GHRP-6 vs Melanotan I
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
GHRP-6
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 6 (GHRP-6) is one of the first synthetic growth hormone secretagogues discovered. It stimulates significant GH release but is known for causing intense hunger.
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 | GHRP-6 | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acts as a ghrelin mimetic, binding to the GHS-R receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Stimulates GH release and also significantly increases appetite by mimicking ghrelin's hunger-signaling effects. | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical dosing: 100-300mcg administered 2-3 times daily. Often combined with GHRH peptides like CJC-1295 for synergistic effects. | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Best administered on an empty stomach. The strong hunger response can be beneficial for those trying to gain weight but challenging for cutting. | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. |
| Side Effects | Intense hunger (most notable effect), water retention, increased cortisol and prolactin, tingling/numbness, and potential blood pressure changes. | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. |
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