Dihexa vs Melanotan II
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 II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Dihexa | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| 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. | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| Administration | Can be taken orally, sublingually, or intranasally. Extremely potent - careful dosing is essential. Best used cyclically. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Reported effects include headache, temporary brain fog during adjustment, and potential mood changes. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |