TLDR Melatonin may inhibit melanoma growth and has potential as a cancer therapy aid, but its effects on human skin pigmentation need more research.
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.
Cited in this study
8 / 8 results
26 citations
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March 2022 in “Journal of pineal research” Melatonin affects skin and hair color and protects skin cells, with potential benefits for hair growth and skin health.
32 citations
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January 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Melatonin, a hormone, can help protect skin from aging by reducing stress, inflammation, and damage, and may also help treat hair loss in women.
185 citations
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March 2018 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Melatonin may benefit skin health and could be a promising treatment in dermatology.
506 citations
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April 2012 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Melatonin affects many body functions beyond sleep by interacting with specific receptors in various tissues.
109 citations
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October 2007 in “Journal of pineal research” Melatonin helps regulate hair growth and protects the hair follicle from stress.
122 citations
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July 2005 in “The FASEB journal” Hair follicles produce and respond to melatonin, affecting hair growth and sensitivity to estrogen.
222 citations
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January 2005 in “Endocrine journal” Melatonin is important for skin health and protection, and can be made by the skin or applied to it.
57 citations
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February 1994 in “Experimental dermatology” Melatonin affects mouse skin and may regulate skin functions.
3 citations
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December 2022 in “Experimental dermatology” Melatonin may inhibit melanoma growth and has potential as a cancer therapy aid, but its effects on human skin pigmentation need more research.
109 citations
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October 2007 in “Journal of pineal research” Melatonin helps regulate hair growth and protects the hair follicle from stress.
9 citations
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January 2005 in “Experimental dermatology” Melatonin receptors in hair follicles help regulate hair growth and could treat hair loss.
