Lifestyle ⏱ Half-life: Approximately 3-5 minutes in plasma. CNS effects last 30-60+ minutes. FDA-Approved

Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Updated March 15, 2026
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Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusFDA-Approved
Injectable oxytocin FDA-approved (Pitocin) for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage; intranasal not approved
Human evidenceExtensive
Animal evidenceExtensive

Injectable oxytocin is FDA-approved and long-established in obstetrics for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage, while intranasal and behavioral uses (autism, bonding, anxiety) remain experimental with mixed trial results.

What the research does not support

  • Intranasal oxytocin is not FDA-approved for any indication.
  • It is not proven in rigorous trials to reliably improve social bonding, autism symptoms or anxiety.
  • Consumer 'love hormone' supplement claims are not supported by controlled human evidence.
Half-Life
Approximately 3-5 minutes in plasma. CNS effects last 30-60+ minutes.
Mol. Weight
1007.19 g/mol

What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is one of the most well-studied neuropeptide hormones, with roles spanning social behavior, reproductive physiology, stress response, and even wound healing. Its diverse effects reflect widespread receptor distribution throughout the brain and body.

Research Applications

Social behavior research, anxiety and PTSD studies, autism spectrum research, pain modulation, wound healing, and cardiovascular signaling.

Dosage Information (Research Use)

Intranasal research: 20-40 IU. Subcutaneous: variable. Research use only for non-clinical applications.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution for injection. Nasal spray formulations use saline.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Approximately 3-5 minutes in plasma. CNS effects last 30-60+ minutes.

Reported Observations in Literature

Generally well-tolerated at research doses. Potential cardiovascular effects (vasodilation, blood pressure changes). Context-dependent behavioral effects — can increase out-group distrust while enhancing in-group bonding.

Key Research References

  • Kosfeld M, et al. “Oxytocin increases trust in humans.” Nature. 2005

How Oxytocin Works

Oxytocin is a nine-amino acid peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It acts on oxytocin receptors in the brain (social behavior, anxiety, trust) and peripherally (uterine contraction, milk ejection, cardiovascular effects). Often called the 'bonding hormone' for its role in social attachment and pair bonding.

Research Findings

Intranasal administration reaches CNS targets. Clinical research in autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, PTSD, and pain modulation. FDA-approved as Pitocin for labor induction. Behavioral effects are context-dependent and more nuanced than popular media suggests.

Dosage & Administration

Intranasal research: 20-40 IU. Subcutaneous: variable. Research use only for non-clinical applications.

Safety & Side Effects

Generally well-tolerated at research doses. Potential cardiovascular effects (vasodilation, blood pressure changes). Context-dependent behavioral effects — can increase out-group distrust while enhancing in-group bonding.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (disulfide bridge)
Molecular Weight 1007.19 g/mol
Half-Life Approximately 3-5 minutes in plasma. CNS effects last 30-60+ minutes.
Available Sizes 2mg, 5mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Kosfeld M, et al. "Oxytocin increases trust in humans." Nature. 2005

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