Role of Melatonin in Curtailing Oxidative Stress during COVID-19
Felix Polyak, Roman Rozencwaig, Anna Veksler and Eugene Paransky
Several studies carried out during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic revealed that oxidation stress is a
major factor in the disease development, particularly in its severe complications, such as ALI and ARDS.
It has been hypothesized that the well-known natural hormone melatonin may play a significant role in
countering oxidative stress and consequently easing the progression of COVID-19. The present review
summarizes available information on the contribution of oxidation stress during the pathogenesis of
COVID-19 and several other diseases, and the rationale of their possible treatment with melatonin. This
research direction will further expand our knowledge about melatonin beyond its role as the regulator of
the circadian rhythm, and towards its application as an efficient adjuvant treatment for various diseases,
including COVID-19 infection.
