The neuroprotective role of melatonin in neurological disorders

J Neurosci Res. 2018 Jul;96(7):1136-1149. doi: 10.1002/jnr.24220. Epub 2018 Mar 1.

Abstract

Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland and has a wide-ranging regulatory and neuroprotective role. It has been reported that melatonin level is disturbed in some neurological conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, which indicates its involvement in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Its properties qualify it to be a promising potential therapeutic neuroprotective agent, with no side effects, for some neurological disorders. This review discusses and localizes the effect of melatonin in the pathophysiology of some diseases.

Keywords: alzheimer; ischemia; melatonin; parkinson.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / metabolism*
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Neuroprotection
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Melatonin