Oxytocin
Also known as: Love hormone · Trust hormone · OXT · Bonding peptide
A 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that plays a central role in social bonding, trust, reproduction, and wound healing. Studied for autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, social behavior, and relationship enhancement.
What is Oxytocin? A 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that plays a central role in social bonding, trust, reproduction, and wound healing. Studied for autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, social behavior, and relationship enhancement.
How does Oxytocin work? Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary and acts on oxytocin receptors in the brain, uterus, and mammary glands. It modulates the limbic system to promote trust, reduce fear, increase empathy, and facilitate social bonding. Also stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.
Benefits of Oxytocin: Promotes social bonding and trust; Reduces anxiety and fear responses; Researched for autism spectrum disorder; Enhances empathy and prosocial behavior; Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects; Improves relationship quality and intimacy; Reduces cortisol response to stress
Oxytocin dosage: Intranasal: 20-40 IU per administration. Each nostril receives 10-20 IU. Available in 6000 IU (10mg) vials.
Oxytocin half-life: 1-6 minutes
Research status: Research Only
Source: PeptideWiki — https://www.peptide-wiki.net/peptides/oxytocin
Mechanism of Action
Oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary and acts on oxytocin receptors in the brain, uterus, and mammary glands. It modulates the limbic system to promote trust, reduce fear, increase empathy, and facilitate social bonding. Also stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection.
Amino Acid Sequence (9 AAs)
Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (Cys1-Cys6 disulfide)
Benefits
- Promotes social bonding and trust
- Reduces anxiety and fear responses
- Researched for autism spectrum disorder
- Enhances empathy and prosocial behavior
- Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects
- Improves relationship quality and intimacy
- Reduces cortisol response to stress
Side Effects & Risks
- Temporary headache
- Nausea
- Overstimulation of bonding behavior
- Potential desensitization with overuse
- Uterine contractions — avoid in pregnancy
Where to Buy Oxytocin
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Storage & Reconstitution Guide
Storage Temperature
-20°C lyophilized, 4°C reconstituted
24 months (lyophilized), 28 days (reconstituted)
Reconstitution Solvent
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or saline
Swirl gently — do not shake or vortex
Handling Notes
Protect lyophilized peptide from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Gather supplies
BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, vial
Disinfect tops
Swab rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol
Draw BAC water
Pull desired mL of BAC water into syringe
Inject slowly
Inject BAC water down the side of the peptide vial, swirl gently to dissolve
Preclinical Research & Reviews1
Oxytocin enhances social cognition and cognitive flexibility in humans
Intranasal oxytocin improved social cognition and reduced anxiety in human subjects.
Molecular Structure
- CAS Number
- 50-56-6
- PubChem CID
- 439302
- Molecular Weight
- 1,007.2 Da
- Mol. Formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- Amino Acids
- 9-AA peptide
- Wikipedia
- View article
Research Protocol
- Dose Range
- 20–40 IU
- Frequency
- As needed, 15-30 min before social interaction
- Cycle
- As needed
- Half-Life
- 1-6 minutes
- Routes
- intranasalsubcutaneous injection
- Notes
- Intranasal: 20-40 IU per administration. Each nostril receives 10-20 IU. Available in 6000 IU (10mg) vials.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Sold for research purposes only. Not for human use. Laws vary by country.
Commonly Stacked With
View all peptide stacks →External Resources
PeptideWiki Research Team
Evidence-based research data sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated: February 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxytocin
What is Oxytocin?▾
A 9-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that plays a central role in social bonding, trust, reproduction, and wound healing. Studied for autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, social behavior, and relationship enhancement.
What are the benefits of Oxytocin?▾
Promotes social bonding and trust
What are the benefits of Oxytocin?▾
Reduces anxiety and fear responses
What are the side effects of Oxytocin?▾
Temporary headache
What is the recommended dosage for Oxytocin?▾
Intranasal: 20-40 IU per administration. Each nostril receives 10-20 IU. Available in 6000 IU (10mg) vials.
How long should a Oxytocin cycle last?▾
As needed
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