HormonalModerate Evidence

Oxytocin

Also known as: Love hormone, Pitocin

Neuropeptide hormone regulating social bonding, trust, reproduction, and stress modulation.

Benefits

Conditions

Evidence

Extensive research, FDA approved for labor/lactation+ studies

Source

Synthetic nonapeptide

Gabriel Brain Score

Moderate

Overview

Neuropeptide hormone regulating social bonding, trust, reproduction, and stress modulation.

Mechanism of Action

Binds oxytocin receptors in brain (amygdala, nucleus accumbens) and periphery, reduces amygdala reactivity to decrease anxiety, enhances parasympathetic nervous system activity, facilitates social bonding and trust, triggers uterine contractions and milk letdown.

Key Benefits

✓Enhances social bonding and trust
✓Reduces anxiety and stress
✓Improves mood and emotional regulation
✓Supports romantic and parental attachment
✓May improve autism symptoms (investigational)
✓Facilitates childbirth and lactation

Clinical Applications

Social anxietyAutism spectrum disorder (investigational)PTSDDepressionLabor induction (approved use)Postpartum hemorrhage prevention

Dosing Guidelines

Intranasal spray

Typical Dose18-40 IU

Frequency1-3 times daily

DurationVariable

Intravenous (medical use)

Typical DoseVariable for labor induction

FrequencyContinuous infusion

DurationAs directed

* Dosing should be individualized. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Research & Evidence

Evidence Level

Moderate

Studies

Extensive research, FDA approved for labor/lactation

Summary

FDA approved for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage. Strong research on social bonding and anxiety reduction. Clinical trials ongoing for autism and PTSD. Intranasal formulations for psychiatric use investigational.

Safety Information

Potential Side Effects

•Nasal irritation (intranasal)
•Headache
•Nausea
•Uterine hyperstimulation (IV obstetric use)

Contraindications

Pregnancy (unless for labor induction)
Hypersensitivity

Interactions

⚠Caution with vasoconstrictors in obstetric use

Quick Facts

CategoryHormonal

SourceSynthetic nonapeptide

Legal StatusFDA approved for labor induction; intranasal for other uses investigational

Gabriel Brain Score

83/ 100

Source Your Protocol

Our preferred peptide partner offers lab-tested, COA-verified peptides with optional physician oversight. Sourced from US-regulated facilities.

Related Peptides

Angiotensin 1-7

Protective peptide of the renin-angiotensin system with vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

EmergingLearn more →

Kisspeptin

Neuropeptide that regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone and reproductive function.

EmergingLearn more →

Vasopressin

Neuropeptide hormone regulating water balance, blood pressure, and cognitive function.

StrongLearn more →