An Exclusive Review of Melatonin Effects on Mammalian Melanocytes and Melanoma

The review discusses the effects of melatonin, a hormone originally isolated from bovine pineal glands, on mammalian pigmented cells and melanoma cells. Melatonin has been found to affect skin and hair pigmentation, potentially causing hair to turn grey, although results are variable. It also affects fur coloration in certain animals. Melatonin has been observed to inhibit melanoma growth and the growth of uveal melanoma cells at low concentrations. It has various antitumor mechanisms, including immune-potentiating action, antioxidant action, and cancer cell growth inhibitory action. It can reduce the side effects of anticancer drug treatment and radiation therapy, increase survival rates, and be effective in end-stage cancer. Its effectiveness has been confirmed in multiple clinical trials. However, its influence on human skin pigmentation remains unclear. The review concludes that more robust studies are needed to better understand melatonin's potential as an adjuvant in cancer and melanoma therapies.