Melanotan I vs HGH Fragment 176-191
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
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 →HGH Fragment 176-191
HGH Fragment 176-191 is the fat-reducing portion of the growth hormone molecule. Unlike AOD-9604 (which has an additional tyrosine), this is the exact fragment of HGH responsible for lipolytic effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan I | HGH Fragment 176-191 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. | Mimics the lipolytic region of growth hormone, stimulating fat breakdown and inhibiting lipogenesis without affecting blood sugar or promoting growth. Works independently of GH receptors. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. | Typical dosing: 250-500mcg daily, often split into 2-3 doses. Usually administered on empty stomach, often with fasted cardio. |
| Administration | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. | Subcutaneous injection. Best results when used fasted and combined with exercise. Avoid eating for 30 minutes post-injection. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site irritation, temporary lethargy, or headache. Does not affect blood glucose significantly. |
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