Written by Markus Horneber and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated November 1, 2011

Melatonin

Abstract and key points

  • Melatonin is produced naturally in the body and exhibits a variety of physiologic functions among which the regulation of chronobiological rhythms is prominent.
  • Supplemental melatonin might positively influence the survival of cancer patients and protect against side effects from anticancer treatments.
  • While supplemental melatonin has been found to be generally safe, at least in short-term uses, it is a hormone and, like any hormone, could potentially have wide-ranging effects in the body.

Melatonin is ubiquitously distributed in the human body, where it is produced from L-tryptophan. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and regulates the body’s circadian rhythms, endocrine secretions, and sleep patterns. Among a variety of physiologic functions of melatonin, a role in the regulation of mood, and in the prevention of aging processes and of such underlying the development of cancer are discussed.

Melatonin exerts its actions through distinct membrane receptors and acts through binding at nuclear sites and cytosolic molecules.

There is some evidence from randomised clinical trials that supplemental melatonin might have positive influence on tumor remission, and survival time in cancer patients. Furthermore, protective actions against side effects from conventional anticancer treatments are suggested. The clinical data also suggest that melatonin is well tolerated but data on the safety of long term use of melatonin are not yet published. The majority of the randomised controlled trials were performed by the same group in the same hospital and were at moderate risk of bias. Thus, the results need independent confirmation.

Citation

Markus Horneber, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Melatonin [online document]. http://cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Dietary-approaches/Melatonin. November 1, 2011.

Document history

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