Melanocortin
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a small lab-made chemical chain shaped like a ring. It copies parts of a natural message called alpha-MSH.
For laboratory research only. Not for human consumption or veterinary use.
The research, at a glance
What researchers study
How a ring-shaped chain starts different kinds of messages in cells.
What the study found
In lab-grown nerve-cell models, Melanotan II kept the cAMP cell message active after it was removed. The natural comparison message, alpha-MSH, stopped much sooner. This did not test the supplier’s product.
Receptor experiments in cells.
Read the source (opens a new tab)What is still unknown
Receptor findings do not establish tanning or other personal-use benefits from this product.
How it works, in plain words.
A cell is a tiny living part of tissue. Melanotan II can attach to several proteins on cells and start messages inside. One type is linked to pigment, the material that gives tissue color. Another is linked to nerve-cell messages. Scientists test these separately. Melanotan I is a different molecule.
The idea behind it
The proteins are called melanocortin receptors. Each responds to certain chemicals, then starts steps inside a cell. One is named MC1 and another MC4. Their shared family name does not mean they do the same job.
Why that matters
The linked experiment followed MC4 messages over time. A result at MC4 cannot explain every other target. The exact molecule and the type of cell both affect what the test can tell us.
What do the science words mean?
- Cell
- A tiny living part of tissue. A cell takes in materials, does chemical work and responds to its surroundings.
- Protein
- A chain of small building blocks folded into a shape that does a job, such as carrying a message or helping a reaction.
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids. Amino acids are small chemicals that join together, like beads on a string.
- Molecule
- A tiny group of atoms joined together. Water is made of water molecules. Different groups can do different jobs.
- Hormone
- A chemical message made in one place that can change what cells do somewhere else.
- Receptor
- A protein that starts steps inside a cell when a matching chemical attaches. It can be on the cell’s surface or inside it.
- Enzyme
- A protein that helps turn one chemical into another more quickly, like helping break a large piece into smaller pieces.
- Cell study
- A test on cells grown outside the body. It is not a trial in people.
- Animal study
- A test in animals under set conditions. Its results may not carry over to people.
- Hypothesis
- An idea that still needs testing.
- Batch report / COA
- A report about a sample from one batch. It does not prove a health benefit.
What the research says
Here is a starting point from the linked sources. A study about a compound is not a test of the supplier’s product.
Receptor experiments in cells
What researchers found
In lab-grown nerve-cell models, Melanotan II kept the cAMP cell message active after it was removed. The natural comparison message, alpha-MSH, stopped much sooner. This did not test the supplier’s product.
What this does not show
Receptor findings do not establish tanning or other personal-use benefits from this product.
Product details
- Product name
- Melanotan II
- Also found in research as
- Melanotan 2, MTII
- What is in it
- Melanotan II is a small lab-made chemical chain shaped like a ring. It copies parts of a natural message called alpha-MSH.
- Product form
- One named compound
- Amount and concentration
- Check the chosen size and current label on the partner’s page. We do not assume one amount for every size.
- Batch testing
- Match the lot number on the container to its certificate of analysis (COA), the batch test report.
- Storage
- Follow the current label and the lab’s approved procedure. Dry powder and prepared liquids may need different conditions.
Check the batch, not just the name.
A batch report describes a sample from one batch. Check that its lot number matches the product. A purity number does not prove safety or a health benefit.
Find the partner’s batch reports (opens a new tab)Common questions
What do the studies tell us about Melanotan II?
Receptor findings do not establish tanning or other personal-use benefits from this product.
Does the product name prove what is in the container?
No. Match the exact name, form and amount on the label. Then check the report for that batch. Similar names can refer to different molecules.
What does a purity number mean?
It describes a result from a particular test on a sample. It does not mean the product is safe, suitable for personal use or proven to have a health effect.
Why do some sources use harder words?
Research papers describe exact methods and results. We explain the main ideas here. Open the linked paper for the full details, including what was tested and the study’s limits.
Can the calculator tell me how to use this product?
No. It checks math from numbers you enter. It does not choose a dose, a mixing method or a way to use a product.
Follow the sources
Open the papers for their exact methods and results. Background research and evidence gaps are labeled below.
- Research paperMelanotan II: timing of MC4 receptor signals (opens a new tab)
Research on the named compound or experimental system, not a test of this supplier’s product.
- Research paperMelanotan II binding to MC1 in cell experiments (opens a new tab)
The cited work uses conjugated molecules in cell research, not this product or a personal-use application.
Product label and purchasing
Our partner provides the current label, size options, price and availability.
We may earn a commission. We don’t add a markup; you buy directly from our partner.
Buy from our partnerHave your label numbers?
Check the math with the right calculator for this product. It does not choose a dose or tell you how to use it.
Open product calculatorWe may earn a commission. We don’t add a markup; you buy directly from our partner.