Dihexa vs Melanotan I
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Dihexa
Dihexa is a nootropic peptide derived from angiotensin IV. It has shown remarkable cognitive-enhancing properties in animal studies, being described as potentially millions of times more potent than BDNF.
Full details →Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Dihexa | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acts as a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) potentiator by binding to its receptor c-Met. Promotes synaptogenesis, neuronal survival, and cognitive enhancement through this pathway. | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. |
| Typical Dosage | Research dosing is highly variable due to extreme potency. Typical range: 10-40mg orally or sublingually. Start with lowest doses due to potency. | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. |
| Administration | Can be taken orally, sublingually, or intranasally. Extremely potent - careful dosing is essential. Best used cyclically. | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Reported effects include headache, temporary brain fog during adjustment, and potential mood changes. | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. |
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