The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin: A Review of the Science

Samir Malhotra, MD; Girish Sawhney, MD; Promila Pandhi, MD

Clinical Evaluation of the Patient

No definitive guidelines have been formulated for clinical evaluation of patients with low melatonin levels, in large part because a "melatonin deficiency syndrome" has not yet been defined as an independent entity. The secretion of melatonin is usually detected by analyzing the serum or salivary levels.^[151] The salivary levels are considered equivalent to serum levels except in the elderly or in patients with dry mouth.^[152] In the first situation, the validity, and in the second situation, the feasibility of salivary melatonin levels are compromised. If the treating physician suspects that melatonin deficiency may be responsible for a patient's symptoms, it is tempting to consider the possibility of exogenous administration of melatonin. However, we must await more substantive clinical evidence before any precise recommendations can be made.

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Cite this: The Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin: A Review of the Science - Medscape - Apr 14, 2004.

Summary
Sleep Disturbances
Endocrine Function and Immunity
Cancer
Brain Function, Neuropsychiatry, and Behavior
Antioxidant Uses
Antiaging Hormone
Toxicology and Potential for Harm
Clinical Evaluation of the Patient
Conclusion
References

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