Herpes infections are extremely common. There are two forms of herpes -- oral herpes and genital herpes -- both of which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are characterized by the presence of visible sores. There is no cure for herpes, although anti-viral medicines help to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of an herpes outbreak. Melatonin might also play a role in the treatment of herpes, although evidence to prove this is limited. Get medical advice before taking supplemental melatonin.
Properties and Uses
Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and helps to regulate waking and sleeping. A synthetic form is also available in pills, lozenges and capsules and might play a role in the treatment of a number of conditions including insomnia, migraines, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. An article published in the April 2010 issue of "Oral Diseases" notes that it may also have a beneficial effect on oral herpes.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical studies evaluating the effects of melatonin on herpes are limited. However, the results of clinical study published in the May 2008 issue of the "Journal of Pineal Research" found that 95.7 percent of patients with herpes who took 2.5 mg of melatonin alongside an experimental anti-viral treatment known as SB-73 reported a complete regression of symptoms after seven days of treatment. In contrast, only 85.3 percent of patients that took the prescription herpes drug acyclovir reported a regression of symptoms in the same period.
Administration
Melatonin supplements are available from most health food stores and drugstores. Since melatonin is not a proven treatment for herpes, guidance regarding suitable dosage for this condition is lacking. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes, however, that the therapeutic dosage usually ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily. Ask your doctor for advice regarding an appropriate dosage.
Safety Considerations
Melatonin supplements may cause side effects including abdominal cramps, headache, drowsiness and disorientation. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it may also alter levels of the female sex hormone estrogen; therefore patients with a hormone-sensitive cancer such as breast or uterine cancer should get medical advice before taking a melatonin supplement. Consult your doctor before using melatonin alongside anticoagulant medicines because it may heighten their effect. Do not use melatonin supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Herpes; September 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Melatonin; September 2010
- "Oral Diseases"; Melatonin in Diseases of the Oral Cavity; G. Gomez-Moreno, et al; April 2010
- "Journal of Pineal Research"; Regression of Herpes Viral Infection Symptoms Using Melatonin and SB-73: Comparison With Acyclovir; S. Nunes Oda and S. Pereira Rde; May 2008
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems; Melatonin; June 2011
