Research compounds
Alpha-MSH
Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, α-MSH
Alpha-MSH is the endogenous melanocortin peptide from which Melanotan I, Melanotan II, bremelanotide and setmelanotide are all derived. It regulates pigmentation, appetite, inflammation and sexual function.
Also known as: alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone, a-MSH, melanotropin
- Status
- Alpha-MSH is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
- Half-life
- Approximately 2 to 5 minutes.
- How it's taken
- Not used clinically in native form
- Mechanism
- Melanocortin receptor
- Pathways
- Melanocortin
How Alpha-MSH works
Alpha-MSH is cleaved from proopiomelanocortin, the same precursor that yields ACTH and beta-endorphin. It acts at five melanocortin receptors with different roles: MC1R drives eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes, MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus suppress appetite, and MC5R affects exocrine glands. This receptor spread is why the synthetic analogues differ so much — selectivity determines whether a molecule tans, suppresses appetite or produces erections.
What research has looked at
- It is the parent molecule explaining the entire melanocortin drug class, and its receptor map predicts each analogue's effect profile.
- MC1R activation increases eumelanin independently of ultraviolet exposure, the basis for afamelanotide's approved use.
- It has well-documented anti-inflammatory activity, and MC1R agonists are being investigated for inflammatory disease.
- MC4R signalling is central to energy balance, and setmelanotide's approval for genetic obesity syndromes validates the pathway.
Evidence level: Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- Native alpha-MSH has a half-life of minutes and is not usable as a drug, which is why every clinical product is a stabilised analogue. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy.
- Non-selective melanocortin agonism produces the full spread of effects at once — pigmentation, nausea, erections and appetite suppression — which is what makes Melanotan II poorly tolerated.
- Increased pigmentation can obscure detection of skin cancer, and any changing pigmented lesion warrants dermatological assessment.
- Melanocortin agonists raise blood pressure through central sympathetic effects.
Sources
- PubMed research on alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone melanocortin receptors · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for alpha-MSH · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for alpha-MSH · U.S. National Library of Medicine
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Related compounds
Alpha-MSH FAQ
What is Alpha-MSH?
Alpha-MSH is the endogenous melanocortin peptide from which Melanotan I, Melanotan II, bremelanotide and setmelanotide are all derived. It regulates pigmentation, appetite, inflammation and sexual function.
How does Alpha-MSH work?
Alpha-MSH is cleaved from proopiomelanocortin, the same precursor that yields ACTH and beta-endorphin. It acts at five melanocortin receptors with different roles: MC1R drives eumelanin synthesis in melanocytes, MC3R and MC4R in the hypothalamus suppress appetite, and MC5R affects exocrine glands. This receptor spread is why the synthetic analogues differ so much — selectivity determines whether a molecule tans, suppresses appetite or produces erections.
Is Alpha-MSH FDA approved?
No. Alpha-MSH is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
What is the half-life of Alpha-MSH?
Reported half-life: Approximately 2 to 5 minutes.
How is Alpha-MSH taken?
Not used clinically in native form.
What side effects have been reported with Alpha-MSH?
Reported in the sources: Native alpha-MSH has a half-life of minutes and is not usable as a drug, which is why every clinical product is a stabilised analogue. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy; Non-selective melanocortin agonism produces the full spread of effects at once — pigmentation, nausea, erections and appetite suppression — which is what makes Melanotan II poorly tolerated; Increased pigmentation can obscure detection of skin cancer, and any changing pigmented lesion warrants dermatological assessment; Melanocortin agonists raise blood pressure through central sympathetic effects.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.