A-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (A-MSH)
Also known as: A-MSH, Alpha-MSH, Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is an endogenous tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin that regulates skin pigmentation. It is the natural peptide behind melanocortin-driven tanning and also influences appetite and inflammation.
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Mechanism of Action
Alpha-MSH is cleaved from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor and acts as an agonist at melanocortin receptors, most notably MC1R on melanocytes. MC1R activation raises intracellular cAMP, driving microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression and upregulating tyrosinase, which increases eumelanin synthesis and skin darkening. Through MC4R in the hypothalamus it also reduces food intake, and via MC1R on immune cells it exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-kB signaling. Its natural form is short-lived, which is why synthetic analogs such as melanotan compounds were developed for sustained activity.
- Half-life
- Very short for the native peptide, on the order of minutes due to rapid degradation
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Stimulates eumelanin production and skin pigmentation
- May provide photoprotective effects through increased melanin
- Anti-inflammatory activity via melanocortin receptors
- Influences appetite through central MC4R signaling
- Serves as the reference ligand for melanocortin research
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea and flushing
- Darkening of moles and freckles
- Appetite changes
- Injection-site reactions
- Possible blood-pressure or cardiovascular effects
Common Dosing
The native peptide is studied chiefly in laboratory contexts rather than fixed human protocols; melanocortin research more often uses stabilized analogs. Provided for research and educational reference only, not as personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- History of melanoma or atypical pigmented lesions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
- Numerous or changing moles requiring dermatologic monitoring
Melanostatin DM
Melanostatin DM is a topical nonapeptide marketed as a skin-brightening agent that reduces melanin production. It is studied for evening skin tone and lightening hyperpigmentation.
Nonapeptide-1
Nonapeptide-1 is a nine-amino-acid cosmetic peptide that inhibits melanin formation by antagonizing the melanocortin-1 receptor. It is used topically for skin brightening and pigment control.
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The melanocortin-1 receptor is a key regulator of human cutaneous pigmentation
2000
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The α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone/melanocortin-1 receptor interaction: A driver of pleiotropic effects beyond pigmentation
2021
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Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha MSH) stimulates normal human melanocyte growth by binding to high-affinity receptors
1993