Melanotan

Melanotan is a synthetic peptide used in skin tanning. It is designed to stimulate the body's tanning response with minimal exposure to sunlight, thus reducing the potential damage to the skin by UV radiation. There are two forms available, Melanotan I and II, which are diluted in water before being injected.

History

Melanotan was first synthesized at the University of Arizona. Researchers there knew that one of the best defenses against skin cancer was a natural tan which occurs after exposure to sunlight. They hypothesized that an effective way to reduce rates of skin cancer in people would be to induce the body's natural pigmentary system to produce a protective tan before UV exposure.

Melanotan I

Melanotan I, also known as afamelanotide, is a synthetic peptide hormone used in the prevention of skin cancer. It works by stimulating the production of melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Melanotan I is currently being tested in clinical trials for its potential use in the treatment of various skin conditions.

Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a variant of Melanotan I, but it has additional effects. It not only stimulates the production of melanin but also has the effect of suppressing appetite and increasing libido. However, these additional effects have led to it being marketed on the internet as a miracle weight loss and sexual health supplement, which has raised concerns among health professionals.

Side Effects

The use of Melanotan can lead to a range of side effects. These can include nausea, stomach cramps, decreased appetite, flushing, tiredness, yawning, darkened skin, spontaneous erections of the penis, and other side effects.

Legal Status

Melanotan is not a licensed medication in the UK and therefore it is illegal to sell or advertise it for human use. In the US, the sale of Melanotan is also illegal, and the FDA has issued warnings about its use.

See Also

• Skin Cancer
• Melanin
• University of Arizona

References

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