[Melatonin as a drug: present-day status and prospects].

Melatonin, which is produced by pineal gland and peripheral tissue cells, has a very wide spectrum of pharmacological activity. Available experimental data show that melatonin can provide universal protection of central nervous system and internal organs from damages. These properties can be successfully used in therapy of many diseases. However, for some reasons, the pharmacological activity of melatonin is not properly founded in clinical practice. Conditions for the discovery of therapeutic possibilities of melatonin are discussed, including prospects for its complex use in combination with traditional drugs.