Melanotan 2 is a synthetically produced variant of a peptide hormone naturally produced in the body that stimulates melanogenesis, a process responsible for pigmentation of the skin. This peptide hormone, called alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone or MSH, activates certain melanocortin receptors in the process of exerting its effects. Indeed, MSH also exerts potent influence over lipid metabolism, appetite, and sexual libido via these melanocortin receptors.
As a result, Melanotan 2 has been shown in studies to exhibit appetite suppressant, lipolytic, and libido-enhancing effects in addition to promoting skin tanning. Melanotan 2 has been researched extensively for use in protecting against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight due to its melanogenesis-stimulating properties.
Additionally, Melanotan 2 and a similar synthetically produced variant, known as PT-141, have been studied at length as a potential remedy for the treatment of sexual dysfunction; specifically, male erectile dysfunction.
Melanotan 2 Bodybuilding Results
Studies indicate that MSH has a considerable effect on appetite, lipid metabolism, and sexual libido via the melanocortin receptors. Studies have been done to determine its effectiveness as appetite suppressant, libido enhancing properties and appetite suppressant properties. Moreover, Melanotan 2 has shown efficacy in combating erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunction related conditions. Melanotan II has shown to be effective in increasing libido, and has aphrodisiac properties.
The hormone is a cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha MSH. Research indicates that Melanotan 2 activates the central melanocortin, which in turn triggers melanogenesis, and skin tanning occurs. Melanotan II reduces the serum levels of cholesterol and insulin, moreover further studies indicate that it lowers the levels of acetylcholine, a carboxylase expression and in other cases, it inhibited the reduction of palmitoltransferase I mRNA, and carnitine. This shows that the hormone increases cholesterol metabolism and fat catabolism.
Studies show that Melanotan 2 can be effective in treating polymorphous eruption and actinic keratosis, the common skin conditions that are characterized by intolerance to sunlight. Exposure to the sun results in burning sensation, severe sores, itchiness, lumps, dry skin among others. Melanotan 2 cannot treat albinism because the albinos have no melanocortin receptors therefore the hormone will not be able to bind and induce tanning.