Nonapeptide-1 200mg (Topical)

Nonapeptide-1200mg

Nonapeptide-1, also called Melanostatine™™ 5, is a propriety peptide that was originally developed for its antimicrobial activities. Animal research has revealed, however, that nonapeptide-1 can inhibit the synthesis of melanin, which makes it of interest for treating certain skin conditions. Animal models suggest that nonapeptide-1 can reduce synthesis of melanin and help decrease skin pigmentation to a substantial degree.

Research Application:

Nonapeptide-1 is of primary research interest for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the action of tyrosinase in melanin-producing cells. The ability to regulate melanin production has potential application in a number of conditions, including photodamage of the skin.

Research also suggests that nonapeptide-1 may play a role in the central nervous system where it may act on both dopaminergic receptors and opioid receptors to modify pain signaling as well as behavior. Studies in mice support the idea that nonapeptide-1 may have central actions that affect behavior and pain [1].

What Is Nonapeptide-1?

Nonapeptide-1 was first isolated from the yeast Streptomyces clavifer, but is now produced synthetically through recombinant genetic technology. It was first developed for its antimicrobial activities, but has since been found to be a strong inhibitor of melanin formation laboratory studies of yeast and melanoma (skin cancer) cells [2]. Nonapeptide-1 consists of the amino acids arginine-lysine-methionine-phenylalanine-proline-tryptophan-valine.

What Does Nonapeptide-1 Do?

In cosmeceutical terms, nonapeptide-1 is a radiance promoter and whitening agentv[3]. In technical terms it is a melanin synthesis inhibitor that works by interfering with the action of tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is the primary enzyme responsible for the synthesis of melanin in specialized cells called melanocytes. Any interference with tyrosinase prevent melanocytes from producing pigmentv [4]. By inhibiting tyrosinase, nonapeptide-1 can help to reduce pigment production in the skin in animal studies and thus lighten darker areas that have been damaged by the sun and certain diseases.

There is some evidence that nonapeptide-1 acts by interfering with melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). MSH increases during pregnancy, as a result of certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, Addison’s disease), and as a result of excessive sun exposure. MSH is a derivative of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Synthetic analogues of MSH, such as melanotan II, mimic the effects of the natural molecule and can lead to skin darkening. Interestingly, not everyone responds to MSH. Red-heads, for instance, do not tan well because they have variations in their MSH receptors that result in poor response to MSH in the blood.

Nonapeptide-1 Research on Skin Lightening

Research in fungi indicates that nonapeptide-1, at a concentration of 200 ug/mL, is capable of fully inhibiting the synthesis of melanin2. Fungi are used in this particular research because they more closely approximate conditions in human cells, but require fewer resources than animal models. Research in animal models indicates that nonapeptide-1 may effectively reduce pigmentation, after just one application, for up to 28 days at a timev[5]. At 100 micromolar concentration, nonapeptide-1 can inhibit 25-35% of tyrosinase activity in animal models and can reduce the melanin content of melanocytes by 27-43% [4].