Could melatonin be an adjunct therapy for post-TB lung disease?

Post-tuberculosis (post-TB) lung disease is a complex interplay between organism, host, and environmental factors, and it affects long-term respiratory health. It associates with underlying processes such as inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Decades of research has demonstrated melatonin as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and vasodilatory agent. These effects have been observed in numerous experimental and clinical models of lung diseases. Moreover, melatonin has significant anti-microbial activity, which has also been observed in the context of TB bacterial growth. It is worth pointing out that these effects of melatonin are a reminder of the pathologic processes that underpin post-TB lung disease. Based on the intriguing evidence presented and discussed in this paper, melatonin could be considered a safe, affordable, and adjunct therapy against post-TB lung disease. Melatonin may provide health benefits in this context, mediated via its anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.