Use search to browse all 100+ peptides
Afamelanotide, MT-I, [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-MSH, Scenesse, CUV-1647
A synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that stimulates melanogenesis, increasing skin pigmentation and providing photoprotection against UV radiation.
Harmer. Stephen C SC; Pepper. David J DJ; Cooke. Katy K; Bennett. Hugh P J HP; Bicknell. Andrew B AB
The paper shows that Lys‑γ3‑MSH (melanotan‑I) can trigger fat‑cell breakdown in a lab model by activating the enzymes that release stored fat, suggesting it might help with fat loss, but the work is only in mouse cells and we don’t yet know how it works in people or what dose is safe.
Hadley. Mac E ME; Dorr. Robert T RT
Melanotan‑I is a synthetic peptide that can give a deep tan without UV exposure, which might lower skin‑cancer risk. Melanotan‑II (also called PT‑141) was originally studied for erectile dysfunction and now shows promise for improving sexual function in both men and women. Both peptides have been tested in early‑phase human trials, but they are not yet approved for general use.
Bhardwaj. R R; Hadley. M E ME; Dorr. R T RT; Dvorakova. K K; Brooks. C C; Blanchard. J J
This study shows that a tiny implant made of a slow‑release polymer can steadily release the tanning peptide Melanotan‑I for about three months, keeping the skin darker and boosting the protective black pigment (eumelanin). The implant worked in lab tests and in guinea pigs, suggesting a way to get long‑lasting tanning without daily shots, but it’s still an invasive method and hasn’t been proven safe in people yet.
Fitzgerald. Liesel M LM; Fryer. Jayne L JL; Dwyer. Terence T; Humphrey. Stuart M SM
The study shows that melanotan (a synthetic peptide) boosts skin melanin levels in people, and it works even better in those with certain MC1R gene variants that usually give lighter skin and higher sun sensitivity. This means melanotan could help people with these variants get more natural UV protection through increased skin pigment.
Newton. Richard A RA; Roberts. Donald W DW; Leonard. J Helen JH; Sturm. Richard A RA
The study shows that people with red‑hair/fair‑skin genetic variants (MC1R RHC alleles) have a blunted response to melanocortin peptides like melanotan‑I. Their skin cells don’t boost the usual pigmentation signals (cAMP, MITF, SLC45A2) or activate related pathways (c‑Fos, p38) as well, which helps explain why they tan poorly and may get less benefit from melanotan‑I.
Giuliani. Daniela D; Ottani. Alessandra A; Minutoli. Letteria L; Stefano. Vincenzo Di VD; Galantucci...
In a gerbil stroke model, giving the melanocortin peptide NDP‑α‑MSH (the same molecule sold as melanotan‑I) a few hours after a brain attack reduced damage and helped the animals learn and remember better for weeks. The benefit depended on activating the MC4 receptor and was linked to higher levels of a brain‑repair gene called Zif268.
Van Bergen. P P; Kleijne. J A JA; De Wildt. D J DJ; Versteeg. D H DH
In rats, the peptide melanotan‑I (NDP‑MSH) didn’t change blood pressure or heart rate even at very high doses, while a related peptide (gamma‑2‑MSH) raised both, and ACTH‑(1‑24) lowered blood pressure, raised heart rate, and blocked the pressor effect of gamma‑2‑MSH. This suggests melanotan‑I is unlikely to cause immediate cardiovascular spikes, but the findings are from animals and may not fully translate to humans.
Newman. Erika A EA; Chai. Bioa-Xin BX; Zhang. Weizhen W; Li. Ji-Yao JY; Ammori. John B JB; Mulhollan...
The study shows that activating the melanocortin‑4 receptor (the target of melanotan‑I) in hypothalamic brain cells causes a rise in internal calcium via a specific G‑protein (Gαq) and phospholipase‑C pathway, and this effect can be blocked by known antagonists. While the work is done in cultured mouse neurons and not in people, it confirms that melanotan‑I can trigger intracellular signaling that may influence appetite and metabolism.
Hoggard. N N; Rayner. D V DV; Johnston. S L SL; Speakman. J R JR
A mouse study found that giving the peptide melanotan‑I (a modified alpha‑MSH) by injection under the skin raised the animals' resting metabolism, even in mice that lack leptin, while a related protein (AgRP) did not lower metabolism. This suggests the peptide can boost energy burn independent of leptin signals, but the work is only in rodents and uses injections, so it’s not ready for direct human use.
Cope. Georgina G; Flanagan. Evelyn T ET; Houghton. Belinda L BL; Walsh. Sarah A SA; Johns. Edward J...
In rats, the synthetic peptide melanotan‑I (NDP‑γ2‑MSH) makes the kidneys dump a lot more salt and water, especially when the animal eats a high‑salt diet, but it does not raise blood pressure like the natural hormone does. This kidney effect works even if the kidney nerves are cut and seems to involve MC3 receptors in kidney cells.
Sánchez-Más. Jesús J; Guillo. Lidia A LA; Zanna. Paola P; Jiménez-Cervantes. Cel...
The study shows that the skin‑color receptor (MC1R) becomes less responsive when repeatedly stimulated, and this “turn‑off” is driven by two proteins called GRK2 and GRK6. Blocking GRK2 makes the receptor react more strongly, while GRK6 also lowers the receptor’s baseline activity. These mechanisms could explain why the tanning effects of melanotan‑I may fade with frequent use.
Doghman. Mabrouka M; Delagrange. Philippe P; Blondet. Antonine A; Berthelon. Marie-Claude MC; Durand...
The study shows that a synthetic version of the hormone alpha‑MSH (similar to melanotan‑I) can boost cortisol production in adrenal cells by activating the MC4‑receptor, and that the naturally occurring protein AGRP can block this effect. This suggests that using melanotan‑I might raise stress‑hormone levels, which could impact metabolism and performance, and that blocking MC4‑R could counteract that.
Jiménez-Cervantes. C C; Germer. S S; González. P P; Sánchez. J J; Sánchez. C O C...
The study found two common genetic variants of the skin‑color receptor MC1R (Ile40Thr and Val122Met) that don’t respond as well to melanocortin signals, meaning people with these variants tan less and may have higher skin‑cancer risk. This matters for anyone using melanotan‑I, a peptide that works by activating MC1R, because the drug may be less effective for them.
Brennan. Rebekah R; Wells. John S G JSG; Van Hout. Marie Claire MC
This systematic review looks at how people inject a range of image‑ and performance‑enhancing drugs, including the peptide melanotan‑I. It shows why users start (appearance, youth, health goals), where they get the products (often online), and what health risks and community behaviours are linked to this practice.
Haskell-Luevano. C C; Holder. J R JR; Monck. E K EK; Bauzo. R M RM
Researchers broke down a larger peptide (NDP‑MSH) into smaller pieces and found that a four‑amino‑acid fragment can strongly activate the brain MC4 receptor, which helps control hunger and energy use. A three‑amino‑acid piece also works but is much weaker. The study shows which ends of the original peptide matter for activity, giving clues for designing simpler, potentially more stable compounds.
Frändberg. P A PA; Doufexis. M M; Kapas. S S; Chhájlani. V V
A single genetic change (Arg151Cys) in the skin’s pigment receptor (MC1R) makes it bind the hormone but unable to signal, causing red hair, very fair skin, and poor tanning. This means that people with this mutation won’t respond to melanotan‑I or similar tanning peptides.
Biaggi. M H MH; Riske. K A KA; Lamy-Freund. M T MT
The study shows that the synthetic peptide melanotan‑I (a more potent version of the natural hormone alpha‑MSH) sticks to cell‑like membranes much more strongly than the natural hormone and can slip deeper into the membrane, which may explain why it works better and lasts longer.
Ehrhardt. Richard A RA; Giesy. Sarah L SL; Hileman. Stanley M SM; Houseknecht. Karen L KL; Boisclair...
In sheep, giving the peptide melanotan‑I directly into the brain cuts food intake, raises thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), and lowers leptin at higher feeding levels, but it also makes the liver less responsive to insulin's signal to stop making glucose. It doesn't change blood sugar, insulin, or cortisol levels.
Fan. W W; Boston. B A BA; Kesterson. R A RA; Hruby. V J VJ; Cone. R D RD
The study shows that a brain‑acting version of the melanotan‑II peptide can sharply cut food intake in mice, while blocking the same pathway makes them eat more. This supports the idea that the brain’s melanocortin system normally keeps hunger in check, and that interfering with it (as the agouti gene does) leads to obesity.
Habbema. Louis L; Halk. Anne Berthe AB; Neumann. Martino M; Bergman. Wilma W
The review warns that buying and using unregulated melanotan I or II (synthetic alpha‑MSH peptides) can be dangerous. Because the products aren’t tested, you don’t know the exact dose or how they’re made, and they have been linked to skin problems, including changes in moles and a few reported melanomas. The only approved alpha‑MSH drug, afamelanotide, has been studied and is considered safe for specific medical uses.