The present invention provides novel compounds and use of compounds of general formula (I) as ligands to the melanocortin receptors and/or for treatment of disorders in the melanocortin system: Wherein X and Y are independently chosen from O, N, S and (CH.sub.2).sub.n, where n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, or a combination of these and may contain carbon-carbon multiple bonds and branched chains as well as alicyclic and heterocyclic groups; Q is H or OH; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be either the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen or the residue of an aromatic group as listed in Scheme 1 and the pharmacologically active salts thereof ##STR00001##