Source comparison
Melanotan-2 Peptide: Tanning vs Off-Target Receptor Activity Comparison
MC1R (Melanocytes) Melanogenesis (pigmentation) Upregulates tyrosinase via cAMP elevation Skin darkening without UV exposure This is the intended pharmacological target. Produces cosmetic tanning outcome MC3R (Hypothalamus) Neuromodulation, appetite, arousal A
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- MC1R (Melanocytes)
- Melanogenesis (pigmentation)
- Upregulates tyrosinase via cAMP elevation
- Skin darkening without UV exposure
- This is the intended pharmacological target. Produces cosmetic tanning outcome
- MC3R (Hypothalamus)
- Neuromodulation, appetite, arousal
- Alters neuropeptide signalling in central pathways
- Mild appetite suppression, increased arousal
- Off-target but dose-dependent. Becomes prominent above 0.5mg per injection
- MC4R (Hypothalamus)
- Energy homeostasis, feeding behaviour
- Reduces orexigenic (hunger-stimulating) signalling
- Appetite suppression, spontaneous erections
- Documented in male subjects. Most pronounced side effect in clinical trials
- MC5R (Exocrine Glands)
- Sebum production regulation
- Modulates sebocyte lipid synthesis
- Variable effect on skin oiliness
- Least understood MT-2 target. Minimal data from human studies