MT2 (Melanotan 2)

Mechanism of Action & Benefits:

Mechanism of Action of Melanotan

Melanotan 2 (MT-II) is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring melanocortin peptide hormone alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It acts primarily by stimulating the melanocortin receptors, which leads to various effects:

1. Melanogenesis: MT-II binds to the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes in the skin, stimulating these cells to produce eumelanin, a type of melanin that gives the skin a tanned appearance.

2. Erectile Function: MT-II has been shown to have effects on erectile function by acting on receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the MC4 receptor, which can lead to spontaneous erections.

3. Appetite Suppression: MT-II may also influence appetite through its action on the central melanocortin receptors, particularly MC3 and MC4, which are involved in energy homeostasis and feeding behavior.

Benefits

1. Tanning: MT-II can produce a deep tan without the need for extensive sun exposure, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes in bodybuilding.

2. Weight Management: Due to its potential appetite-suppressing effects, MT-II might aid in weight management, which is a key aspect of bodybuilding.

3. Enhanced Libido: The potential effects of MT-II on sexual function might be considered a benefit by some users.

Side effects:

1. Facial Flushing: This is a common side effect of MT-II use.

2. Reduced Appetite, Nausea, and Vomiting: MT-II can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, which may lead to a decrease in appetite.

3. Spontaneous Erections: In males, MT-II can cause spontaneous erections 1-5 hours after administration, a condition known as priapism.

4. Darkened Skin: MT-II stimulates the production of eumelanin, causing the skin to darken. This effect can be dramatic and rapid.

5. Increased Pigmentation of Skin and Nails: Along with darkening of the skin, MT-II can cause increased pigmentation of the nails.

6. Changes in Moles: MT-II use can lead to a deepening of the color of moles and the development of new moles.

7. Potential Serious Risks: There is concern that long-term use of MT-II may increase the risk of melanoma, a potentially serious form of skin cancer. Other potential risks include kidney failure and the potential for injection-related risks.

8. Other Side Effects: Other reported side effects include tiredness, yawning, and in some cases, memory disturbances, depression, agitation, and other mood changes.

Interactions:

Currently, no specific drug interactions have been identified with Melanotan II. However, it's important to note that MT-II is an unlicensed and largely untested substance, and its interactions with other substances may not be fully understood or documented.

One study mentioned that MT-II, when used in conjunction with Naltrexone, a medication used to manage alcohol or opioid dependence, could potentially reduce binge-like ethanol intake in mice.

However, this finding is specific to a research context and may not translate directly to human use.Another case report highlighted systemic toxicity, including apparent sympathomimetic symptoms, rhabdomyolysis, and renal dysfunction, following the use of Melanotan II.

This suggests that MT-II could potentially interact with other substances that affect the sympathetic nervous system or kidney function, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Dosing Guidelines:

The Best Melanotan II Protocol

Unfortunately, there is a common “loading phase protocol” floating around the internet created by bodybuilders over a decade ago that is still being used to this day as the staple for recommended dosing.

I am telling you right now, the loading phase is complete bullshit and is totally unnecessary and will just make you have a much higher chance of side effects, including blowing up with freckles (if you are prone).

I will outline the best “hypothetical” Melanotan II protocol below that will still get you dark but save you money and reduce your chance of freckles or new moles popping up.

I learned about it from a very intelligent researcher online and is what I follow myself anytime I use Melanotan II.

Assess response to a very low dose first (50-75 mcg) and taper up from there.

If you start gung-ho at 500 mcg shots when your body has never taken Melanotan II before, you are much more likely to experience negative side effects like nausea and notice an increase in freckles if you are prone.

It took me weeks before I had even reached a dose of 250 mcg pre-tanning. This is because I took a very conservative approach, tapered extremely slowly, and tapered my UV exposure very slowly as well.

I eventually made my way all the way up to 500 mcg pre-tanning (this took a couple months).

The end result was a very dark tan, with no noticeable new freckles, moles, or apparent darkening of current freckles and moles.

Now, I can maintain a very dark and healthy-looking tan with only one 250 mcg shot per week and a little bit of UV exposure.

An ideal approach in my opinion would be to start very low, and then every 3 sessions (Melanotan II administration coupled with post-administration tanning) bump the dosage by 25 mcg and increase the tanning duration by 1 minute (assuming tanning is being done in a tanning bed).

Administration and tanning would be done every other day or every third day (or less frequently depending on personal needs).

Administration should NEVER be done on days that you are not going tanning.

Tanning should always follow Melanotan II administration within an hour of the shot.

* DO NOT DO A LOADING PERIOD FOR MELANOTAN. IT IS UNNECESSARY, ONLY USE ON DAYS OF TANNING.

* Protocol will vary depending on skin type and response to melanotan.

For those susceptible to freckling, moles, or at risk to burning or skin cancer; start with a low dose of Melanotan and short tanning sessions (as low as a minute or 2 if you must), as melanin density increases, tanning for longer periods will become safer with a lesser risk of freckling or burning.

Benefits of pre-tan Melanotan II administration:

– Increased melanin production over tanning or melanotan alone.
– Immediate oxidation of newly created eumelanin, creating that glowing “suntan”.
– Minimal tanning.
– Minimal Melanotan use.
– Reduced experiences of freckling, discoloring, uneven pigmentation, nausea, etc…
– More control of “degree” of tan.

Why This Protocol Is Best:

Melanotan II only increases melanin production, but the skin tans by two mechanisms. The second mechanism is the oxidation of the melanin that occurs from exposure to UVA rays, this is the tan more associated with that golden beach look.

The increase in melanin from melanogenesis is more associated with skin tone and coloring in general.

If you expose yourself to sun after a loading phase (typical protocol found online), all that built up melanin will oxidize in the exposed areas leading to a dramatic tanning effect and thus uneven tanning.

I want to stress the importance of some exposure to UV while administering Melanotan.

If you just administer at night the body increases melanin production in areas with greater natural melanocyte activity, genitals, freckles, moles, etc… leading to many of the sides reported with MT, but if used in conjunction with UV, the body has mechanisms to increase melanin production and melanocyte activity in areas that need the production to protect from UV photodamage, such as the skin.

**The information provided on this post is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice. Additionally, it is important to note that research chemicals are intended solely for laboratory study by professional researchers and are not intended for human consumption.