ResearchSafe

Melanotan II (Melanotan II (MT-II))

Category: Sexual Health. Status: Research compound.

A synthetic cyclic alpha-MSH analog with potent melanocortin activity. Known for tanning and sexual function effects through MC1R/MC3R/MC4R activation. Parent compound of PT-141.

How it works

Non-selective MCR agonist: MC1R produces tanning, MC3R/MC4R increase sexual arousal, MC4R suppresses appetite. Broader receptor activity than PT-141.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 1,024 Da
  • Half-life: 2-3 hours
  • Bioavailability: High (SubQ)
  • Storage: Lyophilized: 2-8°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for 30 days.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 0.25-1 mg
  • Frequency: Loading: daily/EOD · then 2x weekly maintenance
  • Duration: Tanning: 2-4 wk load; then maintenance
  • Route: Subcutaneous injection

Protocol notes

  • Start very low at 0.25 mg to gauge the strong nausea response.
  • Loading: 0.25-0.5 mg daily or every other day for 1-2 weeks until desired pigmentation develops.
  • Maintenance: ~0.5-1 mg roughly twice weekly to hold the tan.
  • UV exposure is still required for the tanning effect to appear.

Reported benefits

  • Skin tanning
  • Enhanced sexual function
  • Appetite suppression
  • UV protection (melanin)
  • Libido enhancement

Possible side effects

  • Nausea (common initially)
  • Facial flushing
  • Spontaneous erections
  • Mole darkening (monitor)
  • Fatigue
  • BP increase

Research

  • Melanotan II effects on sexual function: systematic review (2020): Improved erectile function in 85% and increased desire in both sexes in controlled studies.
  • Safety concerns with unregulated melanotan use (2022): Long-term use associated with new nevi formation; dermatological monitoring recommended.

Community reviews of Melanotan II

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 6 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • bac_water_betty rated it 5/5 - Solid compound with real results: Been using Melanotan II for about 3 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • morning_protocol rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 3 weeks: Been using Melanotan II for about 3 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • lab_notes_tom rated it 4/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Melanotan II to my protocol about 4 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
  • stack_logic_lisa rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Melanotan II has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
  • tinkerer184 rated it 4/5 - MT-II gave me a deep tan, but I still liked DHA better: I ran Melanotan II for about 8 weeks this summer while training long miles around the Midwest, mostly because I’m pale as a paper bag and spend way too much time outside. It definitely darkened me up fast, and I dropped about 12 lbs too, which I think was partly appetite stuff and partly me being dumb about calories. It also kicked my libido up more than I expected. Fwiw, I still preferred DHA tanning lotion, because MT-II made me feel a little weird at times 😎
  • tired_mom rated it 5/5 - Quick tan, less faff, better holiday prep: 5/5. I used MT-II for about 3 months because I live in Sweden and our sun is very patchy, then suddenly too much, and as a yoga instructor I am outside a lot in summer. For me it gave a clear tan fast, and I liked that I did not need to chase colour with long beach days. I also noticed stronger libido, which was honestly a surprise. Appetite felt a bit lower too, which was handy on busy weeks. Side effects were there at the start, a bit of nausea and flushing, but it settled.

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Community discussions about Melanotan II

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.