Oxytocin — Neuropeptide hormone
Binds oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in brain and peripheral tissues. Centrally: modulates social bonding, trust, anxiety reduction, and stress response (HPA axis attenuation). Peripherally: uterine contraction, milk ejection, and cardiovascular protection.
Overview
This page is part of Hormonaly's evidence-graded compound library. All clinical claims are linked to peer-reviewed sources via our dual-layer citation verification pipeline.
Compound Class
Neuropeptide hormone
Mechanism of Action
Binds oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in brain and peripheral tissues. Centrally: modulates social bonding, trust, anxiety reduction, and stress response (HPA axis attenuation). Peripherally: uterine contraction, milk ejection, and cardiovascular protection.
Regulatory Status
FDA approved (Pitocin for labor induction/augmentation)
Evidence Level
High (obstetric); Moderate (behavioral/psychiatric off-label)