MOTS-c
In mice it improved blood-sugar handling and curbed age-related weight gain.
What it does in the body
Findings, each with its evidence level — animal data kept visibly apart from what's unproven in humans.
In mice it improved blood-sugar handling and curbed age-related weight gain.
ANIMAL MODELS ONLYProbably switches on AMPK — the cell's central energy sensor.
MECHANISM ONLYBlood levels fall with age; mice on a high-fat diet lived longer.
ANIMAL MODELS ONLYIn humans, only blood levels have been observed so far — real treatment trials are missing.
UNPROVEN IN HUMANSMechanism of action
What MOTS-c does in the body — step by step.
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome — one of few known peptides of mitochondrial origin.
It is transcribed and translated from the 12S ribosomal RNA gene.
In preclinical studies, MOTS-c has been described as circulating in cells and in the blood, able to translocate to the cell nucleus and there modulate gene expression programmes that regulate metabolic adaptation.
Research status
How far along is the evidence?
Known risks
Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:
Cited studies
Chronological — links lead to the source.
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-c?+
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome — one of few known peptides of mitochondrial origin.
What type of peptide is MOTS-c?+
MOTS-c belongs to the Other class.
What is MOTS-c used for?+
In research, MOTS-c has primarily been investigated in the context of: Anti-aging, Metabolism. These are research findings (evidence: preclinical), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.
Is MOTS-c legal in Germany?+
The regulatory status of MOTS-c in Germany is not clearly classified.
Is MOTS-c FDA-approved / legal in the US?+
No. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.
Is MOTS-c legal in Canada?+
No. MOTS-c is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.
Where can I buy MOTS-c?+
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. MOTS-c is "unclassified" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
What is the dosage of MOTS-c?+
Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for MOTS-c; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.
Is MOTS-c banned in sport (WADA)?+
MOTS-c is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of MOTS-c?+
Documented risks include: No safety profile in humans available — exclusively preclinical data; Unknown pharmacokinetics in humans. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is MOTS-c?+
The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 3 studies are cited on this page.
What is the molecular weight of MOTS-c?+
MOTS-c has a molar mass of about 2174.6 Da.
Which peptides are related to MOTS-c?+
Closely related entries: Epithalon. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Dossier
Legal · Structure · Sources.
MOTS-c has no regulatory classification in the EU or Germany. As a newly discovered peptide without a clinical development programme, it is approved neither as a medicine nor as a dietary supplement. Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. Commercially available preparations are entirely unregulated; quality and identity cannot be verified.
Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.