Melatonin is commonly known as a sleep inducer. It is a hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms and is frequently used as an over-the-counter supplement. However, it has been shown that melatonin may actually be used as a treatment for COVID-19, a disease that has ravaged thousands of lives across the world and continues to rise during the fall “second wave.”
Drug repurposing would be a promising way to overcome the lengthy FDA approval process (which takes on average 10-15 years), and to find treatments for COVID-19. To do this, researchers from Cleveland Clinic developed new AI algorithms to identify possible drugs, examining binding patterns. It revealed that melatonin may actually be a candidate for treatment, but results still remain quite inconclusive.
The researchers then examined the correlation between melatonin usage and testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, and saw that melatonin usage reduced being tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 by 30% after adjusting for confounding variables. In African Americans, this number went from 30% to 54%, suggesting a possible personalized genomics treatment, especially given that Black people have been affected at higher rates.
However, the studies researchers warn potential patients that they should also seek professional advice and consult their doctor. Additionally, a double-blind study still needs to be conducted, as this research was based on previously published research. Lastly, more research needs to be done on the mechanism of how melatonin actually may work to prevent SARS-CoV-2, if any. It may just be possible that those who are able to take melatonin have the means to obtain quality sleep and stay home, and are just social distancing and less likely to get SARS-CoV-2.
-Fan
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000970
https://www.verywellhealth.com/melatonin-possible-covid-19-treatment-5087816
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