The Efficacy of Melatonin in Some Viral Infections

Melatonin is an important hormone released by pineal gland that its synthesis is primarily dependent on the darkness. Melatonin has many functions in the organism, such as the regulation of cardiac rhythm, immunoregulatory mechanisms, free-radical scavenger, antioxidant functions, oncostatic actions, control of reproductive functions, regulation of emotions, and sleep. Also, one of the major effects of melatonin identified is the activation of immune system cells either directly or indirectly, along with being a modulator of apoptosis and a potent antioxidant. In this study, data collected on the effects of melatonin upon the immune system functions as well as the studies regarding the treatment options when it is combined with other drugs to combat with some viral infections like Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Selmiki Forest Virus, Retrovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Mink Aleutian Virus were reviewed. In these studies, it has been reported that melatonin was lowered the amount of the virus, reduced the infection mortality rate and alleviate the symptoms of the viral infections due to the effects of oxidative stress. As a result, one should keep in mind that melatonin could be a supportive therapy option during the treatment of viral infections.