Melanotan 1 vs Humanin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1Anti-Aging & Longevity
Humanin- Summary
- Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively stimulates melanogenesis (tanning) through MC1R activation. It provides UV-independent skin pigmentation and is FDA/EMA-approved under the name SCENESSE for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and vitiligo.
- Humanin is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded in the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome. It protects neurons and other cells from apoptosis, improves insulin sensitivity, and declines significantly with age. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a synthetic analog with 1000x greater potency.
- Half-Life
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- ~4–8 hours (HNG)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.5–1 mg
- 2–8 mg
- Frequency
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Induces skin pigmentation/tanning without UV exposure
- Provides photoprotection in photosensitivity conditions (EPP)
- FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (SCENESSE)
- Approved in EU for EPP treatment
- Anti-inflammatory via MC1R
- Mild libido enhancement
- Potential skin cancer prevention through melanin protection
- Neuroprotection against amyloid-beta toxicity (Alzheimer's relevance)
- Inhibits cellular apoptosis
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cardiovascular risk markers
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Correlates with longevity in centenarian studies
- Protects against ischemic injury
- Potential cancer cell apoptosis sensitization
- Side Effects
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Injection site irritation
- Limited human safety data available
- Stacks With
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