MOTS-c vs Oxytocin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It acts as a metabolic regulator, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing exercise capacity, and counteracting age-related metabolic decline. It is often called a 'mitochondrial hormone.'
- Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus with diverse roles in social bonding, trust, stress reduction, and sexual function. Exogenous administration is used therapeutically to improve social cognition, reduce anxiety, and enhance intimacy.
- Half-Life
- Estimated 1–2 hours
- ~3–5 minutes (IV); ~30–60 minutes (intranasal, CNS effects persist longer)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–15 mg
- 20–40 IU
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- As needed (not daily long-term)
- Key Benefits
- Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Enhances exercise capacity and endurance
- Reduces age-related metabolic decline
- Activates AMPK — the master metabolic regulator
- Promotes fat oxidation
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- May extend healthspan via mitochondrial optimization
- Increases energy and reduces fatigue
- Enhances social bonding and trust
- Reduces social anxiety and fear of rejection
- Improves autism spectrum symptoms (social cognition)
- Reduces cortisol and stress reactivity
- Enhances sexual arousal and intimacy
- Promotes maternal behavior and bonding
- May improve depressive symptoms
- Appetite suppression and metabolic effects
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Fatigue during initial adaptation
- Unknown long-term profile (limited human data)
- Mild uterine cramping (avoid in pregnancy)
- Nasal irritation (intranasal)
- Headache
- Potential emotional over-attachment or jealousy amplification
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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