Titus Thorne

Last Updated March 15, 2023

Titus Thorne

 March 15, 2023

Can test subjects take too much Melanotan? That's the question on the minds of researchers considering experimenting with this reference material. 

The short answer is: yes. Test subjects absolutely can take too much Melanotan. That's why researchers need to consult the relevant literature when designing Melanotan experiments and plan accordingly. 

This A-Z guide will outline what Melanotan is and how it works, the benefits it offers, and the side effects it causes. The differences between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 will also be outlined as well as how they have been dosed in past trials and studies. 

Ready? Let's dive in.

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What is Melanotan? 

Melanotan is a synthetic peptide – a short chain of amino acids. Peptides are like proteins but smaller. They work as chemical signalers in the body and help the body regulate itself.

Melanotan was created to be chemically similar in structure to the naturally occurring hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) [1], which binds to your body's melanocortin receptors. 

There are a total of five different melanocortin receptors, and each has a different function [2]. MC-1 is involved in darkening hair and skin, which is the main effect of Melanotan injections. But the other receptors are important too: MC-3 is involved in the regulation of appetite and fat burning, and MC-4 is involved in the regulation of sexual function. That's why some of the effects of Melanotan include fat burning and increased libido [1, 2].

When Melanotan binds to the MC-1 receptor, it stimulates the body to increase the production of melanin, the substance in the skin that gives it its pigment. Increasing melanin makes it easier for the body to tan, protects skin cells from sun damage, and reduces the risk of skin cancer [3, 4].

There are two different types of Melanotan: Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2. These are also referred to as Melanotan I and Melanotan II, or MT-1 and MT-2, respectively.

In the next section, we will outline the main benefits of Melanotan. 


melanotan 2


Benefits of Melanotan

Past studies have shown that the main effect of Melanotan injections is that they darken skin and increase the rate at which tanning occurs [2].

The other documents effects of Melanotan II include:

  • Reducing hunger, burning fat, and reducing appetite for fatty foods [5, 6, 7].
  • Regulating blood sugar [8]
  • Impulse control [9]
  • Reducing addictive behaviors [10]
  • Increasing libido and improving erectile function [11]

Studies have shown that Melanotan I appears to offer several effects too, although they are slightly different from those observed with MT-2. The benefits of Melanotan I include:

  • Sunless tanning and improved protection from the sun [4]
  • May protect against high blood pressure [12]
  • May protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's [13]
  • Stimulates fat loss [14, 15]

In the following section, we will explore the differences between MT-1 and MT-2 in greater detail.


Melanotan 1 vs. Melanotan 2

What are the differences between Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2?

Well, both MT-1 and MT-2 are peptides that mimic the effects of naturally occurring α-MSH. The main difference is that MT-1 is a straight peptide that is a full clone of endogenous α-MSH while MT-2 is a circular peptide that's just a partial copy of the version made naturally in the body.

Because MT-1 and MT-2 are chemically similar in some regards and different in others, the effects they produce offer some similarities and some differences.

Similarities

Some of the similarities between MT-1 and MT-2 include:

  • They both appear to increase the rate at which tanning occurs. 
  • They have several side effects in common, including flushing, appetite suppression, and darkening of moles.

Differences

Some of the differences between MT-1 and MT-2 include: 

  • MT-1 tends to have fewer side effects than MT-2
  • MT-1 doesn't result in increased libido; MT-2 does.
  • MT-1 has a much shorter half-life than MT-2
  • MT-1 is FDA approved as a prescription medication for a disease where people become extra sensitive to sunlight
  • MT-1 is more expensive than MT-2
  • MT-1 is less popular than MT-2
  • MT-1 is less easily available than MT-2

Having reviewed the main similarities and differences between MT-1 and MT-2 we will now outline how these research chemicals have been dosed in past studies and trials. 


Melanotan 2 Dosage

Data from past studies indicates that MT-2 is typically administered once per day. Its long half-life of about 33 hours means that researchers have been flexible with when the doses are administered.

How has Melanotan 2 Been Dosed in Past Studies?

Based on the available evidence, Melanotan 2 has been dosed in past studies in the following manner:  

  • Once per day, in the morning, afternoon, or evening: Most researchers have administered MT-2 in the morning or afternoon before sun exposure to increase results. However, research shows that dosing in the evening can reduce nausea among test subjects. 
  • Dose: Most studies have involved 250 micrograms (mcg) doses of MT-2 every day, at least for the first 2-4 days. Some studies have involved doses of 500 mcg/day up to 1 mg/day.

While there is no research to show that MT-2 has been dosed over 1 mg/day, further research is needed to assess the safety record of doses in the 1mg+/day range.


Melanotan 1 Dosage

Data from past studies shows that MT-1 has typically been administered twice per day. This is likely due to the fact that MT-1 has a much shorter half-life than MT-2 at around 1 hour and its effects are much more short-lived. 

How has Melanotan 1 Been Dosed in Past Studies?

Based on the available evidence, Melanotan 1 has been dosed in past studies in the following manner:  

  • Twice per day, in the morning and at midday: In the majority of studies involving MT-1, researchers have administered it twice per day; once in the morning and once at lunch.
  • Dose: Most MT-1 studies have involved 500 micrograms (mcg) doses with the dose being split between a morning and afternoon dose. 

Having reviewed the available research into MT-1 and MT-2 doses, it is clear that researchers have adopted a cautious approach when working with this peptide. This leads us to the question at hand; can test subjects take too much Melanotan?


Can Test Subjects Take Too Much Melanotan?

Yes.

As we've explained above, doses in excess of 1 mg per day are rare in past studies. 

What happens when test subjects take this amount?

The available research indicates that they will be at a much greater risk of experiencing side effects. The severity of MT-1 and MT-2 side effects appears to increase in proportion with the dose. 

On the subject of side effects, we will take a close look at MT-1 and MT-2 side effects in the following section.


melanotan 1


Melanotan Side Effects

Past research involving Melanotan indicates that it produces a few relatively minor side effects. A review of several clinical and case studies of people who use Melanotan concluded that the “side effects observed in clinical trials are largely minor” [16].

Still, researchers should be aware of these side effects before experimenting with Melanotan. The most common side effects of Melanotan include [1]:

  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Darkening of moles
  • Yawning
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increase in libido and erections
  • Facial hair darkening
  • Stretching

Less commonly reported Melanotan side effects include:

  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting

Melanotan Overdose

There is a distinct lack of research indicating what dose of Melanotan could be considered an “overdose”. However, there are certainly a number of side effects linked to high Melanotan doses:   

  • Some dose-ranging studies have found that higher doses of Melanotan produce gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and moderate fatigue [17]. They can also result in body aches, sweating, and anxiety [18].
  • Symptoms of overdose include agitation, high heart rate, high blood pressure, a compulsion to stretch, and priapism, or a painful erection [19]. These symptoms occurred after an individual took more than 10 mg – more than 10 times the highest dose explored in scientific studies.
  • There has also been a case of a patient presenting with rhabdomyolysis after injecting 6 mg of Melanotan but it's not clear if the rhabdomyolysis was a result of the Melanotan or from stretching extensively [18, 19]. Also, this patient had evidence of opiates in their body, so these results could have also been due to an interaction.
  • Renal (kidney) dysfunction is another possible side effect of Melanotan overdose [18].

Together, these studies suggest that experimenting with doses in excess of 1 mg may produce very severe side effects in test subjects. To date, there have been no recorded incidences of coma or death arising from Melanotan use.


Where to Buy Melanotan Online? | 2023 Guide

Because Melanotan isn't a prescribed medication or controlled substance, it's generally legal to import, export, buy, and use in most countries for research purposes. The main problem facing researchers is finding a reliable vendor who can supply research-grade peptides in a timely fashion.

There are plenty of vendors that sell Melanotan. But in reality, very few of these companies can deliver on their promises. Here are a few guidelines that researchers may consider when choosing a Melanotan vendor: 

  • Do they provide secure transactions? Look for vendors who take security seriously and protect customers’ personal data. 
  • Are there independent third-party reviews? Look to see what others are saying about a vendor on review sites like Trustpilot. 
  • Is there a return or refund policy? Legit companies will offer a money-back guarantee on all orders. 
  • Is the product legitimate? Look for the vendors that post public certificates of analysis to prove that the Melanotan they sell is high quality. 

Legitimate vendors will typically display a robust disclaimer that looks like this:

“THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED AS A RESEARCH CHEMICAL ONLY. This designation allows the use of research chemicals strictly for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation only.

All product information available on this website is for educational purposes only. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.

This product should be handled by licensed, qualified professionals. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused or mislabeled as a drug, food or cosmetic.”

These kinds of disclaimers help researchers know that the seller is legit and can supply research-grade peptides.

Where's the Best Place to Buy Melanotan Online?

Based on our research, Peptide Sciences is the best peptide vendor currently selling Melanotan. 

We like them because they:

  • Are located in the US. That means that they ship quickly within the US. Researchers will usually receive their order within 2-3 days. Researchers based internationally will typically wait less than 10 days.
  • They post certificates of analysis. This proves that their Melanotan is 99%+ pure and suitable for research. 
  • 100% secure shopping. They use the latest SSL technology to make sure that customer payment details don't get stolen.
  • Amazing customer service. Peptide Sciences will respond to email inquiries within 24 hours. 
  • Several convenient payment options. They accept all major credit cards as well as several other forms of payment, including cryptocurrencies.

The most important thing about a vendor is consistently good service, and that's what we've always experienced with Peptide Sciences. Researchers interested in experimenting with Melanotan may consider this vendor for their research needs. 

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Bacteriostatic Water for Injection

Researchers must be equipped with the right tools to handle peptides such as Melanotan 1. To correctly prepare and store peptides for injection, supplies including bacteriostatic water, sterile needles, and insulin syringes should be available.

The process of shopping for all these items can be time-consuming and stressful, perhaps detracting from your research.

To foster your research, the specialists at Peptides.org have reviewed the top online suppliers to determine the single best source of required lab materials.

BacteriostaticWater.org

This outstanding site offers convenient supply sets that are filled with the full range of items you need in your peptide research. Take a look at the two BacteriostaticWater.org sets available.

First, check out the starter research kit, which provides:

  • Bacteriostatic Water (30mL) – 3x
  • Insulin Syringes (0.5 cc/mL x 29g x ½) – 100x
  • Alcohol Prep Pads – 200x
  • Sterile Empty Glass Vial (10mL) – 1x
  • Large Needles + Syringes Combo (3cc x 21g x 1) – 10x

Or stock up with the premium research kit, packed with:

  • Bacteriostatic Water (30mL) – 5x
  • Insulin Syringes (0.5 cc/mL x 29g x ½) – 200x
  • Alcohol Prep Pads – 200x
  • Sterile Empty Glass Vial (10mL) – 2x
  • Large Needles + Syringes Combo (3cc x 21g x 1) – 20x

We encourage you to try this excellent supply source that will ease and advance your research.

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Can Test Subjects Take Too Much Melanotan? | Verdict

So, can test subjects take too much Melanotan? Based on the available research, the answer appears to be yes. Test subjects who take more than 1mg/day of Melanotan are more likely to experience uncomfortable side effects. Those who take significantly more may experience serious side effects like a painful erection, kidney dysfunction, body aches, and sweating.

Researchers interested in experimenting with MT-1 and MT-2 are advised to consult the relevant literature when designing an experiment and follow best practices when working with this peptide.

Those looking for a trustworthy Melanotan vendor are encouraged to contact Peptide Sciences.


melanotan 2


References

  1. Plant, T. M. & Zeleznik, A. J. (2014). Knobil and Neill's Physiology of Reproduction: Two-Volume Set. Academic Press. pp. 2230–2231.
  2. King, S. H., Mayorov, A. V., Balse-Srinivasan, P., Hruby, V. J., Vanderah, T. W., & Wessells, H. (2007). Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection. Current topics in medicinal chemistry, 7(11), 1111-1119.
  3. Barnetson, R. S., Ooi, T. K., Zhuang, L., Halliday, G. M., Reid, C. M., Walker, P. C., … & Kleinig, M. J. (2006). [Nle4-D-Phe7]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone significantly increased pigmentation and decreased UV damage in fair-skinned caucasian volunteers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(8), 1869-1878.
  4. FitzGerald, L. M., Fryer, J. L., Dwyer, T., & Humphrey, S. M. (2006). Effect of MELANOTAN®, [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH, on melanin synthesis in humans with MC1R variant alleles. Peptides, 27(2), 388-394.
  5. van der Klaauw, A., Keogh, J., Henning, E., Stephenson, C., Trowse, V. M., Fletcher, P., & Farooqi, S. (2015). Role of melanocortin signalling in the preference for dietary macronutrients in human beings. The Lancet, 385, S12.
  6. Lee, Y. S. (2009). The role of leptin-melanocortin system and human weight regulation: lessons from experiments of nature. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore, 38(1), 34.
  7. Bjørbæk, C., & Hollenberg, A. N. (2002). Leptin and melanocortin signaling in the hypothalamus. Vitamins and Hormones, 65, 281-311. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0083-6729(02)65068-X
  8. Guo, F., Bakal, K., Minokoshi, Y., & Hollenberg, A. N. (2004). Leptin signaling targets the thyrotropin-releasing hormone gene promoter in vivo. Endocrinology, 145(5), 2221-2227.
  9. York, D. A., Boghossian, S., & Park-York, M. (2011). Melanocortin activity in the amygdala influences alcohol intake. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 98(1), 112-119.
  10. Wessells, H., Fuciarelli, K., Hansen, J., Hadley, M. E., Hruby, V. J., Dorr, R., & Levine, N. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. The Journal of Urology, 160(2), 389-393.
  11. Hakim, L. S. (1998). Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction: Double-blind placebo controlled crossover study. International Journal of Impotence Research, 10(4), 263-263.
  12. Rinne, P., Penttinen, A. M., Nordlund, W., Ahotupa, M., & Savontaus, E. (2013). α-MSH analogue attenuates blood pressure elevation in DOCA-salt hypertensive mice. PloS one, 8(8), e72857.
  13. Giuliani, D., Neri, L., Canalini, F., Calevro, A., Ottani, A., Vandini, E., … & Guarini, S. (2015). NDP-α-MSH induces intense neurogenesis and cognitive recovery in Alzheimer transgenic mice through activation of melanocortin MC4 receptors. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, 67, 13-21.
  14. An, J. J., Rhee, Y., Kim, S. H., Kim, D. M., Han, D. H., Hwang, J. H., … & Lim, S. K. (2007). Peripheral effect of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone on fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 282(5), 2862-2870.
  15. Møller, C. L., Raun, K., Jacobsen, M. L., Pedersen, T. Å., Holst, B., Conde-Frieboes, K. W., & Wulff, B. S. (2011). Characterization of murine melanocortin receptors mediating adipocyte lipolysis and examination of signalling pathways involved. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 341(1-2), 9-17.
  16. Brennan, R., Wells, J. G., & Van Hout, M. C. (2014). An unhealthy glow? A review of melanotan use and associated clinical outcomes. Performance Enhancement & Health, 3(2), 78-92.
  17. Levine, N., Dorr, R. T., Ertl, G. A., Brooks, C., & Alberts, D. S. (1999). Effects of a potent synthetic melanotropin, Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH (Melanotan-I) on tanning: a dose-ranging study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 10(2), 127-132.
  18. Nelson, M. E., Bryant, S. M., & Aks, S. E. (2012). Melanotan II injection resulting in systemic toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. Clinical Toxicology, 50(10), 1169-1173.
  19. Devlin, J., Pomerleau, A., & Foote, J. (2013). Melanotan II overdose associated with priapism. Clinical Toxicology, 51(4), 383.

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