NICEVIVA
DRUG INTERACTION RECORDED 1 Prescription Drug Interaction(s) Reported — Review the pharmacokinetic interaction matrix below before use.
Pharmacokinetic Alert
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2026

Melatonin (3mg)

SLEEP COGNITION · Evidence Monograph

Melatonin (3mg) is an evidence-graded sleep cognition monograph evaluated across 16 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (5 meta-analyses, 1 systematic reviews, and 8 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 413,099 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 16 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 5 Meta · 1 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 8 RCTs (4 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 413,099
Reported Trial Dosages 3mg · 10 mg · 2 mg
Trial Duration Range 4 weeks · 6 weeks · 12 weeks
Reading Time ~8 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 16 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (3mg · 10 mg · 2 mg) over a structured 4 weeks evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary sleep cognition clinical efficacy (16 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (14 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (8 RCTs · 4 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (5 meta-analyses · 1 reviews)
01

What Is Melatonin (3mg) & Why Does Form Matter?

Melatonin (3mg) is classified under SLEEP COGNITION and has been investigated across 16 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (3mg, 10 mg, 2 mg).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Melatonin (3mg) frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (8 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Melatonin (3mg) acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Melatonin (3mg) an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 16 PubMed studies: 5 meta-analyses, 1 systematic reviews, and 8 randomized controlled trials (4 double-blind, n = 413,099 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:38656078 (2024) — "Efficacy of melatonin in decreasing the incidence of delirium in critically ill adults: a randomized controlled trial." (CONCLUSION: Enteral melatonin 3mg is not more effective at decreasing the incidence of delirium than standard care is in critically ill adults.) • PMID:42074994 (2026) — "Non-Mineral Antioxidant Supplementation in Endometriosis: Biological Rationale, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Implications-A Narrative Review." (Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of non-mineral antioxidant supplements as standalone therapy for endometriosis.) • PMID:41787942 (2026) — "Melatonin Supplementation in Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial." (Melatonin supplementation in adult patients with mild to moderate AD effectively improved disease severity, sleep quality, and quality of life, without any reported adverse effects.)

Quantitative Clinical Effect-Size Distribution (Forest Plot)

Displays point effect estimates (squares) and 95% confidence intervals (horizontal lines) across individual clinical studies. Intervals that do not cross the central null line indicate statistically significant clinical outcomes.

Study (PMID · Year)MD Effect Size & 95% CI DistributionEstimate (95% CI)PMID 41515249-2.34 (-4.13–-0.55)PMID 40920753-3.18 (-0.78–-0.16)PMID 40698248-6.4 (-1.28–-0.02)-7.4Null (0)0.96Metric: MD
05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 3mg · 10 mg · 2 mg · 3.0 mg over 4 weeks · 6 weeks · 12 weeks · 28 days. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

• [MODERATE] · (Zolpidem, Benzodiazepine) / Fluvoxamine: Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction reported in clinical literature (PMID:10796589). Consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist to separate dosing windows or monitor clinical labs.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (3mg · 10 mg · 2 mg) and re-evaluate efficacy after 4 weeks.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist before use if taking · (Zolpidem, Benzodiazepine) / Fluvoxamine.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (16 Studies) · 14 Quantitative Analyses

01
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Critical care science (2024) PMID: 38656078 ↗
Efficacy of melatonin in decreasing the incidence of delirium in critically ill adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2024 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Critical care science involving n = 108 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.11 (RR 0.6). Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Enteral melatonin 3mg is not more effective at decreasing the incidence of delirium than standard care is in critically ill adults.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether enteral melatonin decreases the incidence of delirium in critically ill adults. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, adults were admitted to the intensive care unit and received either usual standard care alone (Control Group) or in combination with 3mg of enteral melatonin once a day at 9 PM (Melatonin Group). Concealment of allocation was done by serially numbered opaque sealed envelopes. The intensivist assessing delirium and the investigator performing the data analysis were blinded to the group allocation. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium within 24 hours of the intensive care unit stay. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of delirium on Days 3 and 7, intensive care unit mortality, length of intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and Glasgow outcome score (at discharge). RESULTS: We included 108 patients in the final analysis, with 54 patients in each group. At 24 hours of intensive care unit stay, there was no difference in the incidence of delirium between Melatonin and Control Groups (29.6 versus 46.2%; RR = 0.6; 95%CI 0.38 - 1.05; p = 0.11). No secondary outcome showed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Enteral melatonin 3mg is not more effective at decreasing the incidence of delirium than standard care is in critically ill adults. OBJETIVO: Determinar se a melatonina enteral diminui a incidência de delirium em adultos em estado grave. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo controlado e randomizado, os adultos foram admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva e/ou receberam apenas o padrão de cuidado habitual (Grupo Controle) ou o tratamento combinado com 3mg de melatonina enteral uma vez ao dia às 21h (Grupo Melatonina). A ocultação da alocação foi feita por meio de envelopes selados opacos e numerados sequencialmente. O intensivista que avaliou o delirium e o pesquisador que realizou a análise dos dados foram cegados quanto à alocação do grupo. O desfecho primário foi a incidência de delirium dentro de 24 horas de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva. Os desfechos secundários foram a incidência de delirium nos dias 3 e 7, a mortalidade na unidade de terapia inten

02
CLINICAL STUDY Nutrients (2026) PMID: 42074994 ↗
Non-Mineral Antioxidant Supplementation in Endometriosis: Biological Rationale, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Implications-A Narrative Review.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients. Key conclusion: Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of non-mineral antioxidant supplements as standalone therapy for endometriosis.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, contributing to inflammation, immune dysregulation, and lesion progression. This has led to growing interest in antioxidant-based strategies as potential supportive interventions. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published from database inception until the end of January 2026. The review focused on clinically relevant endpoints, including pain intensity, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, reproductive parameters, and quality of life. Results: Among the analyzed interventions, the most consistent clinical effects were observed with melatonin, with randomized controlled trials indicating a moderate reduction in pain. N-acetylcysteine shows potentially beneficial effects; however, the available clinical data remain limited and heterogeneous. For other supplements, the evidence is inconsistent or insufficient to support clear clinical conclusions, and in many cases relies on indirect or mechanistic findings rather than well-established clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of non-mineral antioxidant supplements as standalone therapy for endometriosis. They may be considered as adjunctive strategies, although their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain and requires confirmation in well-designed randomized clinical trials.

03
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Journal of pineal research (2026) PMID: 41787942 ↗
Melatonin Supplementation in Adult Patients With Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of pineal research involving n = 32 participants. Key conclusion: Melatonin supplementation in adult patients with mild to moderate AD effectively improved disease severity, sleep quality, and quality of life, without any reported adverse effects.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin supplementation on disease severity, sleep quality, and quality of life in adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving adult patients with mild to moderate AD. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 10 mg melatonin tablet or a matching placebo once daily for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the severity of AD, assessed by SCORAD index at baseline and after 4 weeks of supplementation. Secondary outcomes included the intensity of pain (NPRS), pruritus severity (Pruritus-NRS), sleep quality (ADSS), and quality of life (DLQI). Eighty patients completed the study. The mean age (Standard deviation) of the patients was 33.26 (12.57) years, and 32 patients (40%) were male. The SCORAD, Pruritus-NRS, 12-PSS, ADSS, and DLQI indices improved significantly (p-values of < 0.001, 0.006, 0.011, < 0.05, and 0.003, respectively) after 4 weeks of supplementation. However, melatonin supplementation did not improve the NPRS (p-value: 0.063). No patient reported an adverse effect throughout the study. Melatonin supplementation in adult patients with mild to moderate AD effectively improved disease severity, sleep quality, and quality of life, without any reported adverse effects. However, due to limitations of our study, further research is required to confirm these findings. © 2026 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

04
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Brain and behavior (2026) PMID: 41540766 ↗
Adaptogenic Effects of Mushroom Blend Supplementation on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep: A Randomised, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Brain and behavior involving n = 50 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.025. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Restake supplementation was well tolerated and effectively reduced psychological stress, fatigue, and improved sleep quality without adverse effects.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Medicinal mushrooms have been gaining increasing attention as functional foods; however, scientific evidence from human studies remains limited. METHODS: In this study, 50 participants were randomly assigned to receive either Restake or a placebo. Psychological and physiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using validated tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Serum biomarkers-cortisol, norepinephrine (NE), melatonin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and C-reactive protein (CRP)-were analyzed via ELISA. RESULTS: Anxiety, assessed by STAI-S and HAM-A, showed greater reductions in the Restake group at both 6 weeks (STAI-S: p = 0.025; HAM-A: p = 0.002) and 12 weeks (STAI-S: p = 0.011; HAM-A: p = 0.002). Depression (BDI) scores significantly decreased at 6 weeks (p < 0.001) and 12 weeks (p = 0.008). Fatigue levels showed significant reductions in general fatigue (p = 0.043), physical fatigue (p = 0.027), and mental fatigue (p = 0.043). Restake supplementation led to reductions in sleep quality scores (PSQI) at 6 weeks (p = 0.005) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Biomarker analysis revealed significant reductions (p < 0.001) in cortisol and ACTH levels and a decrease in CRP levels (p = 0.042). NE levels significantly (p = 0.033). Compared to the placebo group, Restake supplementation exhibited an increased morning melatonin trend after 12 weeks of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Restake supplementation was well tolerated and effectively reduced psychological stress, fatigue, and improved sleep quality without adverse effects. © 2026 The Author(s). Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

05
META-ANALYSIS Nutrients (2025) PMID: 41515249 ↗
Comprehensive Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Meta-Analysis published in Nutrients (MD -2.34). Key conclusion: Conclusions: Melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated multiple CMRFs.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Background/Objectives: There is no definitive consensus regarding the effects of melatonin on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the impacts of melatonin supplementation on CMRFs, including anthropometric, lipid, glycemic, inflammatory, oxidative, and liver function parameters. Methods: A systematic search across multiple databases retrieved 63 eligible RCTs published up to October 2025. Results: This random-effects meta-analysis indicated that melatonin supplementation significantly reduced hip circumference (weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.18 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.28, -0.08), systolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.34 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.13, -0.55), fasting blood glucose (WMD: -11.63 mg/dL, 95% CI: -19.16, -4.10), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -6.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.53, -2.03), total cholesterol (WMD: -6.97 mg/dL, 95% CI: -12.20, -1.74), C-reactive protein (WMD: -0.59 mg/L, 95% CI: -0.94, -0.23), malondialdehyde (WMD: -1.54 μmol/L, 95% CI: -2.07, -1.01), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD: -1.61 pg/mL, 95% CI: -2.31, -0.90), interleukin-6 (WMD: -6.43 pg/mL, 95% CI: -10.72, -2.15), and alanine aminotransferase (WMD: -2.61 IU/L, 95% CI: -4.87, -0.34). Supplementation with melatonin substantially increased serum total antioxidant capacity (WMD: 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.22) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 2.04 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.50, 3.57). No significant effects of melatonin were observed on body weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage, body mass index, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase, or gamma-glutamyl transferase. Conclusions: Melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated multiple CMRFs.

06
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Nutrients (2025) PMID: 41515133 ↗
Heat-Treated Limosilactobacillus fermentum PS150 Improves Sleep Quality with Severity-Dependent Benefits: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Nutrients involving n = 84 participants. Key conclusion: Conclusions: Although group mean scores on sleep symptom scales did not differ significantly in the full cohort, HT-PS150 appeared to modulate sleep-wake regulation by enhancing nocturnal melatonin secretion, attenuating HPA-axis activity, and stabilizing wakefulness.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Background: Insomnia is prevalent and difficult to treat safely over the long term. Given the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in melatonin and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) regulation, and preclinical evidence for Limosilactobacillus fermentum PS150, we evaluated whether a heat-treated formulation (HT-PS150) could improve sleep and modulate endocrine/circadian markers in adults with poor sleep. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 84 adults aged 20-60 years with PSQI ≥ 5 and ISI < 22 were assigned to receive either placebo or HT-PS150 for eight weeks. Outcomes included patient-reported sleep (PSQI, ISI), anxiety/depression (GAD-7, PHQ-9), quality of life (QLESQ-SF), gastrointestinal symptoms (VAS-GI), wrist actigraphy (Fitbit Inspire 3), and sleep-relevant biomarkers measured from urine, saliva, and/or blood samples (melatonin, cortisol, orexin, serotonin, GABA, and/or norepinephrine). Repeated measures were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. An exploratory proportional regulation analysis classified individual biomarker changes as up- or down-regulated and compared proportions between study arms. Per-protocol analyses required ≥80% compliance. Results: Improvements in the primary outcomes, PSQI and ISI, were observed over time in both groups, while no significant group × time interactions were detected. In exploratory proportional analyses, a higher proportion of participants in the HT-PS150 group exhibited up-regulated nocturnal melatonin secretion and improved daytime plasma orexin levels, as well as a tendency toward greater reductions in nocturnal salivary cortisol compared with placebo. In subgroup analyses with higher baseline insomnia severity (ISI ≥ 8), HT-PS150 was associated with greater improvements in PSQI (notably sleep duration and efficiency) and reduction in anxiety (GAD-7) upon post hoc testing. Conclusions: Although group mean scores on sleep symptom scales did not differ significantly in the full cohort, HT-PS150 appeared to modulate sleep-wake regulation by enhancing nocturnal melatonin secretion, attenuating HPA-axis activity, and stabilizing wakefulness. Clinical benefits were most ev

07
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Food science & nutrition (2026) PMID: 41488152 ↗
A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Clinical Trial Investigating Safety and Efficacy of Corn Leaf Extract on Sleep Quality in a Healthy Population With Difficulty Falling or Staying Asleep.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Food science & nutrition involving n = 40 participants. Key conclusion: Findings suggest CLE supplementation may improve sleep parameters in a healthy population with sleep difficulties.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Difficulties falling and/or staying asleep affect over one quarter of adults in the United States. Current management strategies include prescription sleep aids. However, long-term use is associated with serious adverse effects. Therefore, natural alternative sleep aids that may provide safer and more effective relief of sleep disturbances are needed. In this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 healthy adults (n = 40 per group) with difficulties falling and/or staying asleep were supplemented with a standardized corn leaf extract (CLE) or placebo for 28 days. Objective (actigraphy with electroencephalogram) and subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) sleep measures, serum serotonin, plasma melatonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid were assessed at baseline (Day 0), Day 14, and Day 28, and safety was assessed at screening and Day 28. Compared to placebo, participants supplemented with CLE demonstrated statistically significant increases in total sleep time (TST) and light sleep at Day 28 and improvements in REM sleep at both Days 14 and 28. Further, participants supplemented with CLE had significantly fewer sleep interruptions and shorter sleep onset latency at Day 14 with shorter wake after sleep onset (WASO) and higher sleep efficiency at Days 14 and 28. Post hoc analysis supported these findings with a significant increase of 35.7 min in non-REM sleep at Day 28 for participants supplemented with CLE compared to a decrease of 10.6 min for those on placebo. Supplementation with CLE was safe and well tolerated. Findings suggest CLE supplementation may improve sleep parameters in a healthy population with sleep difficulties. © 2026 KGK Science Inc. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

08
META-ANALYSIS Reproductive biology and endocrinology (2025) PMID: 41462252 ↗
Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in alleviating endometriosis-related pain: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Meta-Analysis published in Reproductive biology and endocrinology. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: Current low- to very low-certainty evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation, particularly melatonin, may be associated with improvements in dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, is a leading cause of pelvic pain and reduced quality of life in women, with oxidative stress implicated in its pathogenesis. While antioxidant supplementation has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy, its clinical efficacy remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the impact of antioxidants on endometriosis-related pain outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and clinical trial registries (2000–January 2025) was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of any oral antioxidant supplement, without dose or duration restrictions, in endometriosis patients and reporting quantitative data on at least one of the primary pain outcomes (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain). Primary outcomes included dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain. Study risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was graded via the GRADE framework. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled effects. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of available RCTs suggested a potential reduction in pain scores for dysmenorrhea (SMD = − 1.26, 95% CI: −2.19 to − 0.32) and chronic pelvic pain (SMD = − 1.07, 95% CI: −1.71 to − 0.42); however, extreme heterogeneity (I² > 90%) in these analyses indicates that these average effects are highly uncertain and should not be generalized specific clinical contexts. No significant effect was observed for dyspareunia. Subgroup analyses indicated that melatonin may be associated with the most consistent potential pain reduction. CONCLUSION: Current low- to very low-certainty evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation, particularly melatonin, may be associated with improvements in dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis. However, due to considerable inconsistency and methodological limitations across studies, these findings must be interpreted with caution. The results underscore the urgent need for high-quality, large-scale RCTs to confirm any potenti

09
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) BMC geriatrics (2025) PMID: 41421991 ↗
Melatonin supplementation for quality of life in older patients with advanced cancer: a randomized controlled trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in BMC geriatrics involving n = 59 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: In an older cancer population, supplementation with 2 mg melatonin was safe but did not lead to any significant improvement in the global quality of life score on the QLQ-C30 for compliant patients.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Maintaining quality of life (QoL) for older cancer patients (≥ 70 years) undergoing systemic treatment is challenging. Melatonin supplementation could be a potential strategy. AIMS: The MEQAPAG trial investigated the effects of melatonin supplementation on this specific population's quality of life. METHODS: A multi-centre, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was implemented. Patients in the interventional arm received a daily dose of melatonin (2 mg/j for 90 days, 1-2 h before bedtime and after a meal) for the first three months of a new systemic treatment line. The primary endpoint was QoL assessment using the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) before and after supplementation. Among the secondary objectives, we evaluated the impact of supplementation on sleep and on urinary melatonin concentrations. We also studied safety and survival. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients were included in the study between July 2015 and January 2021. The trial was prematurely terminated due to futility. Only 61% (n = 59) of the patients were assessable and considered as compliant (i.e., at least two months of supplementation), 30 and 29 were allocated to the experimental and control groups respectively. Median age was 76 years (range [70, 88]). No difference in the QLQ-C30 questionnaire global score was shown. After the supplementation, the aMT6s concentration is 8,4 ng/mg creatinine (range [0.15, 201], IQI [0.99, 105]) in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: In an older cancer population, supplementation with 2 mg melatonin was safe but did not lead to any significant improvement in the global quality of life score on the QLQ-C30 for compliant patients. MEQAPAG trial provides novelty data on urinary aMT6s concentration for older cancer patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02454855, register on 05/12/2015. © 2025. The Author(s).

10
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) JMIR formative research (2025) PMID: 41004640 ↗
A Series of Personalized Melatonin Supplement Interventions for Poor Sleep: Feasibility Randomized Crossover Trial for Personalized N-of-1 Treatment.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in JMIR formative research; statistical significance reported at p = 0.7. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Participant ratings of the usability of and satisfaction with this series of personalized N-of-1 trials of me
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep (defined by short sleep duration or poor quality) is a common condition with potential serious health consequences. Exogenous melatonin supplements have been found to effectively improve poor sleep but have also been shown to have heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTEs) between individuals. Personalized N-of-1 trials, in which each participant is the unit of analysis, are ideal for identifying whether a treatment with high HTE is beneficial for each individual patient. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a series of personalized N-of-1 trials of melatonin for poor sleep. METHODS: This study consisted of 60 digital, personalized N-of-1 crossover trials comparing the effects of 3.0 mg and 0.5 mg of melatonin versus placebo for poor sleep with randomization to 1 of 2 orders. The trial comprised a 2-week baseline period and a 12-week intervention period. The primary outcomes were usability of the personalized trial system (measured using the System Usability Scale [SUS]) and participant satisfaction with the trial. Effectiveness outcomes included sleep duration (measured using a Fitbit activity tracker [Google]) and sleep quality (measured using the consensus sleep diary). RESULTS: Participants rated the usability of the personalized trial as acceptable (average SUS score 76.3, SD 17.1), and 96% (55/57) of those who completed satisfaction surveys stated that they would recommend the trial to others. Importantly, indices of HTE were low for 3.0 mg and 0.5 mg doses of melatonin, indicating that the effect of these treatments on sleep duration and sleep quality did not substantially vary between participants and that averaged treatment responses are appropriate. Averaged participant sleep duration did not significantly differ between the 3.0 mg (P=.70) and 0.5 mg (P=.90) melatonin intervention periods and the baseline period. In addition, regression models did not show differences between different levels of melatonin and placebo periods for sleep duration or quality. CONCLUSIONS: Participant ratings of the usability of and satisfaction with this series of personalized N-of-1 trials of me

RELATED MONOGRAPHS

Related Monographs in This Category