Melatonin: One molecule one- medicine for many diseases, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (Covid19); Function in plants

Abstract

This review paper highlights the role of melatonin in many diseases, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (covid-19) and multi-physiological functions in plants. Based on its ubiquitous distribution (animal, human, plant, fungi, bacteria, algae), and multi-directional activity, melatonin is recommended as one of the most versatile biological signal of nature. Melatonin, so called a Hormone of darkness, has a high safety profile and potential to be used as COVID-19 therapy. Melatonin is a light sensitive molecule used in the therapy of sleeping disorders-insomnia, glaucoma, stroke, cancers, puberty, Alzheimers disease, Parkinson disease, ultraviolet light skin damage protection, thrombocytopenia, in smoking cessation, headache protection, migrane, and as an antioxidant. Melotonin is present in different parts of all the plant species studied, including leaves, stems, roots, fruits and seeds. Melatonin plays an important aspect to regulate the several physiological role of plants viz. circadian regulator, cytoprotector, growth promoter, antioxidant and free radical scavenger. In plants, melatonin also promotes rhizogenesis, cellular expansion and provide defense against environmental stress condition. Melatonin aids plants in terms of root growth, leaf morphology, chlorophyll preservation and fruit development.

Stable indoleamines attenuate stress—A novel paradigm in tryptophan metabolism in plants

“…48,45 MEL and SER have been addressed adequately and their interplay has been equated to auxin and cytokinin balance in plants. 21,[27][28][29][30][31][34][35][36][37][38][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56] The NAS has been studied predominantly to understand the gene regulation of ASMT but not as an elicitor or growth regulator. 40 Seldom, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-OHTRP) a probable metabolite of TRP in the presence of tryptophan hydrolase (Tr5H) 57,58 or absence of TDC has been mentioned in plants.…”

“…These gene families have been studied regarding biotic and (or) abiotic stresses 40,42–47 and resistance 48,45 . MEL and SER have been addressed adequately and their interplay has been equated to auxin and cytokinin balance in plants 21,27–31,34–38,49–56 . The NAS has been studied predominantly to understand the gene regulation of ASMT but not as an elicitor or growth regulator 40 …”

Melatonin as a Possible Natural Anti-Viral Compound in Plant Biocontrol

“…Additionally, melatonin seems to intervene in processes related to the immune system since it can be influenced by light signals through the neuroendocrine. In this way, melatonin acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective agent in many diseases such as neurodegenerative (dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson), cardiovascular, obesity, cancer and other dysfunctions [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. In addition, melatonin has been used to combat animal and human viral diseases, such as Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus [ 39 ] and Ebola virus diseases [ 40 ].…”