Melanotan 2
Investigation into treatments for sexual dysfunction
Appetite suppression research
Melanotan II (MT-2) is a synthetic analog of the peptide hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was initially developed to stimulate melanin production for tanning purposes but has also been studied for its effects on sexual function and appetite suppression. Despite its potential applications, Melanotan II is not approved by regulatory agencies for human use and is associated with various health risks.
Mechanism of action
Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, primarily binding to MC1R to stimulate melanin production in melanocytes, leading to skin darkening. It also activates MC3R and MC4R receptors in the central nervous system, which are associated with sexual arousal and appetite regulation.
Notable Studies
A pilot phase I clinical study demonstrated that Melanotan II has tanning activity in humans with manageable side effects at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg.
Research indicates that Melanotan II can induce erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Risk Associated
Melanotan II usage has been linked to several side effects and health risks, including:
Nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing
Spontaneous erections and priapism
Darkening of moles and potential development of new moles
Potential increase in melanoma risk, especially with concurrent UV exposure
Kidney issues, including renal infarction and rhabdomyolysis
Unregulated products may contain contaminants leading to additional health hazards
Dosage
In clinical settings, a typical dosage for inducing tanning effects is 0.025 mg/kg administered subcutaneously every other day.
External link
Melanotan 2
Investigation into treatments for sexual dysfunction
Appetite suppression research
Mechanism of action
Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, primarily binding to MC1R to stimulate melanin production in melanocytes, leading to skin darkening. It also activates MC3R and MC4R receptors in the central nervous system, which are associated with sexual arousal and appetite regulation.
Risk
Associated
Melanotan II usage has been linked to several side effects and health risks, including:
Nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing
Spontaneous erections and priapism
Darkening of moles and potential development of new moles
Potential increase in melanoma risk, especially with concurrent UV exposure
Kidney issues, including renal infarction and rhabdomyolysis
Unregulated products may contain contaminants leading to additional health hazards
Notable Studies
A pilot phase I clinical study demonstrated that Melanotan II has tanning activity in humans with manageable side effects at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg.
Research indicates that Melanotan II can induce erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Dosage
In clinical settings, a typical dosage for inducing tanning effects is 0.025 mg/kg administered subcutaneously every other day.
External link
Melanotan 2
Investigation into treatments for sexual dysfunction
Appetite suppression research
Mechanism of action
Melanotan II acts as a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors, primarily binding to MC1R to stimulate melanin production in melanocytes, leading to skin darkening. It also activates MC3R and MC4R receptors in the central nervous system, which are associated with sexual arousal and appetite regulation.
Risk
Associated
Melanotan II usage has been linked to several side effects and health risks, including:
Nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing
Spontaneous erections and priapism
Darkening of moles and potential development of new moles
Potential increase in melanoma risk, especially with concurrent UV exposure
Kidney issues, including renal infarction and rhabdomyolysis
Unregulated products may contain contaminants leading to additional health hazards
Notable Studies
A pilot phase I clinical study demonstrated that Melanotan II has tanning activity in humans with manageable side effects at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg.
Research indicates that Melanotan II can induce erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Dosage
In clinical settings, a typical dosage for inducing tanning effects is 0.025 mg/kg administered subcutaneously every other day.
External link
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Wikipedia contributors. Melanotan II. Wikipedia.
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Dorr RT, et al. Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study. Life Sci. 1996.
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Wessells H, et al. Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2000.
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Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction. PubMed Central.
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Melanotan II – DermNet NZ.
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Melanotan II – RxList.
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Melanotan II – ScienceDirect Topics.
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Melanotan II – WebMD.