Melanotan II (10mg) | The Melanocortin Agonist

Melanotan II is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is a non-selective agonist of the melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5). Originally developed at the University of Arizona to research potential defenses against skin cancer, it is primarily studied for its ability to induce melanogenesis (skin tanning) without the need for high levels of UV exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Melanotan II operates by mimicking the body’s natural hormonal response to sunlight:

• MC1 Receptor Activation: Directly stimulates melanocytes to produce eumelanin (dark pigment), which provides photoprotective properties to the skin.

• MC4 Receptor Interaction: Acts on the central nervous system to influence appetite suppression and energy homeostasis.

• Libido Modulation: Interaction with specific melanocortin receptors in the brain has been shown to significantly increase erectile function and sexual desire in research models.

• Systemic Distribution: Unlike topical tanning agents, MT-II works systemically, providing a uniform increase in pigmentation across the entire body.

Fitness & Research Benefits

In the fields of dermatology and metabolic research, Melanotan II is studied for its multi-functional effects:

• Photoprotection Research: It is a primary subject for studies investigating how to protect fair-skinned individuals from UV-induced DNA damage by artificially increasing melanin levels.

• Appetite Suppression: Research indicates that MT-II can reduce food intake and body weight in animal models by activating the MC4 receptor pathways.

• Body Composition: By potentially reducing caloric intake while maintaining energy expenditure, it is investigated for its role in achieving a "leaner" physique.

• Sexual Health Studies: It is frequently researched as a potent treatment for erectile dysfunction and female sexual arousal disorder due to its central nervous system activity.

• Tanning Efficiency: For researchers focusing on aesthetics, MT-II is used to study how to achieve deep pigmentation with minimal skin damage from artificial or natural UV rays.

Technical Specifications

• Sequence: Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2

• Storage: Store at -20°C for long-term stability; protect from light to prevent degradation of the peptide chain.