Role of melatonin in periodontal disease - A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antioxidants #humans #melatonin #oxidative-stress #periodontal-diseases

Role of melatonin in periodontal disease - A systematic review

Meenakshi et al., 2020 | Indian J Dent Res | Systematic Review

Citation

Meenakshi S Swarna, Malaiappan Sankari. Role of melatonin in periodontal disease - A systematic review. Indian J Dent Res. 2020;31(4):593-600. doi:10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_227_18

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Melatonin is an indolamine that is primarily secreted by the pineal gland. It has immunomodulatory as well as antioxidant properties. It is a potent anti-oxidant that protects against inflammation and cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species, also has potent angiogenic function that adds on to the benefits of melatonin. As a result of these actions, melatonin may be useful as an adjuvant in the treatment of various conditions in the oral cavity. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the role of melatonin in periodontal disease. METHODS: An extensive review of the scientific literature was carried out using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and the Cochrane base. Research articles were collected upto December 2017. RESULTS: Melatonin may have beneficial effects in certain inflammatory oral pathologies, mainly periodontal diseases where they inhibit bone resorption destroy reactive oxygen species, stimulates osteoblastic differentiation. Salivary melatonin could also act as a risk indicator for periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: Many studies showed that the melatonin levels in GCF, Saliva, Serum of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis is lowered suggesting that may play a pivotal role in protecting the tissue from damage caused by oxidative stress. However, there exists no data on the concentration needed, method of application for potential benefits. Randomized clinical trials in this field are needed to fill the lacunae and better improve our understanding.

Key Findings

Melatonin may have beneficial effects in certain inflammatory oral pathologies, mainly periodontal diseases where they inhibit bone resorption destroy reactive oxygen species, stimulates osteoblastic differentiation. Salivary melatonin could also act as a risk indicator for periodontal diseases.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Humans
  • Melatonin
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Periodontal Diseases
  • Saliva

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09