March 1, 2024
Russel J Reiter et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate melatonin's role in protecting against oxidative stress and improving pregnancy outcomes by mitigating common disorders like preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, and premature delivery.

Results Summary

Melatonin was found to reduce oxidative stress and improve pregnancy outcomes by protecting the placenta and fetus, as well as synchronizing circadian rhythms disrupted during pregnancy. Experimental supplementation showed reduced frequency and severity of pregnancy-related disorders.

Population

Pregnant individuals and fetal development.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin
decrease
oxidative stress and common pathophysiological disorders
during implantation, gestation and fetal development
-
resist oxidative stress and protect against common pathophysiological disorders
#1
melatonin
decrease
stillborn fetus, recurrent fetal loss, preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, premature delivery, and fetal teratology
pregnancy
-
reduce the frequency or severity
#2
melatonin
decrease
consequences of chronodisruption
postnatally
-
has circadian rhythm synchronizing actions to overcome the consequences
#3
melatonin
decrease
experimental placental, fetal, and maternal pathologies
pregnancy
-
protect against experimental placental, fetal, and maternal pathologies
#4
melatonin
decrease
fertilized oocyte from oxidative damage
fertilized oocyte
-
highly protective
#5
Abstract

This review summarizes data related to the potential importance of the ubiquitously functioning antioxidant, melatonin, in resisting oxidative stress and protecting against common pathophysiological disorders that accompany implantation, gestation and fetal development. Melatonin from the maternal pineal gland, but also trophoblasts in the placenta, perhaps in the mitochondria, produce this molecule as a hedge against impairment of the uteroplacental unit. We also discuss the role of circadian disruption on reproductive disorders of pregnancy. The common disorders of pregnancy, i.e., stillborn fetus, recurrent fetal loss, preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, premature delivery, and fetal teratology are all conditions in which elevated oxidative stress plays a role and experimental supplementation with melatonin has been shown to reduce the frequency or severity of these conditions. Moreover, circadian disruption often occurs during pregnancy and has a negative impact on fetal health; conversely, melatonin has circadian rhythm synchronizing actions to overcome the consequences of chronodisruption which often appear postnatally. In view of the extensive findings supporting the ability of melatonin, an endogenously-produced and non-toxic molecule, to protect against experimental placental, fetal, and maternal pathologies, it should be given serious consideration as a supplement to forestall the disorders of pregnancy. Until recently, the collective idea was that melatonin supplements should be avoided during pregnancy. The data summarized herein suggests otherwise. The current findings coupled with the evidence, published elsewhere, showing that melatonin is highly protective of the fertilized oocyte from oxidative damage argues in favor of its use for improving pregnancy outcome generally.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
PregnancyFemaleHumansMelatoninPlacentaPregnancy OutcomeAntioxidantsFetus
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety85
Efficacy90/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations7
Citations/Year7.0
Relative Citation Ratio3.21
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.94
Normalized Score0.86
Related Supplements
Melatonin-mediated actions and circadian functions that impr... | Panacea Index