ALS Untangled finds no proven benefit for melatonin in ALS
Original source
Melatonin (opens in a new tab)Melatonin has plausible biological mechanisms and mixed preclinical evidence, according to an ALS Untangled review. Two case reports linked melatonin, as part of treatment combinations, with recovery of lost motor function, while a very small retrospective study suggested slower progression and longer survival. The evidence does not establish that melatonin slows ALS progression, or the best dose or delivery method.
Why this matters
Melatonin may be worth studying in a pilot trial, but ALS Untangled does not recommend it as an ALS treatment based on current evidence. The reported motor recovery cannot be attributed to melatonin alone because it was used alongside other treatments.
Limitations and context
This is an expert review, not a new clinical trial. The case reports involved treatment cocktails, and the retrospective study was very small and flawed. The review also reports mixed preclinical findings, and no proven benefit, optimal dose, or administration route has been established.