Alpha-MSH
Also known as: α-MSH, Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, a tridecapeptide with potent anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R) to modulate immune responses, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and support tissue repair. Also involved in pigmentation regulation and appetite signaling.
Research Status
Moderate Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Occurs within minutes of injection, typically resolves within 15–30 minutes. Related to MC1R activation on cutaneous vasculature. Manage by injecting in the evening or before rest.
May occur with higher doses (>0.5 mg) or rapid dose escalation. Related to MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Manage by reducing dose or taking with food.
MC4R activation in the hypothalamus can reduce appetite. Typically mild and transient. Clinically relevant only at higher doses.
MC1R activation on melanocytes increases melanin production. More pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones or significant sun exposure. Manage by using sunscreen (SPF 30+) and limiting UV exposure.
Local inflammatory response at injection site. Typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Manage by rotating injection sites and using proper aseptic technique.
Reported in some users, possibly related to rapid changes in systemic inflammation or hypothalamic signaling. Manage with hydration and over-the-counter analgesics if needed.
MC4R activation in the hypothalamus and spinal cord can enhance erectile function. Typically transient and self-resolving.
Possible in individuals with hypersensitivity to peptides or excipients. Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or severe rash occurs. Have epinephrine available if history of peptide allergies.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 0.1-0.5 mg |
| Frequency | 1x daily |
| Timing | Any time of day; consistent timing recommended for research tracking |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
Subcutaneous injection. Research compound. Start at 0.1 mg and titrate upward based on response. Parent molecule for Melanotan peptides. Typical research protocols use 0.25–0.5 mg daily.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 1817.9 |
| Half-life | 10-20 minutes (in vivo); stability varies with formulation and storage conditions |
| Sequence | Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2 |
Alpha-MSH is a tridecapeptide that activates melanocortin receptors (particularly MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R) on immune cells, neurons, and other tissues. This activation suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), enhances regulatory T cell differentiation, and promotes anti-inflammatory signaling through cAMP-dependent pathways. The peptide also modulates hypothalamic appetite centers and supports tissue repair through neuroprotective mechanisms.
Melanocortin Receptor Signaling (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R)
Binding to melanocortin receptors activates G-protein coupled receptor signaling, increasing intracellular cAMP and downstream PKA activation. This suppresses NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory gene transcription in macrophages and dendritic cells.
Regulatory T Cell (Treg) Differentiation
Alpha-MSH promotes differentiation and expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, enhancing immune tolerance and reducing excessive inflammatory responses.
Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Suppression
Reduces TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-12 production by activated macrophages and dendritic cells through cAMP-dependent inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK pathways.
Neuroprotection and Neuroinflammation Reduction
Activates MC1R and MC4R on microglial cells and neurons, reducing microglial activation and neuroinflammatory cytokine production while promoting neurotrophic factor expression.
Hypothalamic Energy Homeostasis
MC4R activation in the hypothalamus modulates appetite signaling and energy expenditure through POMC neuron activation.
- Alpha-MSH is a naturally occurring ACTH-derived peptide produced by the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus
- Binds with high affinity to MC1R (melanocytes), MC3R (immune cells, hypothalamus), and MC4R (hypothalamus, immune cells)
- Exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects through both direct immune cell modulation and indirect neuroimmune signaling
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier, enabling central neuroprotective effects
- Endogenous levels are elevated during acute phase immune responses and stress
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Alpha-MSH is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.