Melatonin and Male Fertility: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.95.74002Keywords
melatonin, semen quality, oxidative stress, male fertilityAbstract
Introduction
Melatonin has been a well-known substance to humanity since ancient times, but its
properties became the subject of study in the past century. Although today melatonin
supplementation is primarily associated with sleep regulation, there are evidence for its
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and free radical-scavenging properties.
Aim
The aim of this narrative review is to analyze actual research on the effect of melatonin on
male fertility.
Materials and methods
PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies and research paper related to
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of melatonin and its effect on fertility. After
screening abstracts and full texts, data were extracted and the findings were synthesized in a
narrative manner based on study design, population characteristics, the effects of melatonin
on semen quality and reproductive function, and the reported outcomes.
Results
Most studies showed that melatonin may have beneficial effects on male fertility. It improved
sperm parameters such as motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity. Positive effects
were also observed in cases of oxidative stress caused by environmental toxins,
cryopreservation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. There are many studies reported
protective effects of melatonin on semen quality, but some of them suggest that long-term
supplementation may negatively affect selected semen parameters in some individuals.
Conclusion
Melatonin seems to be a multifunctional molecule with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and
reproductive regulatory properties, among others. It may support male fertility. Current
evidence is still insufficient to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment. Results
may vary depending on species, individual variability, and biological context. Further
research is needed to clarify its systemic effects and clinical utility in reproductive medicine.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ada Świątko, Magdalena Ząbczyńska, Mateusz Chmiela, Bartosz Krukowski, Maciej Słysz, Michał Majewski, Adrian Korman, Anna Czesyk, Weronika Janik
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