📊Moderately Popular

MOTS-c

Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c

HealthPerformanceAnti-AgingWeight Loss
Not FDA Approved

Primary recreational use: Performance enhancement

What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c is a peptide derived from mitochondrial DNA, acting as a mitohormone to regulate metabolic homeostasis. Discovered in 2015, it is primarily explored for enhancing insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and combating aging. Although not approved by the FDA, it is under investigation in preclinical studies. Users need to be cautious about its unknown long-term effects and injection site reactions.

Primary Benefits

Enhances insulin sensitivity. Improves exercise performance. Promotes longevity.

How It Works

MOTS-c is encoded by mitochondrial DNA and acts by activating AMPK. It regulates glucose uptake, enhances fatty acid oxidation, and influences nuclear gene expression by translocating to the nucleus under metabolic stress, binding to stress-response transcription factors.

Safety Tips

Precautions reported in community discussions and literature. This is not a complete list.

  • 1.DON'T start with the highest dose; begin with the lowest effective dose to assess tolerance.
  • 2.NEVER use if pregnant or breastfeeding due to unknown safety.
  • 3.AVOID using with drugs that have known AMPK interactions.
  • 4.DON'T store reconstituted solution outside of 2-8°C for more than 14 days.
  • 5.NEVER inject directly onto the powder when reconstituting.

Who Should NOT Use

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use Contexts

Different purposes have different protocols, dosing, and considerations

🔬Investigational

Metabolic health

limited evidence

Used to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation in research studies.

Evidence: Preclinical studies show improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.

The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.

Reported Range
5-15 mg
Reported Frequency
once daily
Reported Cycle
4-12 weeks
Reported Route
Subcutaneous

Timing: Morning or pre-exercise

Notes: Starting with lower doses may help to gauge personal tolerance levels.

Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations: The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.

Reported GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
Metabolic health5-10mgOnce dailySubcutaneous

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
4 hours
Time to Peak
1 hour
Clearance
~20 hours

Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)common (1-10%)
Palpitationsuncommon (0.1-1%)
Nausea and bloatinguncommon (0.1-1%)
Fatiguereported (frequency unknown)
Serious / Rare
  • Long-term effects unknown
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Injection site reactions may occur; ensure proper technique.

Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Store under refrigeration for up to 14 days
Shelf Life
14 days
Light Sensitive
No
🔬Investigational

Anti-aging

limited evidence

Research investigates potential longevity and aging-delay benefits.

Evidence: Animal studies show potential longevity benefits.

The following are ranges reported in published literature and community discussions. These are NOT recommendations or medical advice.

Reported Range
5-15 mg
Reported Frequency
three times daily
Reported Cycle
4-12 weeks
Reported Route
Subcutaneous

Timing: Morning

Notes: Appropriate for use before exercise to enhance endogenous production.

Community-Reported Protocols

Not recommendations: The following protocols are compiled from online communities and published literature. Pepbase does not endorse, recommend, or verify these protocols. They are provided for informational purposes only. Individual responses vary significantly. Consult a licensed medical professional before any use.

Reported GoalReported DoseReported FrequencyReported Route
Anti-aging protocol15mg3x weeklySubcutaneous

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life
4 hours
Time to Peak
1 hour
Clearance
~20 hours

Reported Side Effects

This is not a complete list. Other side effects may occur.

Common
Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)common (1-10%)
Palpitationsuncommon (0.1-1%)
Nausea and bloatinguncommon (0.1-1%)
Fatiguereported (frequency unknown)
Serious / Rare
  • Long-term effects unknown
Injection-Specific Warnings
  • Injection site reactions may occur; ensure proper technique.

Storage

Temperature
2-8°C
Reconstituted
Store under refrigeration for up to 14 days
Shelf Life
14 days
Light Sensitive
No

Harm Reduction Information

Quality Concerns

  • Potential contamination or purity issues from unregulated sources
  • Mislabeling or degradation risk if improperly stored

Safety Tips

  • Use sterile technique for injections
  • Reconstitute using bacteriostatic water
  • Rotate injection sites to minimize irritation

Warning Signs to Stop

  • Persistent or severe injection site reactions
  • Unusual palpitations or heart rate changes

Seek Medical Help Immediately If

  • Severe allergic reactions or injection site infections
  • Unresolved palpitations or persistent fatigue

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MOTS-c

How long until I see effects?

With MOTS-c, AMPK pathway activation can occur within 30 minutes, and glucose improvement might be visible in 1-2 weeks.

What time of day should I take it?

MOTS-c is best taken in the morning or pre-workout to optimize metabolic and exercise benefits.

How can I minimize side effects?

To minimize side effects when using MOTS-c, ensure sterile injection techniques and monitor for any injection site reactions.

Does tolerance develop?

While there's limited data on tolerance with MOTS-c, starting with a conservative dose can help manage potential tolerance development.

How should I store it?

Store MOTS-c in its lyophilized form at room temperature or in the freezer, and reconstituted at 2-8°C for up to 14 days.

Do I need to cycle it?

Typical cycles for MOTS-c range from 4 to 12 weeks, with breaks of 2-4 weeks recommended between cycles.

Reported Combinations

Compounds reported to be used alongside MOTS-c in community discussions

investigational

Metformin

Enhances glucose metabolism

investigational

NAD+ Precursors

May improve mitochondrial efficiency

investigational

Growth Hormone Peptides

Potential for enhanced metabolic effects

Reported Interactions

Interactions reported in literature and community discussions.

Metforminmoderate

May enhance glucose-lowering effects, requiring dose adjustment.

Growth hormone peptidesmoderate

Potential synergistic effects on metabolism.

Berberinemoderate

Use caution due to overlapping mechanisms.

NAD+ precursorsmoderate

Potential synergistic benefits but use caution for dose.

Diabetes medicationsmoderate

Monitor blood glucose levels due to possible interactions.

Reconstitution Calculator

mL
U100 insulin syringe01020304050607080901001mL

100 units = 1 mL

Safety Tips

  • Always consult a licensed medical professional for dosing and reconstitution instructions.
  • Always double check your units. Mixing up mg and mcg can be very dangerous.
  • Make sure to select your syringe type. U-100 and U-50 syringes have different units.
  • Ensure you're not adding more BAC than your vial can hold. Most vials have maximum capacities listed.

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, dosing recommendations, or safety determinations. Reference ranges shown are compiled from publicly available sources and are not a substitute for guidance from a licensed healthcare professional.

Explore More Research

Browse our database of peptide research information compiled from published literature and community sources.

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Citations

Last updated: October 1, 2023

Important Disclaimer

AI-Generated Content Notice

The information on this page has been compiled using artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) technology from multiple sources including published literature, online communities, and public databases. This content may contain errors, inaccuracies, outdated information, or omissions. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. You are solely responsible for independently verifying any information before relying on it.

Not Medical Advice

Nothing on this website constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. We do not provide individualized dosing guidance or treatment recommendations. Protocols and dosing information shown represent reports from community discussions and published literature—they are not endorsements or recommendations. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

No Endorsement of Use

Pepbase does not endorse, encourage, or recommend the use of any peptide or substance discussed on this website. Many compounds discussed are not approved for human use by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. Some substances may be illegal to possess, sell, or use in your jurisdiction. We do not facilitate or encourage the procurement, distribution, or use of controlled or prescription-only substances. Users are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.

Calculators and Tools

Any calculators, estimators, or tools provided on this website are for informational purposes only and produce estimates that may be inaccurate. Errors in calculations can result in serious harm. You are solely responsible for verifying all calculations independently. These tools do not account for individual factors that may affect dosing and should never be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical guidance.

Assumption of Risk

By using this website, you acknowledge that you understand the risks associated with using unregulated substances and that you assume full responsibility for your own health decisions. Pepbase, its creators, contributors, and affiliates disclaim all liability for any harm, injury, or damages arising from the use or misuse of information on this website. Use of any information on this site is entirely at your own risk.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call emergency services immediately. If you have questions about medications or supplements, consult a licensed pharmacist or physician.