Melanotan-2

Description

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Originally developed at the University of Arizona in the 1980s, it was designed as a potential strategy to reduce skin cancer risk by inducing a “protective” tan without the need for high UV exposure.

Key Functions and Mechanism
Melanotan 2 is a non-selective agonist of melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5). Its effects vary depending on which receptor it activates:

•    Tanning (MC1R): It binds to MC1 receptors in skin cells (melanocytes), triggering the production of eumelanin, the dark pigment responsible for tanning.
•    Sexual Arousal (MC3R/MC4R): Unlike many other tanning agents, MT-II acts on the central nervous system to increase libido and can induce spontaneous erections in men.
•    Appetite Suppression (MC4R): It is known to suppress appetite, which some users exploit for weight loss.