Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| GHRP-6 | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. |
| Timing | On empty stomach, 30+ minutes before meals. Bedtime dose most important. The strong hunger effect makes pre-meal timing practical. | Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day. |
| Cycle Duration | 8-16 week cycles. | Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates GH release through activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a/ghrelin receptor) on pituitary somatotrophs. It acts via dual sites — pituitary and hypothalamic — possibly involving regulatory factors beyond GHRH and somatostatin. GHRP-6 also stimulates ghrelin-mediated appetite signaling, increases cortisol and prolactin release, and has demonstrated cytoprotective properties including cardioprotection.
Research indicates 100-300 mcg administered 1-3 times daily via subcutaneous injection.
On empty stomach, 30+ minutes before meals. Bedtime dose most important. The strong hunger effect makes pre-meal timing practical.
8-16 week cycles.
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.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →