Oxytocin
Oxytocin — Neuropeptide Hormone
Half-life: ~3–5 minutes (IV); intranasal effects longer-lasting
Research Profile
Relative research assessments — educational reference only.
Target Receptors
Critical Research Warning
Research chemical — not for human consumption. Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Intranasal formulations for behavioral research are not standardized pharmaceuticals.
"A nine-amino-acid neuropeptide hormone best known for childbirth and lactation, now studied extensively for social bonding, stress regulation, wound healing, and metabolic effects via intranasal delivery."
Full Description
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid peptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It is classically known for uterine contraction during labor and milk ejection during lactation (synthetic oxytocin, Pitocin, is FDA-approved for these indications). Over the past two decades it has become one of the most studied neuropeptides in behavioral science, with intranasal oxytocin investigated for social bonding, trust, anxiety, stress regulation, and psychiatric applications. More recent research has examined its roles in wound healing, obesity and metabolism, and neuroprotection after brain injury.
Mechanism of Action
Activates the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR, modulating calcium signaling in uterine myocytes, mammary tissue, and multiple brain regions (amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus). Modulates social salience, stress axis (HPA) activity, and peripheral physiology.
Reported Benefits
- • Reduces cortisol response to psychosocial stress in studies
- • Enhances social bonding and trust behaviors (context-dependent)
- • Accelerates wound healing in animal models
- • Studied for obesity, Prader-Willi syndrome, and neuroprotection
Potential Side Effects
- • Nasal irritation (intranasal route)
- • Headache or dizziness
- • Uterine contractions (pregnancy contraindication)
- • Fluid retention at high doses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is oxytocin called the "love hormone"?▼
Is oxytocin available as a drug?▼
How is it typically administered in research?▼
For Research Reference Only
Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction.
References
- 1.Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress.. PubMed (2003). Heinrichs M, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14675803/ ↑
- 2.Oxytocin Improves Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes by Suppressing Neuronal Pyroptosis and Mitochondrial Fission.. PubMed (2023). Yang M, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37317879/ ↑
- 3.Improving the precision of intranasal oxytocin research.. PubMed (2021). Winterton A, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33257880/ ↑
- 4.The efficacy of intranasal oxytocin in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. PubMed (2023). Shalma NM, et al.. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36774885/ ↑
Where to Source Oxytocin
0 vendors listed · ranked most → least trusted · not an endorsement
No vendors listed for Oxytocin yet.
Rankings are community-derived. Always independently verify COAs before any research use. PeptidePlaza is not affiliated with any vendor.
Sell Oxytocin on PeptidePlaza
Get listed as a verified vendor and reach researchers directly.