Every peptide, fully explained.

What it actually is

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N methyltransferase (NNMT). In adipose tissue, elevated NNMT activity is linked to a sluggish metabolism and resistance to fat loss. Blocking it appears to restore NAD+ and SAM pools inside fat cells.

Why people use it

• Targeted reduction of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue without appetite suppression
• Preserves lean muscle during a cut, unlike GLP-1s, it does not blunt hunger
• Anecdotal reports of improved insulin sensitivity and energy

What it actually is

AOD-9604 is the modified C terminal fragment (amino acids 176–191) of hGH. It was engineered to retain the fat mobilizing properties of growth hormone while stripping out the IGF-1-driven anabolic and glucose altering effects.

Why people use it

• Mobilization of stored fat for energy, particularly around the midsection
• Does not raise IGF-1 or blood sugar, so it stacks cleanly with most other peptides
• Popular in 'recomp' phases where users want to drop fat without losing strength

What it actually is

Cagrilintide is a long acting amylin receptor agonist. Amylin is co secreted with insulin and tells the brain you're full. People with insulin resistance often have a broken amylin signal,  this restores it.

Why people use it

• Significant appetite reduction, especially evening snacking and reward driven eating
• Slows gastric emptying for longer satiety
• Stacks with GLP-1s (semaglutide, tirzepatide) for synergistic weight loss

What it actually is

Retatrutide is a once-weekly investigational medicine that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. GLP-1 and GIP affect appetite, insulin response, and blood glucose; the glucagon component may also increase energy expenditure. In a 48-week Phase 2 obesity trial, the highest-dose group had a mean weight reduction of about 24%, but that result cannot be compared directly with a different trial or treated as a guarantee. Retatrutide is not currently an approved prescription medicine, and its long-term benefit-risk profile is still being studied.

Retatrutide remains investigational. Published trials used gradual dose escalation to improve tolerability. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and increased heart rate have been reported. It should not be described as an approved alternative to semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Why people use it

• Interest in the strongest average weight-loss signal reported among late-stage incretin studies
• Research into obesity, insulin resistance, and reduction of excess liver fat
• Once-weekly action across three metabolic receptor pathways
• Important distinction: trial results come from controlled investigational use, not unverified research products

What it actually is

Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist used in approved prescription products including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. It increases glucose-dependent insulin release, reduces glucagon when glucose is elevated, slows gastric emptying, and influences appetite centers in the brain. The brand, dose, route, and indication matter: weekly diabetes dosing, weekly weight-management dosing, and oral semaglutide are not interchangeable instructions.

Dose escalation is intentionally gradual because nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and reduced appetite often increase after a dose change. Product labeling also includes important contraindications and warnings, including personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.

Why people use it

• Type 2 diabetes treatment with strong A1C and fasting-glucose evidence
• Chronic weight management when prescribed under the appropriate indication
• Cardiovascular risk reduction in specific higher-risk populations supported by outcome trials
• A large evidence base and longer real-world history than newer dual or triple agonists

What it actually is

Activates both GLP-1 (satiety, glucose) and glucagon (energy expenditure, hepatic fat). The glucagon arm explains why weight loss is faster than pure GLP-1s without proportionally more appetite suppression.

Why people use it

• Significant NAFLD/NASH — strong liver fat reduction signal in trials
• Weight loss with a metabolic rate that actually rises
• Twice weekly dosing fits busy travel schedules

What it actually is

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for chronic weight management and other labeled indications. The two incretin pathways work together on appetite, glucose-dependent insulin release, glucagon signaling, and metabolic regulation. In obesity trials, higher-dose groups achieved average weight reductions around 20%, though individual response and tolerability vary.

The labeled starting dose is a treatment-initiation dose, not a maintenance target. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and reduced appetite are common during escalation. Product labeling includes contraindications and warnings that should be reviewed with a clinician.

Why people use it

• Type 2 diabetes treatment with substantial A1C reduction
• Chronic weight management with a higher average trial response than semaglutide in head-to-head research
• Once-weekly dosing and a labeled step-up schedule designed around tolerability
• An approved option for people discussing a dual agonist with their clinician

What it actually is

CagriSema pairs Semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) with Cagrilintide (a long acting amylin analog). Amylin hits satiety pathways GLP-1 misses, which is why in trials this combo produced meaningfully greater weight loss than either alone — with less appetite rebound between doses.

Titrate up slowly — combined GI side effects can be additive in the first 2–3 weeks.

Why people use it

• Better weekly appetite control than semaglutide alone
• Smoother glucose curves through the week
• Less 'food noise' and evening hunger
• Stalled semaglutide users looking for a next step

What it actually is

Combines Retatrutide (GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon triple agonist) with Cagrilintide (amylin analog). Retatrutide already produces the largest weight loss of any incretin in trials; adding amylin extends satiety and may protect lean mass during aggressive cuts.

Highly potent — start at low doses and titrate. GI side effects and fatigue are more common than with sema/cagri.

Why people use it

• Maximum effect fat loss protocols
• Users who have plateaued on tirzepatide or reta alone
• Improved satiety and glucose response vs. reta monotherapy
• Weekly dosing convenience

What it actually is

Adipotide (FTPP) is a proapoptotic peptidomimetic that targets prohibitin on the vasculature of white adipose tissue, effectively starving fat cells of their blood supply. Primate studies showed dramatic fat loss with fat cell death, not just fat cell shrinkage — but with real kidney concerns at higher doses.

Highly investigational. Kidney function should be monitored; short cycles only. Not a mainstream protocol.

Why people use it

• Extreme short cycle fat loss research protocols
• Users targeting fat cell number, not just size
• Curiosity about permanent adipose reduction

What it actually is

SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule agonist of estrogen related receptors (ERRα/β/γ). In mice it produced endurance and metabolic changes that look like the effects of consistent aerobic training — improved fat oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and running capacity — without the training itself.

Not a peptide — it's a small molecule. Dose AM pre training. Long term human safety data is limited.

Why people use it

• Endurance and stamina support during cuts
• Improved fat oxidation without appetite suppression
• Users combining with GLP-1s to preserve output
• Curiosity about 'exercise in a vial' research

What it actually is

HGH Fragment 176-191 is the C-terminal portion of growth hormone responsible for lipolysis. Because it lacks the IGF-1 signaling region, it does not drive tissue growth, raise blood sugar, or affect the thyroid axis the way full hGH does.

250mcg AM fasted, 5 days on and 2 off. Eat 20 to 30 minutes after dosing so free fatty acids get used, not restored.

Why people use it

• Fat mobilization without appetite suppression
• No effect on IGF-1, glucose, or insulin sensitivity
• Stacks cleanly with GH secretagogues and GLP-1s

What it actually is

ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is an 11-amino acid peptide derived from the tissue protective portion of EPO. It binds the innate repair receptor on inflamed and damaged tissues, especially small nerve fibers.

Why people use it

• Repair of small fiber neuropathy and chronic nerve pain
• Anti inflammatory action in autoimmune and metabolic conditions
• Improvement in neuropathic symptoms reported in clinical trials for sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes

What it actually is

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound) is a stable 15-amino acid fragment naturally found in human gastric juice. It is a cytoprotective peptide: it drives angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) through the VEGF and FAK-paxillin pathways, modulates the nitric oxide system, and stabilizes cell membranes under stress. Because it survives stomach acid, it stays active whether taken orally or injected — unusual for a peptide. In animal research it has accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, bone, gut lining, cornea, and even brain tissue after injury.

For acute injuries, many users inject near (not into) the injury site twice daily for the first 2–4 weeks, then switch to systemic dosing. Gut protocols run systemically at 250–500 mcg/day. BPC-157 is not FDA approved and should be researched under qualified supervision.

Why people use it

• Tendon and ligament injuries — particularly stubborn ones like tennis elbow, Achilles strains, rotator cuff tears, and plantar fasciitis
• Muscle tears, hamstring pulls, and scar tissue remodelling after repeated strains
• Leaky gut, ulcers, GERD, and IBD-style inflammation of the gut lining
• Post-surgical recovery — surgical sites heal faster with fewer adhesions reported
• Bone healing — accelerates callus formation in fractures and stress injuries
• Nerve recovery — animal studies show improved regrowth after nerve crush and reduced neuropathic pain
• Eye support — corneal healing signal in animal research
• Protection against NSAID and alcohol gut damage — the original research angle
• Counteracting blood pressure drops and clotting irregularities seen in systemic inflammatory states
• Localized injections near the injury site often outperform systemic dosing for stubborn tendon injuries

What it actually is

Lower dose BPC-157 protocol intended for general recovery rather than acute injury. Same peptide, smaller daily draw, run as a maintenance cycle. BPC-157 is cytoprotective — at maintenance doses it keeps the gut lining resilient and connective tissue healthy between training blocks.

Why people use it

• Day to day gut health — heartburn, food sensitivities, ulcerative symptoms
• Mild chronic joint discomfort and morning stiffness
• Recovery during heavy training blocks
• Keeping tendon and ligament tissue resilient after rehabbing an injury
• Gut protection while taking NSAIDs or alcohol on occasion

What it actually is

The most common BPC-157 cycle — 250 mcg/day, five on/two off, eight weeks at a time. Suits gut repair, joint preservation, and general recovery. At this dose most users report noticeable gut improvement within 1–2 weeks and joint/connective tissue gains building over the full 8-week cycle.

Why people use it

• Foundational 'healing stack' peptide alongside TB-500 or GHK-Cu
• Gut repair — ulcers, reflux, IBD-style inflammation
• Recovery between training cycles or after travel
• Tendon and joint maintenance that prevents repeat injuries
• Gentle on the system; rarely produces side effects at this dose

What it actually is

20 mg vial reconstituted in 4 mL — same 250 mcg dose, same draw, more doses per vial. Practical for long protocols or households running two cycles in parallel. Reconstituted BPC-157 stays stable under refrigeration for weeks.

Why people use it

• Cost efficient way to run an 8-week cycle
• Less frequent reconstitution
• Long gut-repair protocols that run beyond one small vial

What it actually is

Known as the Wolverine Blend. BPC-157 drives angiogenesis at the injury site; TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) drives cell migration and actin remodeling. Together they cover both halves of soft tissue healing — the blood supply AND the cells that rebuild the tissue.

Why people use it

• Significant or multi site injuries — the blend covers local and systemic healing at once
• Post surgical recovery with both tissue rebuilding and blood supply needs
• When a single peptide cycle isn't moving the needle
• Chronic tendon injuries that failed BPC-157 alone
• Full-body recovery blocks with multiple nagging sites

What it actually is

A naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly His Lys) bound to copper. Plasma levels drop sharply with age. Restoring it activates fibroblasts, increases collagen and elastin synthesis, and accelerates wound healing.

Why people use it

• Reversing skin thinning, fine lines, and laxity
• Hair regrowth in androgenic and stress related thinning
• Faster recovery from cosmetic procedures (microneedling, laser)
• Subcutaneous injection systemically; topical for targeted skin work

What it actually is

A tripeptide (Lys Pro Val) at the tail end of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone. It enters cells and downregulates NF-κB driven inflammation directly, without the pigmentation effects of the full α-MSH molecule.

Why people use it

• Inflammatory bowel symptoms — Crohn's, UC, IBS flares
• Mast cell activation and histamine intolerance
• Skin inflammation — eczema, psoriasis (oral or topical)

What it actually is

A synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, the most abundant actin sequestering protein in the body. Drives cell migration into injured tissue, blood vessel formation, and stem cell activation.

Why people use it

• Systemic injuries — when localized BPC-157 isn't enough
• Hair regrowth (notably in some MPB protocols)
• Pairs naturally with BPC-157

What it actually is

GLOW is a compounded blend of GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500. GHK-Cu drives copper into fibroblasts to upregulate collagen and elastin; BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis and tissue repair; TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) mobilizes actin to accelerate cell migration into damaged areas. Together they target skin quality, hair, and connective tissue recovery from a single injection.

Most users dose subcutaneously into the abdomen in the morning. Avoid IM near recent fillers or cosmetic work for 7 days.

Why people use it

• Visibly firmer, more even skin tone within 4–8 weeks
• Faster recovery from cosmetic procedures (microneedling, lasers, PRP)
• Hair density and scalp health support
• Joint and soft tissue maintenance without juggling three vials

What it actually is

KLOW is GLOW (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500) with KPV — the C terminal tripeptide of α-MSH — added in. KPV is a potent anti inflammatory that works in the gut lining and on mast cells, which is why this blend is reached for when skin issues track with gut inflammation, eczema, or histamine flares.

Subcutaneous, AM. KPV is also stable orally — some protocols split between SubQ and oral capsule for gut focused use.

Why people use it

• Skin issues that flare with gut symptoms (eczema, rosacea, dermatitis)
• IBD style gut inflammation alongside skin repair goals
• Post antibiotic gut + skin restoration
• Stacked recovery: gut, skin, hair, joints in one daily injection

What it actually is

Modified GHRH (1-29) that mimics the body's own pulsatile growth hormone release. Without DAC it stays in circulation for only ~30 minutes, so it produces a natural pulse rather than a sustained elevation.

Why people use it

• Better sleep depth (GH surges during slow wave sleep)
• Lean recomposition without aromatization or shut down
• Pairs with Ipamorelin for a true GHRH + GHRP synergistic pulse

What it actually is

The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) extends half life to roughly a week by binding to serum albumin. Dosing drops to twice weekly and GH levels stay elevated rather than pulsing.

Why people use it

• Convenience — twice weekly injection vs. daily
• Sustained anabolic signaling for muscle and connective tissue
• Less suited to those who want to preserve normal GH pulsatility

What it actually is

Follistatin binds and neutralizes myostatin, the protein that tells skeletal muscle to stop growing. Removing the brake produces hyperplasia (new muscle fiber formation), not just hypertrophy.

Why people use it

• Breaking through plateaus in advanced trainees
• Run as a 20-day localized protocol once or twice a year
• Not a substitute for training stimulus — it amplifies whatever signal you already give the muscle

What it actually is

A potent ghrelin receptor agonist that produces the largest GH pulse of any commonly used GHRP. Also binds the CD36 receptor in cardiac tissue, with documented benefits to heart function.

Why people use it

• Largest GH pulse per injection of the GHRP family
• Demonstrated cardio protective effects in animal and small human studies
• Tolerance builds fastest — best used in short pulses, not chronically

What it actually is

A selective ghrelin receptor agonist that triggers GH release without the appetite, cortisol, or prolactin elevation seen with older GHRPs like GHRP-6.

Why people use it

• Recovery, sleep, and lean recomposition with minimal side effects
• Best foundational GHRP for long term use
• Stacks with CJC-1295 or Tesamorelin for a full GHRH + GHRP synergistic pulse

What it actually is

An alternative splice variant of IGF-1 expressed in muscle in response to mechanical load. It activates satellite cells (the stem cells of skeletal muscle) and drives new myonuclei.

Why people use it

• Localized muscle growth post workout — inject directly into the muscle just trained
• Recovery from focal muscle injury
• Use is intentionally short (4 on, 4 off) because chronic dosing downregulates the receptor

What it actually is

A truncated GHRH (1-29) that triggers the pituitary to release its own GH. The first such peptide to be widely prescribed, with decades of pediatric and anti aging clinic use.

Why people use it

• Restoring age related decline in GH and IGF-1
• Sleep depth and body composition
• Gentler than CJC-1295 or Tesamorelin; preferred starting GHRH for cautious users

What it actually is

A stabilized GHRH analog approved for HIV associated lipodystrophy. It selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue without affecting subcutaneous fat or causing the insulin issues of recombinant GH.

Why people use it

• Stubborn abdominal/visceral fat that diet and training can't move
• Improvements in lipid profile and liver fat
• Cognitive benefits in older adults (small clinical trials)

What it actually is

Tesamorelin (GHRH) primes the pituitary; Ipamorelin (GHRP) triggers the release. Together they produce a GH pulse larger than either alone, with Ipamorelin's clean side effect profile.

Why people use it

• Optimal GH protocol for body composition and recovery
• Single injection instead of two
• Sleep depth, skin quality, lean mass

What it actually is

This blend layers three growth hormone releasers: Tesamorelin (potent GHRH analog with visceral fat data), CJC-1295 no DAC (GHRH pulse extension), and Ipamorelin (clean ghrelin mimetic GH pulse without cortisol or prolactin bumps). The result is a bigger, cleaner nightly GH pulse than any of them alone.

Inject PM, on empty stomach, at least 60–90 minutes after food. Skip carbs immediately before to preserve the GH pulse.

Why people use it

• Sleep quality and recovery in older lifters
• Visceral fat reduction plus lean gains
• Skin, hair, and connective tissue quality
• Convenience — one shot instead of stacking three vials

What it actually is

GHRP-2 is a synthetic ghrelin mimetic that binds the GHS-R1a receptor to trigger a growth hormone pulse from the pituitary. It raises GH more strongly than GHRP-6 at equal doses while stimulating appetite less.

100mcg per dose is the saturating dose; more mostly raises prolactin and cortisol rather than GH. Dose on an empty stomach.

Why people use it

• Recovery and sleep depth from a restored GH pulse
• Body recomposition support alongside a GHRH like CJC-1295
• A cheaper alternative to ipamorelin for GH-axis work

What it actually is

GHRP-6 is a first-generation ghrelin mimetic. It triggers GH release through GHS-R1a and produces a strong, sudden hunger sensation roughly 20 to 30 minutes after injection, which makes it useful for bulking phases and appetite recovery.

100mcg per dose. The hunger is the point, do not run it during a cut. Cycle 8 weeks on, 8 off.

Why people use it

• Appetite stimulation during a mass phase or after illness
• GH-driven recovery and connective tissue support
• Gut motility and healing support noted in research

What it actually is

PEG-MGF is mechano growth factor with polyethylene glycol attached to extend its half-life from a few minutes to several hours. MGF is the splice variant of IGF-1 released after muscle damage that recruits satellite cells to the damaged fiber.

Injected IM post-workout into the trained muscle, 2 to 3x per week. Standard vials are 2mg. Run 4 weeks on, 4 off.

Why people use it

• Satellite cell activation for local muscle repair after hard training
• Fewer injections than standard MGF thanks to the extended release
• Localized site work alongside systemic GH protocols

What it actually is

MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist taken by mouth. It raises GH and IGF-1 for roughly 24 hours per dose, which is why it is dosed nightly rather than pulsed like injectable secretagogues.

10 to 25mg nightly, most start at 15mg. Expect water retention and hunger. Check fasting glucose and A1c: MK-677 can reduce insulin sensitivity.

Why people use it

• Sustained IGF-1 elevation without injections
• Deeper sleep and faster recovery
• Appetite and lean mass support during a bulk

What it actually is

IGF-1 LR3 is an IGF-1 analog with an Arg3 substitution and a 13 amino acid extension that resists binding proteins, extending its half-life dramatically over native IGF-1. It drives hyperplasia and nutrient partitioning systemically.

40mcg post-workout is typical; sensitive users start at 20mcg. Watch blood glucose closely, hypoglycemia is the main acute risk. 4 weeks on, 4 off.

Why people use it

• Growth signal that GH secretagogues alone cannot reach
• Nutrient partitioning and glycogen loading in muscle
• Short, aggressive growth blocks

What it actually is

IGF-1 DES is a truncated IGF-1 variant missing the first three amino acids. It is roughly ten times more potent at damaged tissue than native IGF-1 but clears within 20 to 30 minutes, so its effect stays local rather than systemic.

50mcg IM into the muscle being trained, on training days only. Short half-life means timing matters more than dose.

Why people use it

• Targeted growth in a lagging muscle group
• Very short exposure window, less systemic IGF-1 load
• Pre-workout site injections into the trained muscle

What it actually is

A nonapeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebral venous blood during electro induced sleep. It increases delta wave (slow wave) sleep, which is the restorative phase most adults are chronically short on.

Why people use it

• Restoring deep sleep that benzodiazepines and most sleep aids actually destroy
• Shift workers and frequent travelers fixing disrupted circadian rhythm
• Stress related insomnia where the issue isn't falling asleep but staying deep

What it actually is

A synthetic analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Acts on GABAergic and serotonergic systems to reduce anxiety without the cognitive blunting of benzodiazepines.

Why people use it

• Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety
• PTSD and adjustment disorders
• Used by Russian cosmonauts for stress resilience

What it actually is

An analog of ACTH(4-10). Markedly increases BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and modulates dopaminergic tone. Used in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive deficit.

Why people use it

• Focus, memory consolidation, and verbal fluency
• Recovery from concussion or stroke
• ADHD type symptoms in adults who don't want stimulants

What it actually is

Semax is a heptapeptide fragment of ACTH that raises BDNF, dopamine, and serotonin — sharpening focus and neuroprotection. Selank is an analog of tuftsin that modulates GABA and reduces anxiety without sedation. Together they produce alert calm — the profile most nootropic stacks are chasing.

Intranasal is common for both compounds and works well; subcutaneous is more consistent for daily dosing.

Why people use it

• Focus and mental clarity without stimulant jitters
• Anxiety, social stress, and burnout recovery
• Post concussion and traumatic brain injury protocols
• ADHD adjacent focus support

What it actually is

DIHEXA is a small angiotensin IV derivative that potentiates HGF/c-Met signaling, which drives synaptogenesis. In rodent models it restored cognition after scopolamine-induced impairment at very low doses, and it crosses the blood brain barrier well.

Commonly taken orally or transdermally at around 8mg daily. Human safety data is essentially absent, so short cycles (4 weeks on, 4 off) are the norm.

Why people use it

• Memory consolidation and learning support
• Recovery protocols after cognitive decline or injury
• Oral or transdermal use, no injection required

What it actually is

Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing low molecular weight neuropeptides and free amino acids with neurotrophic activity similar to BDNF and GDNF. It has been studied in stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and vascular dementia.

Pre-mixed ampoules at 215mg/mL, given IM in 10 to 20 day courses, 2 to 3 times per year rather than continuously.

Why people use it

• Post-stroke and post-concussion recovery support
• Cognitive support in age-related decline
• Mood and motivation improvement during a course

What it actually is

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate adds an acetyl group and a C-terminal amide to Semax, protecting it from enzymatic breakdown. The result is a longer-lasting BDNF and dopamine-modulating effect from the same base molecule.

Usually administered intranasally at roughly 1mg per dose, 2 to 3 days per week. Dose in the morning: it can delay sleep.

Why people use it

• Sharper focus and cognitive stamina without stimulant crash
• Neuroprotection and BDNF elevation
• Fewer doses per day than plain Semax

What it actually is

N-Acetyl Selank Amidate is the enzymatically stabilized analog of Selank, a synthetic tuftsin fragment that modulates GABA and serotonin signaling and raises BDNF. It reduces anxiety without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.

Typically intranasal, around 1mg per dose, 2 to 3 days per week. Effects are felt within an hour.

Why people use it

• Anxiety and rumination reduction while staying alert
• Better sleep onset when anxiety is the blocker
• Pairs with Semax for a calm-focus stack

What it actually is

P21 is a small peptide derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). It mimics CNTF's neurogenic signaling while being small enough to cross the blood brain barrier, and it has been studied for adult hippocampal neurogenesis and tau pathology in animal models.

1mg per dose, 5 days on and 2 off, 8 week cycles. Animal data only, no human trials.

Why people use it

• Memory and learning support through neurogenesis
• Interest in tau and neurodegeneration research
• Stacked with Semax or Selank in nootropic protocols

What it actually is

A four amino acid peptide (Ala Glu Asp Gly) synthesized to mimic Epithalamin, an extract of the pineal gland. Multiple studies from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology show it lengthens telomeres and increases lifespan in animal models.

Why people use it

• Telomere maintenance — the only commonly available peptide with this mechanism
• Restored melatonin rhythm and sleep quality, particularly in over-50s
• Run as short pulses (20 days, two or three times a year) rather than continuously

What it actually is

FOXO4-DRI disrupts the FOXO4-p53 interaction that keeps senescent ('zombie') cells alive. With that interaction broken, those cells undergo apoptosis while healthy cells are spared.

Why people use it

• Reducing senescent cell burden, which rises with age and drives inflammation
• Short, intense protocols (two weeks, two or three times a year)
• Frequently reported subjective improvements in skin, hair, and energy after a cycle

What it actually is

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate cysteine glycine) that every cell in the body makes and uses to neutralize oxidative stress, recycle vitamins C and E, and conjugate toxins in Phase II liver detox. Levels drop with age, alcohol, infection, heavy metal exposure, and chronic illness. Oral glutathione is largely broken down in the gut, which is why subcutaneous or IM injection is the preferred research route — it raises intracellular glutathione in a way pills cannot match.

Light- and oxygen sensitive. Keep the reconstituted vial wrapped in foil in the fridge and use within about 28 days. Many users pair with vitamin C, which recycles glutathione back to its active reduced form. Injectable ranges reported elsewhere run 200–600mg 2–3x per week — see the 600mg and 1500mg vial entries for that math.

Why people use it

• Liver and Phase II detox support — alcohol, mold, heavy metals, medications
• Skin brightening and more even tone (well documented in dermatology literature)
• Reduced oxidative stress markers in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and autoimmune protocols
• Stacks well with NAD+ and MOTS-c for mitochondrial recovery

What it actually is

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate cysteine glycine) that every cell in the body makes and uses to neutralize oxidative stress, recycle vitamins C and E, and conjugate toxins in Phase II liver detox. Levels drop with age, alcohol, infection, heavy metal exposure, and chronic illness. Oral glutathione is largely broken down in the gut, which is why subcutaneous or IM injection is the preferred research route — it raises intracellular glutathione in a way pills cannot match.

600mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water = 300mg/mL, so 200mg draws ~67 units on a 1mL U-100 syringe (3 doses per vial). Add 3mL instead for 200mg/mL and a 200mg dose becomes a full 100 units — easier to measure, larger volume. Reported ranges sit at 200–600mg, 2–3x per week, injected IM (deltoid or glute, faster absorption) or subcutaneously (abdomen, slower release). Unlike GH-axis peptides this is commonly run continuously rather than cycled. Light- and oxygen sensitive — store wrapped in foil, refrigerated, and use within about 28 days.

Why people use it

• Liver and Phase II detox support — alcohol, mold, heavy metals, medications
• Skin brightening and more even tone (well documented in dermatology literature)
• Reduced oxidative stress markers in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and autoimmune protocols
• Stacks well with NAD+ and MOTS-c for mitochondrial recovery

What it actually is

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate cysteine glycine) that every cell in the body makes and uses to neutralize oxidative stress, recycle vitamins C and E, and conjugate toxins in Phase II liver detox. Levels drop with age, alcohol, infection, heavy metal exposure, and chronic illness. Oral glutathione is largely broken down in the gut, which is why subcutaneous or IM injection is the preferred research route — it raises intracellular glutathione in a way pills cannot match.

1500mg vial + 5mL bacteriostatic water = 300mg/mL, so 200mg draws ~67 units on a 1mL U-100 syringe (about 7 doses per vial). A tighter 3mL mix gives 500mg/mL: 200mg = 40 units, 400mg = 80 units, 600mg = 120 units. Reported ranges sit at 200–600mg, 2–3x per week, IM (deltoid or glute) or subcutaneous (abdomen). Commonly run continuously rather than cycled. Light- and oxygen sensitive — store wrapped in foil, refrigerated, and use within about 28 days.

Why people use it

• Liver and Phase II detox support — alcohol, mold, heavy metals, medications
• Skin brightening and more even tone (well documented in dermatology literature)
• Reduced oxidative stress markers in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and autoimmune protocols
• Stacks well with NAD+ and MOTS-c for mitochondrial recovery

What it actually is

Bioidentical to the body's own gonadotropin releasing hormone. Pulsatile dosing tells the pituitary to release LH and FSH, which keeps testicular function online.

Why people use it

• Men on TRT who want to preserve fertility and testicular size
• Restarting the HPTA after a cycle
• More physiological than HCG because it acts upstream at the pituitary

What it actually is

Human chorionic gonadotropin binds the LH receptor on Leydig cells, directly stimulating testosterone and sperm production. Acts downstream of the pituitary.

Why people use it

• TRT users preserving fertility and testicular volume
• Restoring function after long suppression
• Stronger and more direct than gonadorelin, at the cost of being less physiological

What it actually is

A nine amino acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus. Drives social bonding, trust, sexual response, and uterine contraction. Often low in people with high chronic stress or insecure attachment patterns.

Why people use it

• Couples therapy and relationship work
• Reducing social anxiety and emotional flatness
• Post partum mood and recovery

What it actually is

Bremelanotide is a melanocortin receptor agonist that acts on MC4R in the central nervous system. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it doesn't work on blood vessels — it works on desire itself.

Why people use it

• Low libido in men and women (FDA approved as Vyleesi for HSDD in women)
• Cases where Viagra/Cialis fail because the issue is desire, not vasculature
• Onset 30–60 minutes, lasts hours

What it actually is

The active C terminal fragment of human cathelicidin. Disrupts bacterial, viral, and fungal membranes and modulates the innate immune response. Levels are often low in chronic infection.

Why people use it

• Chronic biofilm infections that don't clear with antibiotics
• Lyme, mold illness, and stealth pathogen protocols
• Acne and resistant skin infections

What it actually is

A polypeptide complex extracted from the thymus, with decades of Soviet and Russian clinical literature. Restores T cell function in aged or immunocompromised patients.

Why people use it

• Frequent infections in older adults
• Recovery from prolonged illness
• Run as 20-day pulses two or three times per year, not continuously

What it actually is

A 28-amino acid thymic peptide that shifts the immune response toward a balanced Th1/Th2 profile. Approved in 30+ countries for hepatitis B/C and as an immune adjuvant in cancer care.

Why people use it

• Autoimmune patterns where the immune system is dysregulated, not weak
• Chronic viral reactivation (EBV, CMV, hepatitis)
• Adjunct in immunosuppressed states

What it actually is

Same peptide, used acutely before and after international travel to brace against the immune dip that accompanies jet lag, recycled air, and disrupted circadian rhythm.

Why people use it

• Frequent international travelers
• Tour day or competition day immune support
• Bracing against seasonal exposure

What it actually is

A 28-amino acid neuropeptide that regulates vascular tone, immune modulation, and circadian rhythm. Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's CIRS protocol uses VIP as the final repair step after mold/biotoxin exposure.

Why people use it

• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and mold illness
• Pulmonary hypertension and sarcoidosis
• Most commonly delivered intranasally rather than subcutaneously