Beneficial Effects of Melatonin on Periodontitis Management: Far More Than Oral Cavity

Abstract

Periodontitis as a highly prevalent chronic infection/inflammatory disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and masticatory dysfunction. It also has a negative impact on general health and largely impairs quality of life. The tissue destruction during periodontitis is mainly caused by the excessive immune–inflammatory response; hence, how to modulate the host’s reaction is of profound importance for effective periodontal treatment and tissue protection. Melatonin, as an endogenous hormone exhibiting multiple biological functions such as circadian rhythm regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation, has been widely used in general healthcare. Notably, the past few years have witnessed increasing evidence for the application of melatonin as an adjunctive approach in the treatment of periodontitis and periodontitis-related systemic comorbidities. The detailed underlying mechanisms and more verification from clinical practice are still lacking, however, and further investigations are highly required. Importantly, it is essential to establish standard guidelines in the near future for the clinical administration of melatonin for periodontal health and general wellbeing.

The Development and Evaluation of Melatonin-Loaded, Calcium Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Neem and Clove Extract: An In Vitro Study

“…This study supports the results of our study which shows an increase in the antimicrobial activity with increasing concentration of melatonin-loaded CaONP-based neem clove extract. According to Wang et al, melatonin reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and boosts the levels of antioxidants, thereby reducing the oxidative stress associated with periodontal inflammation [ 21 ]. Similarly while exploring the properties of neem in periodontitis, Elavarasu et al concluded that neem possesses antimicrobial properties using the Mueller-Hinton agar plates method with ZOI ranging from 29-34 mm under various concentrations against oral pathogens [ 22 ].…”

“Medicine food homology” plants promote periodontal health: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of bone resorption

“…Gingivitis develops into periodontitis as the inflammation progresses deeper into the deep tissues, leading to loss of attachment and dental bone resorption ( 30 ). In the aforementioned process, cytokine release has the potential to directly destroy periodontal tissues in an irreversible manner as well as indirectly destroy them by altering intracellular signaling and gene expression ( 31 ). Aside from killing harmful bacteria, the respiratory burst of neutrophils can result in excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinases, which can cause an oxidative imbalance in periodontal tissues and permanent tissue deterioration ( 32 ).…”

Integrating network pharmacology and experimental evaluation to explore the complementary therapeutic effect and mechanism of melatonin in periodontitis

“…These effects of melatonin are closely related to the treatment of periodontitis disease. Indeed, a combination of recent basic studies and clinical studies suggest that melatonin may have potential therapeutic effects on periodontitis [ [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] ]. In animal studies, melatonin significantly reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in the mandible of rats with experimental periodontitis, eliminated oxygen free radicals, and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines to reduce the destruction of periodontal tissues [ [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] ].…”