Source comparison
Melanotan-2 Mechanism of Action Detailed: Comparison Table
MC1R Melanocytes (basal epidermis) Increases eumelanin synthesis via tyrosinase upregulation 48–72 hours (visible pigmentation) Allows tanning without UV exposure. Bypasses DNA damage pathway MC4R Hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus) Suppres
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- MC1R
- Melanocytes (basal epidermis)
- Increases eumelanin synthesis via tyrosinase upregulation
- 48–72 hours (visible pigmentation)
- Allows tanning without UV exposure. Bypasses DNA damage pathway
- MC4R
- Hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus)
- Suppresses appetite, increases energy expenditure, enhances sexual arousal
- 1–6 hours (appetite), 2–4 hours (erectile response)
- Explains weight loss and libido effects. Not present in MC1R-selective analogs
- MC3R
- Hypothalamus, peripheral tissues
- Regulates energy homeostasis, inflammatory response
- Variable
- Lower affinity than MC1R/MC4R. Contribution unclear in typical melanotan-2 doses
- MC5R
- Sebaceous glands, peripheral tissues
- Regulates sebum production, exocrine function
- May contribute to increased sebaceous activity reported anecdotally
- Bottom Line
- Multi-receptor agonism
- Dual tanning + appetite suppression profile
- First effects within hours, full pigmentation within 3–7 days
- MC1R drives tanning; MC4R drives metabolic and sexual effects. Selectivity determines side effect profile