Melatonin and Covid-19: An opened Pandora's box and the hope for the time being

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a global health concern still ongoing. No single therapeutic intervention with high efficacy exists and virus mutations continue to improve immune evasion decreasing vaccine efficacy. Therefore, a therapy which instead targets severe symptoms of COVID-19 should be contemplated. Hyperinflammation, cytokine storm and oxidation are relevant in the evolution of COVID-19. Considering the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and cytoprotective effects of melatonin (MEL) on viral infections, its potential links with COVID-19 should be researched. In addition, evidence suggests a viricidal action of MEL and an increase in the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. One of the neglected and excellent options for therapy is MEL. We strongly support and encourage the use of MEL as a therapy for COVID-19.