The Melanocortin System
Melanotan II (MT2) is a synthetic analog of the peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It binds to melanocortin receptors in the body.
When it binds to MC1 receptors in skin cells, it stimulates melanogenesis—the production of melanin pigment. This provides a tan that protects DNA from UV damage. Uniquely, MT2 also crosses the blood-brain barrier to bind to MC3 and MC4 receptors, which are responsible for sexual arousal and appetite suppression, leading to its noted aphrodisiac effects.
Scientific References
- Dorr RT, et al. “Evaluation of melanotan-II, a superpotent cyclic melanotropic peptide in a pilot phase-I clinical study.” Life Sciences. 1996.
- Wessells H, et al. “Synthetic melanotropic peptide initiates erections in men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.” Journal of Urology. 1998.