Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Melatonin has been investigated for its potential to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and there is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its use as an adjuvant therapy in cancer patients. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have found that melatonin supplementation can help mitigate chemotherapy-induced side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, neurotoxicity, and hematological toxicity. Melatonin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to play a key role in protecting normal tissues from the oxidative stress and cellular damage associated with many chemotherapeutic agents.

Notably, a meta-analysis published in Journal of Pineal Research (2012) reviewed randomized controlled trials and concluded that melatonin (often at doses of 20 mg per day) administered alongside chemotherapy improved tumor remission rates and reduced adverse effects like thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity, and asthenia, without significant toxicity. Furthermore, melatonin may help regulate sleep-wake cycles disrupted by cancer treatments, contributing to better quality of life for patients.

However, it is important to note that while these findings are promising, the overall quality and sample size of studies remain moderate, and more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to establish definitive guidelines. Nonetheless, current evidence justifies considering melatonin as a supportive agent during chemotherapy, particularly for reducing specific side effects and improving patient well-being.

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Nature's Sunshine Melatonin Extra