Sexual health
Melanotan II
Unregulated synthetic melanocortin agonist used illicitly for tanning and erectile function, with significant cardiovascular and melanoma safety concerns.
Research chemical Sexual health Anti-aging
- Full name
- alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analog (synthetic)
- Also known as
- melanotan-2, MT-II
- Regulatory status
- Research chemical | Not approved for any medical indication | Significant safety signals
Origin
Synthetic alpha-MSH analogue developed in the 1980s, unregulated globally, sold through uncontrolled internet suppliers and tanning networks. Known for UV-independent tanning and, coincidentally, libido-enhancing effects. It's the parent compound PT-141 was later developed from.
Mechanism
Non-selective melanocortin agonist: activates MC1R on melanocytes for melanin production and tanning, and centrally MC3R/MC4R in the hypothalamus for pro-sexual behavior and erectile function via dopamine and nitric-oxide pathways. The non-selective binding also hits appetite and sympathetic tone.
Research summary
Evidence
Human evidence is mostly anecdotal and case-report based. Dermatology literature documents rapid mole darkening, dysplastic nevi, and melanoma emergence during or after use, though causality isn't firmly established. Priapism, hypertension, and thrombotic concerns are reported. No large prospective trials exist; regulatory bodies have issued safety warnings.
Evidence tier: Research chemical — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.
Citations
- Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review. — Habbema et al. 2017
- Melanotropic peptides: more than just 'Barbie drugs' and 'sun-tan jabs'? — Langan et al. 2010
Reported benefits
- skin darkening/tanning
- increased libido and sexual arousal (anecdotal)
- improved erectile function (anecdotal)
Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community
These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.
| Route | Reported protocol |
|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | Typical self-dosing: loading 0.25-1 mg every 1-2 days until desired tan, then 0.5-1 mg/week maintenance. Uncontrolled, forum-derived protocols. |
Side effects
- nausea
- facial flushing
- rapid darkening/proliferation of moles
- dysplastic nevi
- priapism
- hypertension
- possible increased melanoma risk (case reports)
Safety notes
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)
Popular for rapid tanning (5-14 days) and reported spontaneous erections and increased libido, though tolerance to the sexual effects often develops over weeks to months. Communities warn of priapism risk.
Related peptides
Mixing compatibility
Pulled from a community-charted mixing-compatibility reference (anecdotal, clinic-use, and community-reported signals) — not a safety guarantee. Verify independently before combining anything.