Therapeutic potential of melatonin in musculoskeletal medicine.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing preclinical mechanisms and theoretical applications.
PubMed 41340726 · doi:10.1016/j.jor.2025.11.011
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the receptor-dependent and receptor-independent actions of melatonin across musculoskeletal conditions, including bone remodeling, osteoarthritis, muscle and tendon injury, spinal cord trauma, intervertebral disc degeneration, athletic recovery, and osteosarcoma.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or statistical effect sizes. Reported qualitative findings include stimulation of osteoblast differentiation, suppression of osteoclastogenesis, protection of chondrocytes against oxidative stress and apoptosis, reduction of exercise-induced muscle damage, enhanced tendon collagen synthesis, attenuation of spinal cord oxidative stress, inhibition of disc cell ferroptosis, and synergistic anti-proliferative effects with chemotherapy in osteosarcoma.
Why it matters
It maps the broad biological rationale and emerging drug delivery strategies (such as nanoparticles and hydrogels) for melatonin as a potential therapeutic adjunct across orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search methodology, formal study selection criteria, or quantitative synthesis. The reported findings are largely derived from preclinical models, direct athletic performance improvements remain unconfirmed, and robust clinical trial evidence in humans is absent.
Cited by
- supports Substantial scientific research exists on melatonin's effects in children, aging populations, and bone health.