Peptide Research Database
Research-backed information on peptides — dosage, half-life, risks, and the latest peer-reviewed studies from PubMed.
ACE-031
A soluble activin receptor type IIB fusion protein (ActRIIB-Fc) that acts as a broad-spectrum myostatin/activin 'decoy receptor,' intercepting these muscle-growth inhibitors before they reach target tissues. Produced rapid muscle mass gains in clinical trials without exercise, but development was halted due to vascular side effects caused by inadvertent blockade of BMP-9/BMP-10 endothelial signaling.
AICAR
5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide — an endogenous intermediate of purine biosynthesis that activates AMP-kinase (AMPK), the cellular energy sensor triggered by exercise. Mimics the metabolic effects of endurance exercise at the cellular level, enhancing fat oxidation, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Banned by WADA as a metabolic modulator after detection in professional cycling.
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157 — a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. The most widely studied regenerative peptide, with extensive animal research demonstrating healing effects on tendons, ligaments, muscles, the gut, and multiple organ systems. Uniquely stable in gastric acid, enabling both injectable and oral administration.
BPC-157 + TB-500
A combination product pairing BPC-157 and TB-500 in a single vial, targeting complementary healing pathways. BPC-157 provides localized gut, tendon, and ligament repair through VEGF and NO modulation, while TB-500 drives systemic tissue regeneration through actin-mediated cell migration. The most popular peptide combination in regenerative medicine protocols.
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
A synthetic GHRH analogue (also called Mod GRF 1-29) consisting of the first 29 amino acids of native GHRH with four amino acid substitutions for increased enzymatic stability. Stimulates natural, pulsatile growth hormone release while preserving the body's somatostatin feedback regulation. One of the most commonly prescribed GH peptides, often combined with Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
The most commonly prescribed peptide combination in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Pairs the GHRH analogue CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) with the selective ghrelin-mimetic Ipamorelin for synergistic, pulsatile growth hormone release. Exploits two complementary signaling pathways — cAMP (GHRH) and calcium/PLC (ghrelin receptor) — to amplify GH pulses while maintaining minimal side effects.
CJC-1295 with DAC
CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex — the same core GHRH analogue as Mod GRF 1-29 but with a reactive succinimide linker that covalently binds to circulating albumin after injection. This albumin binding dramatically extends the half-life from 30 minutes to nearly a week, allowing weekly dosing. Produces sustained rather than pulsatile GH elevation, which some practitioners consider less physiological.
Enclomiphene
The trans-isomer of clomiphene citrate — a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that stimulates endogenous testosterone production by blocking estrogen negative feedback at the hypothalamus and pituitary. Used in men's health clinics as an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy that preserves fertility and testicular function. Unlike mixed clomiphene (Clomid), enclomiphene lacks the estrogenic cis-isomer (zuclomiphene) that causes many of clomiphene's side effects.
EPO
Erythropoietin — a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by peritubular cells in the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow. FDA-approved for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, and surgical blood loss. Notorious for widespread abuse in endurance sports (cycling, distance running) due to its ability to dramatically increase oxygen-carrying capacity.
Follistatin
A naturally occurring glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes myostatin, activin, and other TGF-beta superfamily members with picomolar affinity. Effectively removes the body's natural brake on muscle growth by sequestering myostatin — the primary negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. Available in two main isoforms: FS344 (circulating, commercially available) and FS315 (tissue-bound, longer acting).
GDF-8 (Myostatin)
Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (myostatin) — the body's primary negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. This is the target molecule, not a therapeutic agent. It is sold as a research reagent for binding assays, antibody development, and myostatin-inhibitor screening. Natural loss-of-function mutations in the myostatin gene produce extraordinary muscle hypertrophy in cattle, dogs, and humans, making myostatin inhibition one of the most pursued targets in muscle wasting research.
GHRP-2
A synthetic hexapeptide and the second most potent GHRP for GH release after Hexarelin. Occupies a middle ground in the GHRP family — strong GH stimulation with moderate (not excessive) effects on cortisol and prolactin. One of the best-characterized GHRPs pharmacologically, with extensive clinical trial data from Japan. Also demonstrates gastroprotective properties in animal models.
GHRP-6
One of the earliest synthetic growth hormone releasing peptides, first developed in the 1980s. Notable for producing strong GH release accompanied by intense appetite stimulation due to its potent ghrelin-mimetic activity. Research on GHRP-6 actually led to the discovery of the ghrelin receptor and subsequently the ghrelin hormone itself. Also demonstrates cytoprotective properties in cardiac, hepatic, and gastric tissue.
Gonadorelin
Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) identical to the 10-amino-acid endogenous hormone produced by the hypothalamus. Stimulates pulsatile FSH and LH release from the anterior pituitary when administered in a pulsatile pattern. Used for fertility treatment, hypogonadism diagnosis, and maintaining testicular function and fertility during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
HCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin — a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy that closely mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). FDA-approved for hypogonadism and fertility treatment. Widely used in TRT protocols to maintain testicular function, fertility, and intratesticular testosterone levels, and in post-cycle therapy (PCT) after anabolic steroid use.
Hexarelin
A synthetic hexapeptide and one of the most potent growth hormone releasing peptides available, producing the highest GH release amplitude among the GHRP family. Unique among GHRPs for its significant cardioprotective properties mediated through GHS receptor activation in cardiac tissue. However, its potency comes with broader neuroendocrine side effects than more selective alternatives like Ipamorelin.
HGH 191AA
Recombinant human growth hormone (somatotropin), identical to the 191-amino-acid protein naturally produced by the anterior pituitary gland. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency and several other conditions under multiple brand names (Norditropin, Genotropin, Humatrope). Widely used off-label in anti-aging medicine and bodybuilding for its effects on body composition, recovery, and tissue regeneration.
HMG
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin — a urinary-derived gonadotropin preparation containing both FSH and LH activity extracted from postmenopausal women's urine. FDA-approved for fertility treatment in both women (ovulation induction) and men (spermatogenesis stimulation). Also used off-label in bodybuilding for post-cycle therapy to restore endogenous hormone production.
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 — the 70-amino-acid peptide hormone that serves as the primary mediator of growth hormone's anabolic effects throughout the body. Produced mainly by the liver in response to GH signaling, IGF-1 drives protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and tissue growth. FDA-approved as Increlex for primary IGF-1 deficiency, with off-label use in bodybuilding and anti-aging for its potent anabolic and recovery-enhancing properties.
IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 — a modified 83-amino-acid analogue of native IGF-1 with an arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension. These modifications dramatically reduce binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing free bioactive IGF-1 signaling by orders of magnitude. One of the most potent anabolic peptides available, capable of promoting muscle cell hyperplasia (new cell creation) rather than solely hypertrophy.
IGF-DES
Des(1-3) IGF-1 — a naturally occurring truncated form of IGF-1 missing the first three N-terminal amino acids. This truncation reduces IGFBP binding by approximately 10-fold while retaining full IGF-1 receptor affinity, making it more potent than native IGF-1 per unit. Much shorter acting than IGF-1 LR3, making it suited for site-specific intramuscular injection to promote localized muscle growth.
Insulin
A 51-amino-acid peptide hormone essential for glucose metabolism and the most potent anabolic hormone in the body. FDA-approved for diabetes management under multiple brand names and formulation types (rapid, short, intermediate, and long-acting). Used in advanced bodybuilding for extreme nutrient shuttling and synergistic anabolic effects with GH and IGF-1, but carries the highest acute risk of any compound used in performance enhancement.
Ipamorelin
The most selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) available, stimulating GH release from the pituitary with minimal effects on cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. Considered the mildest and safest GHRP, making it the most widely prescribed growth hormone peptide in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Often the recommended starting point for patients new to GH-optimizing peptide therapy.
MGF
Mechano Growth Factor — an IGF-1 splice variant produced locally in damaged muscle tissue in response to mechanical stress. Acts as the 'first responder' in the muscle repair cascade by activating quiescent satellite cells (muscle stem cells) and initiating the regeneration process. Extremely short-lived, making the PEGylated version (PEG-MGF) more practical for most applications.
MK-677
An orally active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue also known as Ibutamoren. Mimics ghrelin and stimulates GH release through the same receptor (GHS-R1a) as injectable GHRPs, but with the convenience of oral dosing. The only orally bioavailable GH secretagogue, making it uniquely popular despite not being technically a peptide. Investigated in clinical trials for muscle wasting and osteoporosis but never completed FDA approval.
PEG-MGF
PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor — MGF conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer chains to dramatically extend its biological half-life from minutes to hours. Unlike native MGF which acts only locally at the injection site, PEG-MGF circulates systemically, reaching satellite cells in multiple muscle groups. The most practical form of MGF for therapeutic use.
Sermorelin
A synthetic GHRH analogue consisting of the first 29 amino acids of native GHRH and the first GHRH peptide to receive FDA approval (as Geref, for pediatric GH deficiency). Considered one of the safest and best-studied GH-stimulating peptides, with one of the longest clinical track records. Preserves natural pulsatile GH release by working within the body's existing hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loop.
SLU-PP-332
An ERRα (estrogen-related receptor alpha) agonist developed at Washington University. A next-generation exercise mimetic that enhances endurance capacity and promotes slow-twitch muscle fiber transformation through a completely different mechanism than AICAR. Activates the same transcriptional programs that endurance training induces, including mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism genes.
TB-500
Thymosin Beta-4 Acetate — a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide found in nearly all human cells, where it serves as the primary intracellular actin-sequestering protein. Plays a central role in tissue repair, cell migration, angiogenesis, and inflammation reduction. One of the most potent wound-healing peptides identified, with significant data in cardiac, dermal, and corneal repair models.
Tesamorelin
A synthetic GHRH analogue and the only one with active FDA approval, indicated for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (marketed as Egrifta). Modified with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group on the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence for improved receptor binding affinity. Widely used off-label for body composition improvement and reduction of visceral adipose tissue.
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
A popular combination pairing the FDA-approved GHRH analogue Tesamorelin with the selective ghrelin-mimetic Ipamorelin for enhanced growth hormone release. Favored for body composition improvement, visceral fat reduction, and anti-aging. Tesamorelin's proven clinical efficacy for visceral fat reduction combined with Ipamorelin's clean side-effect profile makes this a premium GH peptide protocol.
Recent Research
A novel exopolysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum H6 improves cholesterol metabolism via Muribaculum-mediated activation of the enterohepatic FXR-FGF15 axis.
Reactive Carbonyl Species Mediate Isothiocyanate Signaling Pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana Guard Cells.
Amylin and the renin-angiotensin system: risk or opportunity in amylin-based therapy?
Amylin and the renin-angiotensin system: risk or opportunity in amylin-based therapy?
Increased levels of systemic iron content in adult-onset interleukin-6 knockout mice.