Abstract: Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by acute and chronic pathological factors, and are characterized by loss and degeneration of nerve cells. It is the second most common cause of death. The prevention of neurodegenerative diseases has become an emerging field of public health, which poses great challenges to our society. Melatonin is a kind of pineal hormone, which has many physiological functions, including regulating circadian rhythm, scavenging free radicals, inhibiting biomolecular oxidation and neuroinflammation. It has been reported that patients with neurodegenerative diseases have lower melatonin levels. Melatonin plays the role of neuroprotection through some pathophysiological mechanisms and signaling pathways, and it is implied to be a new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. This paper reviews the role and research progress of melatonin in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, vascular dementia and multiple sclerosis.

Key words: neurodegenerative diseases, melatonin, prevention, treatment