Melatonin-Enhanced Therapeutics in Periodontal Disease
Summary
Melatonin, a pleiotropic indoleamine synthesised principally by the pineal gland, has attracted considerable interest for its adjunctive role in periodontal therapy. Beyond its circadian regulatory functions, melatonin exerts potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may protect periodontal tissues against microbial and host-mediated destruction. In preclinical models, systemic or local administration of melatonin attenuates osteoclastic activity, reduces expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and promotes osteoblastic bone formation. Clinically, incorporation of melatonin into non-surgical periodontal protocols has been shown to enhance reductions in probing depth, improve clinical attachment levels and, in patients with type 2 diabetes, contribute to better glycaemic control. These multifaceted actions position melatonin as a promising host modulatory agent capable of complementing conventional mechanical debridement and antimicrobial strategies, with potential benefits for global oral health and systemic comorbidities.
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Melatonin-Enhanced Therapeutics in Periodontal Disease publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in melatonin-enhanced therapeutics in periodontal disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Alveolar bone loss: Reduction of the jawbone surrounding tooth roots, indicative of periodontal destruction.
RANKL: Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, a cytokine that stimulates differentiation and activation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts.
Osteoclast: Multinucleated cell responsible for the resorption of mineralised bone tissue.
Periodontal pocket depth: Distance measured from the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus, reflecting connective tissue attachment loss.
Host modulatory therapy: Treatment strategy aimed at regulating the patient’s immune and inflammatory responses rather than directly targeting pathogens.
References
- Melatonin Decreases Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats with Experimental Periodontitis and Osteoporosis: A Morphometric and Histopathologic Study. Biomedicines (2024).
- Effects of Antioxidant in Adjunct with Periodontal Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Antioxidants (2021).
- Study on the Effects of Melatonin on Glycemic Control and Periodontal Parameters in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease. Medicina (2021).
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