Melatonin use for SARS-CoV-2 infection: Time to diversify the treatment portfolio

Abstract

No single treatment will eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that all available tactics and medications be used to overcome this disease, although it will probably never totally disappear. Melatonin is a very inexpensive molecule so it is affordable in all areas of the world, it does not require refrigeration and it has a very long shelf-life. Melatonin has no substantial side effects even at extremely high doses, no overdose has ever been achieved, and it can be self-administered via several routes. Considering its efficacy in both experimental studies and clinical trials, the portfolio of medications used to a curtail a COVID-19 infection should clearly include melatonin. Since melatonin inhibits many types of viruses, it should also be considered a potential treatment of Ebola, Zeka, and hantavirus infections.