The “bonding hormone” with roles in social connection, stress reduction, sexual function, and gut motility.
Oxytocin is a nine-amino acid neuropeptide hormone produced by magnocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus, and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It is best known for its roles in parturition (labor induction) and lactation, but research over the past two decades has revealed a much broader role as a master regulator of social behavior, stress response, and gut function. Oxytocin is often called the “bonding hormone” or “love hormone” because it is released during physical touch, social connection, and sexual activity, and it promotes trust, empathy, and prosocial behavior. It also has significant anti-anxiety effects, modulates the HPA stress axis, enhances sexual function, and has demonstrated gut-healing properties in animal models. Intranasal administration allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and directly modulate CNS oxytocin receptor signaling.
C43H66N12O12S2
1007.19 Da
~3 minutes (IV); ~1 hour (intranasal)
Intranasal (preferred for CNS effects), Subcutaneous injection
10–40 IU (intranasal)
As needed or daily
“The “bonding hormone” with roles in social connection, stress reduction, sexual function, and gut motility.”
Oxytocin binds to the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) — a Gq/11-coupled GPCR — expressed throughout the brain (amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, brainstem) and peripheral tissues (uterus, mammary glands, gut, heart, immune cells). In the amygdala, OXTR activation reduces fear and anxiety responses by inhibiting amygdala hyperactivity and modulating the HPA axis (reducing CRH and cortisol). In the nucleus accumbens and VTA, oxytocin enhances dopamine signaling, contributing to social reward and bonding. In the gut, OXTR activation on enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells modulates motility, and oxytocin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in the intestinal mucosa through inhibition of NF-κB. Oxytocin also activates the vagus nerve, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and gut-brain axis effects. Intranasal oxytocin bypasses the blood-brain barrier through olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways, providing direct CNS delivery.
10–40 IU (intranasal)
As needed or daily
2–4 weeks
Intranasal (preferred for CNS effects)
Intranasal administration provides CNS delivery. Use 10–20 IU per nostril. Can be used before social situations, exercise, or intimacy.
Available as nasal spray. Injectable: per prescriber instructions.
Refrigerate. Nasal spray: use within 30 days of opening.
When sourcing Oxytocin for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.
>98% (verified by HPLC)
Must be provided by supplier
<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination)
Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility
Independent lab verification preferred
Refrigerate. Nasal spray: use within 30 days of opening.
The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.
Multiple randomized controlled trials with high confidence in efficacy and safety data.
Peptides commonly used alongside Oxytocin for synergistic effects.
An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder with central nervous system mechanism.
Category
Hormone & GH
Status
Dose
10–40 IU (intranasal)
Frequency
As needed or daily
Cycle
2–4 weeks
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Protocols
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FDA Disclaimer: The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many compounds described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Some are available only as compounded preparations or as materials sold for laboratory use, and several are on FDA's Category 2 list for significant safety risks. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice or a recommendation to use any compound described.
