Alpha-MSH
Also known as: alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, α-MSH, melanocortin peptide
POMC-derived melanocortin peptide that regulates appetite via MC4R and inflammation via MC1R; studied in obesity and neuroinflammation.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Peptide hormone in mammals
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous peptide hormone and neuropeptide of the melanocortin family, with a tridecapeptide structure and the amino acid sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. It is the most important of the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) (also known as melanotropins) in stimulating melanogenesis, a process that in mammals (including humans) is responsible for pigmentation primarily of the hair and skin. It also plays a role in feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, sexual activity, and protection against ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Mechanism of Action
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous peptide hormone and neuropeptide of the melanocortin family, with a tridecapeptide structure and the amino acid sequence Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2. It is the most important of the melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) (also known as melanotropins) in stimulating melanogenesis, a process that in mammals (including humans) is responsible for pigmentation primarily of the hair and skin. It also plays a role in feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, sexual activity, and protection against ischemia and reperfusion injury.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Alpha-MSH (also known as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, α-MSH) is studied within the metabolic and weight management research community. POMC-derived melanocortin peptide that regulates appetite via MC4R and inflammation via MC1R; studied in obesity and neuroinflammation.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: active. Alpha-MSH appears across metabolic and weight management research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the weight loss category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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