Melanotan II: Fact or Fiction?

Studies suggest Melanotan II is a synthetic compound that may mimic the impact of a naturally occurring hormone called α-MSH. It was created by researchers at the University of Arizona and has been suggested to stimulate the exhibition of pigments that darken the skin. Through rigorous scientific testing, it has been hypothesized that Melanotan II may possess aphrodisiac potential, as reported in animal research models.

Melanotan II Peptide and Skin

The researchers at the University of Arizona were intrigued by the idea that melanin activation may serve as a defense against the development of skin cancer. They proposed that heightened natural pigmentation before exposure to ultraviolet rays could be a highly impactful defense mechanism against cancer development.

The naturally occurring hormone α-MSH is speculated to aid in melanogenesis, activating melanocytes to produce melanin. Nevertheless, the process requires sun exposure, which is known to be a contributing factor to the development of skin cancer. It was suggested through experimentation that presenting this naturally occurring hormone directly appeared ineffective due to its short half-life. 

After extensive analysis, the scientists isolated and modified the specific peptide known as Melanotan, among numerous other molecules. Studies have suggested that Melanotan ([Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH) may exhibit potentially greater potency than its natural equivalent, with a difference of at least 1000-fold. Afterward, scientists went on to develop Melanotan-I and Melanotan II. The main concept was to activate the natural pigmentary mechanism to produce skin tanning without the initial UV exposure.

Melanotan II Peptide and Erectile Dysfunction

In 1996, the University of Arizona’s Department of Pharmacology conducted a phase 1 experimental study with three male research models. The objective was to examine the possible impacts of Melanotan II on the research models. The findings suggest that Melanotan II may potentially stimulate melanin production sans UV exposure.

In 1998, the University conducted a clinical study involving two male research models experiencing psychogenic erectile dysfunction. In this case, it was suggested that Melanotan II might induce erections in male research models with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. An additional clinical study published in 2000 also purported that Melanotan II might induce penile erections in subjects with organic erectile dysfunction, similar to PT-141.

Research suggested that Melanotan II may have further potential research applications in the context of erectile dysfunction. None of the substances mentioned in this article have been approved for human consumption; therefore, bodily introductions of any kind are strictly prohibited. These compounds should only be used by licensed professionals or academics in contained environments such as laboratories.

Melanotan II Peptide and Weight

While there has been experimental research on the possible correlation between Melanotan II and weight fluctuation, there is no definitive data from scientific studies to support the efficacy of Melanotan II within the context of weight control. Synthetically developed Melanotan II was not originally hypothesized for impact in appetite suppression. Research suggests the decrease in appetite may be an impact of Melanotan II in research, though findings are preliminary and require further exploration.

Melanotan II Peptide and Impotence

Three experimental clinical trials by the University of Arizona suggest that Melanotan II and PT-141 may possibly induce penile erection in research models with psychogenic and organic erectile dysfunction. Investigations have purported that Melanotan II suggests some promise within this context. However, it is important to note that the current data is limited, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.  

In addition, studies have suggested that the beginning of penile erection does not indicate a resolution of impotence. As speculated by researchers, impotence may be a combination of different disorders, such as erectile dysfunction. 

Conclusion 

Scientists have hypothesized that Melanotan II may exhibit multifaceted potential in research trials conducted on animal test subjects. However, further research and time are required to determine its action, particularly within the context of impotence.

Researchers interested in further studying Melanotan II, Melanotan I, or any other peptides are advised to visit the corepeptides.com website for the highest quality research compounds available on the online market. The quality of your research is strictly dependent on the quality of the research compounds used, so we strongly advise deeply researching the web in order to make an informed decision.

This article is for educational purposes only, and many more can be found on Biotech Peptides’ website and blog.

References

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[ii] Gao L, Yu Z, Meng D, Zheng F, Ong YS, Miao P, Lee SS, Wen L. Analogue of Melanotan II (MTII): A Novel Melanotropin with Superpotent Action on Frog Skin. Protein Pept Lett. 2015;22(8):762-6. doi: 10.2174/0929866522666150622101944. PMID: 26095376.

[iii] Lan EL, Ugwu SO, Blanchard J, Fang X, Hruby VJ, Sharma S. Preformulation studies with melanotan-II: a potential skin cancer chemopreventive peptide. J Pharm Sci. 1994 Aug;83(8):1081-4. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600830805. PMID: 7983590.

[iv] Wessells H, Levine N, Hadley ME, Dorr R, Hruby V. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II. Int J Impot Res. 2000 Oct;12 Suppl 4:S74-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3900582. PMID: 11035391.

[v] Wessells H, Gralnek D, Dorr R, Hruby VJ, Hadley ME, Levine N. Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with organic erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2000 Oct 1;56(4):641-6. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00680-4. PMID: 11018622.

[vi] Eliason NL, Martin L, Low MJ, Sharpe AL. Melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II microinjected in the nucleus accumbens decreases appetitive and consumptive responding for food. Neuropeptides. 2022 Dec;96:102289. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102289. Epub 2022 Sep 16. PMID: 36155088; PMCID: PMC10152796.