MELATONIN

Melatonin is well-established as a chronobiotic that regulates sleep-wake cycles, with robust evidence for its use in circadian rhythm disorders and insomnia. Research over the past decade has expanded into cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and ferroptosis-related pathologies, with melatonin demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial regulatory properties. However, many of these emerging applications rely on in vitro and animal data, with limited clinical trials involving small patient numbers. A 2025 review highlights potential toxicological concerns with exogenous melatonin, especially at high doses and in susceptible populations such as children. The safety profile is generally considered high, but long-term supplementation data remain limited.