Human Study on Melatonin Supplementation in MS
A systematic review involving 10 studies with 435 participants found no evidence that melatonin has a disease-modifying effect in multiple sclerosis (MS). It showed no reduction in relapse activity, disability progression, or new MRI lesions. Some small studies suggested potential benefits for sleep and fatigue, but these results were inconsistent and not confirmed across studies.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
These findings are important for understanding melatonin's role in MS, highlighting that it may not be effective for modifying disease progression despite some noted symptomatic improvements.
What this does not prove
The certainty of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes, and adverse event reporting was incomplete. Benefits need further validation in larger, well-designed trials.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Systematic review
- Participants / samples
- 435 · number of participants across included studies
- Randomised
- Yes
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- No
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-25
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceMelatonin supplementation in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of clinical, imaging, biomarker, and safety outcomes. ↗DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1889519
Supporting passages (10)
study phaseThis systematic review assessed the efficacy and safety of oral melatonin supplementation in adults with MS.
study designThis systematic review assessed the efficacy and safety of oral melatonin supplementation in adults with MS.
subjectsWe included 10 independent studies, reported across 17 publications, covering 435 participants.
sample sizecovering 435 participants.
sample size basisRESULTS: We included 10 independent studies, reported across 17 publications, covering 435 participants.
randomizedNine were randomized trials (two of them crossover designs), and one was a prospective non-randomized intervention study.
primary endpoint metThe evidence did not show reductions in relapse activity, disability progression, or new MRI activity.
findingsCurrent evidence does not support a disease-modifying effect of melatonin in MS.
limitationsCertainty of evidence was low or very low for every outcome assessed.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-25
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.