Melanotan Benefits | A Comprehensive Guide

Researchers interested in the latest research on melanotan benefits have come to just the right place.

This guide will outline the main benefits of melanotan 1 (MT-I) and melanotan 2 (MT-II), as shown by both preclinical and clinical data, including:

• Sunless tanning
• Improved libido
• Suppressed appetite

Below, researchers will also gain a thorough understanding of melanotan's structure, mechanisms, side effects, and research potential.

Keep reading to also learn about our most trusted vendors of melanotan 1 and melanotan 2 for scientific investigation.

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What is Melanotan?

The melanotans, namely melanotan 1 (MT-I) and melanotan 2 (MT-II), represent a class of synthetic peptide analogs of endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) [1].

The intrinsic role of α-MSH extends to various physiological pathways through its interaction with melanocortin receptors. These include melanin synthesis, sexual stimulation, and appetite regulation [2].

MT-I, also known as [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH or afamelanotide (CUV1647), mimics the structure and function of α-MSH [3]. Here are the most notable facts to know about this peptide:

• The peptide possesses a linear arrangement of 13 amino acids, including substitutions at the fourth (methionine) and seventh (L-phenylalanine) positions with norleucine and D-phenylalanine, respectively [3].
• The modified structure of MT-I leads to an enhanced half-life and increased affinity to the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R), which predominantly regulates melanogenesis [3].
• As of October 2019, MT-I is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Scenesse for increasing tolerance to sunlight and reducing pain caused by ultraviolet light (UV-light) exposure in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Scenesse is available as subcutaneous implants, which provide more favorable pharmacokinetics than regular injections [4].

On the other hand, MT-II is a cyclic and truncated peptide consisting of seven amino acids, retaining only the His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp (positions three to six in MT-II) sequence from the MT-I molecule (positions six to nine) [5]. Here’s what researchers must know about it:

• MT-II is a cyclic peptide with six of its seven amino acids forming a ring due to a lactam bridge formed via a linkage between a side-chain carboxyl group of the aspartic acid at the second position and a side-chain amino group of the lysine residue at the seventh position [5].
• This structure enhances MT-II affinity to the melanocortin receptor 3 (MC3R) and melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), in addition to MC1R [6].
• MT-II is not approved for human use, but it is under active research for various potential indications, including tanning, libido regulation, and improving erections [7].

Both peptides were developed with the primary intent of exploring and leveraging their melanogenic (tanning) capabilities.

Yet, their multifaceted interactions with melanocortin receptors have incited discussions regarding their potential applications and implications in various research topics.

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What Does Melanotan Do?

MT-I and MT-II exert their myriad physiological effects through interactions with melanocortin receptors (MCRs), which are crucial signaling pathways in various biological processes.
There are five known melanocortin receptors, MC1R to MC5R, each of which is engaged in distinct physiological functions [8, 9]:

• MC1R: Located in melanocytes and influences skin and hair pigmentation by promoting melanin synthesis.
• MC2R: Predominantly found in the adrenal cortex, it produces cortisol.
• MC3R: Expressed in various tissues, including the brain and placenta, implicated in regulating appetite and energy homeostasis.
• MC4R: Located in the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus, influences sexual behavior, erectile function, and energy homeostasis.
• MC5R: Expressed in multiple tissues, its exact physiological role remains relatively undefined, although it is believed to be involved in exocrine function.

Melanotan 1 exhibits specificity largely towards MC1R, primarily enhancing melanin production and, therefore, imparting a tanned appearance to the skin.

The peptide has a higher affinity towards the MC1R than α-MSH and stimulates increased melanin production (and tanning) without sunlight exposure [10].

This has proven beneficial in conditions related to photosensitivity, as the increase in melanin absorbs UV-light and acts as natural sunscreen [11, 12].

Melanotan 2, by contrast, demonstrates broader receptor specificity, interacting notably with the MC1, MC3, and MC4 receptors.

MT-II’s engagement with MC1R facilitates melanogenesis, while its binding to MC4R has shown significant potential in modulating sexual behaviors in females and erections in male study volunteers [13, 14]. Further, the interaction of MT-II with MC3R and MC4R has been associated with alterations in appetite and metabolic processes [7].

This multi-receptor engagement by MT-II produces a diverse set of physiological effects. While it provides for a larger application scope compared to MT-I, notably increased libido and decreased appetite, MT-II also leads to a comparatively higher incidence of side effects.

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Benefits of Melanotan

MT-I and MT-II have shown various potential benefits, mediated via their respective actions on the melanocortin receptors. Below, we have outlined the most notable benefits observed with both compounds.

Melanotan for Skin Health and Tanning

MT-I and MT-II have both been shown to stimulate the MC1R and increase pigmentation.

Apart from causing tanning even without sunlight exposure, research suggests that MT-I can result in 47% fewer sunburn cells in test subjects after exposure to UV/sunlight [5].

This is because MT-I causes increased skin melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen and absorbs UV light while minimizing its oxidative and damaging effects. As a result of its photoprotective effects, researchers have actively researched MT-I's potential for:

• Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP): As mentioned, MT-I is already approved by the FDA as a treatment for EPP. This approval was based on the results of three phase-3 clinical trials, which included a total of 244 adults suffering from the condition. Patients with EPP have a deficiency in an enzyme, leading to a buildup of protoporphyrin IX, especially in the skin and blood. Sun or UV light exposure makes this compound absorb light, creating reactive oxygen species that damage the skin, causing immediate pain and potential long-term effects like scarring. MT-I increases melanin in the skin, absorbing UV and ameliorating the aforementioned symptoms [15].
• Polymorphic light eruption (PLE): When people with PLE are exposed to sunlight, especially after periods of infrequent sun exposure (like in the spring or early summer), they may develop an itchy rash due to an abnormal immune reaction to UV light. A 2010 phase-3 trial on patients with PLE reported that MT-I could reduce rash severity when administered as a 16mg implant for four months [16].
• Acne vulgaris: A small 2012 clinical trial with three subjects reports that MT-I may help reduce inflammation in acne lesions. However, the exact mechanism via which the peptide reduces skin inflammation is unknown. More trials are needed to confirm this potential effect [17].

Similar to MT-I, MT-II appears to have potent melanotropic and photoprotective effects. By stimulating melanin synthesis through the MC1 receptor, MT-II can reduce the risk of skin photodamage due to UV exposure [18].

Melanotan for Sexual Function

Melanotan, particularly MT-II, is also a strong agonist of MC4R, which plays a role in sexual function and libido modulation. Therefore, MT-II potently stimulates sex drive in both males and females [13, 14].

Several preclinical and clinical studies showcase these effects, which include:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The effects of MT-II on males have been studied clinically. In one study, MT-II enhanced erections in 85% of men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), irrespective of the cause (psychological or organic). The average rigidity duration was 41 minutes, and 68% of the volunteers reported elevated sexual desire. The authors even suggested MT-II as a potential alternative to popular drugs for ED, such as the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil [19].
• Female Sexual Health: The effects of MT-II on female sexual health have been studied only in preclinical settings. In a rat study, MT-II increased proactive sexual actions in rats treated with specific hormones (estradiol benzoate and progesterone), indicating heightened sexual desire. However, this effect was not observed in rats treated with estradiol alone. The findings hint at MT-II's potential to enhance sexual desire in women when used in conjunction with certain hormones [20].

Although MT-II has only been studied clinically for its libido-boosting effects in males, an MT-II analog called PT-141 has been researched extensively in women, and it is already approved for therapy in premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

Melanotan for Appetite Levels and Weight Loss

By interacting with MC3R and MC4R, MT-II may also potentially affect appetite and energy homeostasis, ultimately resulting in weight loss and metabolic improvements.

For example, the MC4R in humans has a well-known role in appetite regulation, as shown by studies in MC4R deficient study volunteers, showing increased appetite for high-fat foods and consequently increased intake of calories [21].

On the other hand, preclinical studies report that the activation of MC3R and MC4R by melanotan peptides can result in significant appetite suppression, anorexia, and weight loss [22].

More specifically, MT-II has been reported to suppress appetite dose-dependently. Its appetite-suppressing mechanism has been shown to lead to a reduced intake of calories, which was the main driver of weight loss, as reported by scientists [7].

Unfortunately, MT-II is yet to be clinically studied for its appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects.

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Melanotan Side Effects and Safety

Melanotan peptides appear to have a good safety profile. MT-I itself is approved for long-term management of EPP [15].

Based on the available data, short-term effects related to MT-I and MT-II consist of the following [5, 18]:

• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

In addition, clinical studies on MT-II have reported several other specific side effects [19, 23]:

• Yawning
• Stretching
• Spontaneous erections
• Prolonged, painful erections (priapism)

The administration of MT-I and MT-II can rarely cause reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding. Some studies also report the formation of moles and undesired hyperpigmentation with melanotan use [24].

In addition, MT-II has raised concerns about melanoma risk, as a case study involving a month of peptide use combined with intensive sunbed tanning procedures led to the development of this type of skin cancer. Yet, the link between MT-II and melanoma remains uncertain [25].

Contraindications against participating in melanotan research include a medical and family history of melanoma or other skin cancers, known allergies to melanotan, and severe hepatic and renal diseases.

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Melanotan 1 vs. Melanotan 2

Melanotan 1 and 2, while sharing similarities, are distinct in terms of structure, receptor affinity, potential research applications, safety, and approval status. Below, we cover these points of comparison in greater detail:

Structure

• Both melanotan 1 and 2 are synthetic analogs of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). But whereas MT-I is a linear tridecapeptide, MT-II features a cyclic heptapeptide structure [3].
• This structural difference influences their interaction with the body's melanocortin receptors and, consequently, their physiological and therapeutic effects [5].

Receptor Affinity

• Melanotan 1 primarily binds with the MC1R receptor, regulating melanogenesis, and is notably used as a tanning agent and for treating photosensitivity disorders [10].

Melanotan 2 interacts with multiple receptors (MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R), hence its role in metabolic and sexual processes. It also holds promise in research on sexual dysfunction, behavioral disorders, and obesity [7, 19, 26].

Side Effects

• Melanotan 1 generally presents mild reactions like nausea, facial flushing, and fatigue [15].
• Melanotan 2 can cause various effects, from nausea and yawning to spontaneous erections and priapism. There are some concerns that it may increase the risk of melanoma [18, 19, 23, 24, 25].
• Given the stimulation effects of melanotan 1 and melanotan 2 on melanocytes—or the cells that can develop into cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), numerous national health organizations have issued safety warnings regarding these peptides. This does not mean that melanotan, used on a short-term basis to achieve desired benefits will cause CMM, but only that the concern is based on a solid rationale.

Legal Status and Dosing

• Melanotan 1 was developed as an agent for sunless tanning and has been FDA-approved to treat erythropoietic protoporphyria in subcutaneous implant form. In addition, researchers can administer it in experimental settings at doses ranging from 1-2mg/daily for up to 10 days, followed by a maintenance dosage [4, 5, 15, 27].
• Melanotan 2 has been studied for its potential in treating sexual dysfunction. It is not FDA-approved, so it can be dosed only in research settings and is typically injected daily for a short study duration at doses between 250mcg and 1mg [13, 14, 18, 19].

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Where to Buy Melanotan Online? | 2024 Edition

Qualified researchers pursuing credible sources of MT-I and MT-II as reference materials are advised to meticulously evaluate various suppliers.

It’s important to consider factors such as quality, cost-effectiveness, shipping policies, and testimonials from previous clients when selecting a vendor.

Based on these factors, we recommend the following two stellar melanotan peptide vendors.

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Xcel Peptides

Xcel Peptides has consistently proven their reliability as a source of high-quality peptides, including both melanotan 1 and melanotan 2.

This vendor provides researchers with several advantages:

• Lab-Tested Melanotan Exceeding 99% Purity: Utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis, Xcel Peptides assures the superior quality of MT-I and MT-2 for research purposes.
• Peptides Manufactured in the USA: All research compounds from Xcel Peptides are formulated in the USA in facilities that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.
• Complimentary Domestic Shipping and Discounts: Complimentary shipping is provided for orders above $200 within the US. Furthermore, researchers can purchase melanotan and get 10% by signing up to the vendor's email list.

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Limitless Life

Limitless Life is another company which sells high-quality MT-1 for research.

This company employs third-party labs to verify the quality and purity of their products, and they also have flexible shipping options and extremely responsive customer service. 

Here’s more about why we prefer Limitless Life:

• Independent Lab Verification of Quality: Limitless Life is able to ensure product quality, purity, and potency by offering third-party lab testing on each product.
• Helpful Service Team: Limitless Life’s service department is available seven days per week to ensure that all researcher concerns and order inquiries are quickly addressed.
• BBB-Accredited: Limitless Life aims to practice good business. That’s why they are the only peptide company with the distinction of being Better Business Bureau-accredited.
• Domestic and International Shipping Options: Limitless Life offers two-day shipping via FedEx for all domestic orders. Additionally, they aim to have all international orders delivered within 5 days of shipping.

In addition, qualified researchers can sign up to their VIP Club by clicking below, which offers access to MT-1:

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Melanotan and Bacteriostatic Water

Working with melanotan in a research setting will generally require researchers to reconstitute a lyophilized peptide powder into a solution before use.

To ensure peptide stability, sterility, and safety, experts highly recommend reconstituting melanotan and other research peptides with high-quality bacteriostatic water sourced from a trusted vendor.

In addition, researchers will also need other materials for their lab, such as sterile syringes, needles, and alcohol swabs. Researchers are advised to select a trusted vendor to source all required materials.

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Benefits of Melanotan | Verdict

Melanotan is a collective term describing the two α-MSH analogs MT-I and MT-II. These two peptides have significant research potential in skin health, sexual health, and obesity management.

MT-I appears more appropriate for research into sunless tanning and various skin conditions related to hypersensitivity to sunlight. On the other hand, MT-II holds significant potential for suppressing appetite, improving erections in men, and enhancing libido in both sexes.

Qualified researchers interested in incorporating either melanotan 1 or melanotan 2 into their work are advised to purchase strictly from a trusted vendor.

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