L-Arginine

Arginine (abbreviated as Arg or R) is an a-amino acid. It was first isolated in 1886. The L-form is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids. At the level of molecular genetics, in the structure of the messenger ribonucleic acid mRNA, CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG, are the triplets of nucleotide bases or codons that codify for arginine during protein synthesis. In mammals, arginine is classified as a semiessential or conditionally essential amino acid, depending on the developmental stage and health status of the individual. Preterm infants are unable to synthesize or create arginine internally, making the amino acid nutritionally essential for them. There are some conditions that put an increased demand on the body for the synthesis of L-arginine, including surgical or other trauma, sepsis and burns.[citation needed] Arginine was first isolated from a lupin seedling extract in 1886 by the Swiss chemist Ernst Schultze.

In general, most people do not need to take arginine supplements because the body usually produces enough. The amino acid side-chain of arginine consists of a 3-carbon aliphatic straight chain, the distal end of which is capped by a complex guanidinium group.
Delocalization of charge in guanidinium group of L-Arginine

With a pKa of 12.48, the guanidinium group is positively charged in neutral, acidic and even most basic environments, and thus imparts basic chemical properties to arginine. Because of the conjugation between the double bond and the nitrogen lone pairs, the positive charge is delocalized, enabling the formation of multiple H-bonds.

Melanotan (2)

To get a visibly flawless skin, you must know about this peptide as how it can provide you an exquisitely beautiful skin. Melanotan 1 is basically a synthetic derivative of its own natural counterpart called alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH).

The presence of two amino acids in the bodies natural a-MSH are converted in the production of Melanotan 1 increasing stability. The melanotropin peptides to a larger extent can influence pigmentation in the body. If melanotan peptide therapy is combined with UV-B light, it stimulates melanocytes production of melanin and specifically the production of eumelanin. Melanin works effectively in absorbing, reflecting and refracting light to preventing cellular damage in the skin. It also transforms cells to produce dark protective melanin which ultimately helps in reducing sun damage done to UV exposed skin. On the other hand, eumelanin is produced over pheomelanin pigment that after injecting offers greater tanning ability levels. However, melanotan only works when injected below the skin (subcutaneously).

Also known as afamelanotide, the half-life of Melanotan peptides is very short. It is being developed in implant form that contains control discharge effecting melanin density for dermatology use. From human lifestyle point of view, we can say that melanocortins can be one great revolution in cosmetic treatment including Botox, Viagra and much more. Although clinical trials are still going on to check the effectiveness of melanotan in bringing approved results to people.  Slight effects like nausea and flushing are common after taking subcutaneous injection of melanotan. There are specific skin types and accordingly the dose of Melanotan 1 is taken to get effective and safe results.

Melanotan (1)

Melanotan was initially created as a way to produce a organic tan base with no exposure to the sun. The original studies understood that the best method for preventing sunburns, sun-damage and skin cancer was a healthy, pure tan base. Since there are many skin types that are more likely to burn rather than tan, the analysises started to develop this peptide in an effort to create a safe way to create pure sun safety with a sunless tan.

Later, many study has expanded to determine it’s effectiveness as a treatment for sexual dysfunctions. This analysis commenced after the original trial, conducted at the college, found that three males who were taking the peptide found that the peptide not only had quick and noticeable tanning effects, but that the side effects included spontaneous erections. They also found there was a side effect of mild nausea.

The Melanotan peptide is being studied for its ability to improve and stimulate the production of Melanin in the skin. There are many potential uses for Melanotan, but the most pervasive and explorationed use is connected to providing safe, sunless tans. added researched effects also reveal that Melanotan can act as an aphrodisiac.

This distinct peptide generally works in starting a sunless tan by binding to the melanocortin receptors. This binding process causes responses that can impact pigmentation and sexual function. This process has also been shown in some studies, to effect energy and appetite.

Studies also indicate that the tanning effects that are potentially achievable via Melanotan can do more than realize cosmetic benefits. Individuals who are identified to burn easy or who have very fair skin can reduce the change of sun connected skin problems as the darker pigmentation of their skin helps shield from sun damage and skin cancer.

This versatile peptide is also being investigated for its effects on energy, appetite and libido. Earlier study has shown optimistic affect in all three regions and studies suggest it might provide benefits for athletes or individuals who are looking to increase their workout and health.

How to use Melanotan?

Melanotan and Melanotan II are supplied in vials as powders that need to be mixed with bacteriostatic water for injection. The Melanotan and Melanotan II powder are best stored in a freezer due to their slow degradation at room temperature, and are often shipped in ice packs for this reason. The degrading process is slow, so if your Melanotan did not get shipped in ice packs it will not make your batch that less effective as long as the exposure to the higher temperature has not exceeded several days.

As previously stated, Melanotan needs to be mixed with bacteriostatic water prior to injection. To achieve a concentration of 10mg/8ml, use 8ml of bacteriostatic water in your 10mg vial of powder. From this we can have a concentration level of 0.25mg per 0.2ml. This should be enough liquid for you to accurately draw up using a 1ml marked syringe, although you could choose your own concentration level using a similar process. By using a 1ml syringe we can successfully attach and detach needles, and store the solution filled syringe in the fridge ready for the next injection.

The dosages of Melanotan are greater then that of Melanotan II. A daily dosage of 2-3mg of Melanotan will bring about fruitful results, and a daily dosage of 1mg will do the same for Melanotan II. To restrict the undesirable side effects it is often best to start the dosages at a level of 1-1.5mg for Melanotan and 0.25mg-0.5mg for Melanotan II, and build the dosages by .25mg each day until the target dosage is reached.

The injection itself is done into the sub-cutaneous layer.

Both MT and MT II can be used for extended periods, whereby there is an initial daily administration of perhaps 2-3 weeks or until desired level of pigmentation has been achieved, followed by a maintenance phase of two injections per week.

About Melanotan

Melanotan (MT) and Melanotan II (MT-II) are both analogs of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) which is produced within the pituitary gland. Along with other melanocortins, they are responsible for various internal human functions including skin and hair pigmentation, appetite, libido and physical sexual arousal. Whilst these effects have been observed in both sexes, it is worth noting that increases in libido and sexual function are exclusive to MT-II.

Prompted by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, α-MSH release consequently stimulates production of melanin from the melanocytes within the skin. Melanin, as I'm sure you are aware, is a brown pigment and responsible for the tanning of the skin. Simply put, more α-MSH means more melanin, resulting in greater skin pigmentation. Since bodybuilding is such an aesthetic pursuit, and with darker skin that accentuates muscularity, it's little wonder that these drugs are in such high demand.

Melanotan may refer to one of two separate peptides:

Afamelanotide, originally developed under the names "Melanotan-1" or "Melanotan I" for skin tanning, a drug currently in trials in implant form as a prophylactic treatment for a series of light affected skin disorders and potential skin cancer preventative agent

Melanotan II, a drug originally developed as a skin tanning agent, but subsequently investigated as a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction.

While Melanotan is a straight, full length peptide, Melanotan II is a shortened, circular version of the afamelanotide peptide. While both Melanotan and Melanotan II have a tanning effect, there are some more side effects reported by users of MT II. Libido enhancement and spontaneous erections are surprising side effects of MT II that have been reported by the users.

MT causes tanning without any side effects and hence it is considered to better of the two peptides. But because the amino acid sequence is shorter in MT II, there are more MT II peptide chains available as compared to MT. Another major difference between MT and MT II is that MT II is cheaper than MT and this lures people to go for it rather than MT.