Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Dihexa | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. |
| Timing | Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active). | Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day. |
| Cycle Duration | 2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited. | Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is an orally active, blood-brain barrier-permeable oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV. It binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity, inhibiting HGF dimerization and synergistically promoting c-Met receptor phosphorylation and signaling. Activation of HGF/c-Met drives procognitive effects through increased dendritic arborization, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Research indicates it is approximately 10 million times more potent than BDNF for new synapse formation.
Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration.
Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active).
2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that non-selectively agonizes melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5. MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin synthesis through tyrosinase upregulation, producing tanning. MC3R activation in the CNS increases libido and produces erectile responses. MC4R activation suppresses appetite. The cyclic structure provides enhanced in vivo stability (half-life 1-2 hours) and increased blood-brain barrier permeability compared to linear alpha-MSH.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance.
Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day.
Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation.
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