Peptide Glossary
What each peptide is actually discussed for, in plain language. 39 compounds grouped by goal (Immune, Gut, Metabolic, Neuro, Healing, Hormone, Sexual Health, Advanced). Educational only, not medical advice.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Immune
Discussed for immune modulation, T-cell signaling, immune balance, and host defense support. Has stronger clinical discussion than many research-only peptides, but context still matters.
See protocol →LL-37
Immune · Gut
An antimicrobial peptide discussed in immune defense, inflammation, pathogen response, and wound-healing. Antimicrobial and immune activity can cut both ways, so it sits in the context-dependent bucket.
See protocol →KPV
Immune · Gut
A short peptide discussed for inflammatory signaling, gut lining support, skin irritation, and immune-calming pathways. Sits at the overlap of immune, skin, and gut conversations.
See protocol →Thymulin
Immune
Discussed around thymic signaling, immune balance, and neuroendocrine-immune communication.
VIP
Immune · Gut
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a naturally occurring peptide discussed for relaxing and opening the airways so breathing feels easier, calming inflammation and helping regulate the immune system, supporting brain function and mood, maintaining healthy communication between the gut, lungs, and immune system, and helping reduce high blood pressure.
See protocol →BPC-157
Gut · Healing
Often discussed for gut barrier support, tissue repair, angiogenesis, cellular migration, tendon and ligament repair, and recovery. Online claims often run ahead of large human evidence, so wording stays measured.
See protocol →TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4
Healing
Discussed around cellular migration, actin regulation, tissue repair, wound healing, and recovery. TB-500 is commonly described as related to thymosin beta-4 fragments.
See protocol →GHK-Cu
Healing · Gut
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide commonly researched for its potential to support tissue repair, collagen production, healthy inflammatory balance, and overall skin and hair health.
See protocol →IGF-1 LR3
Healing
Discussed around anabolic signaling, recovery, tissue growth, nutrient partitioning, and muscle repair. Growth signaling needs careful context.
ARA-290
Healing
ARA-290 is frequently discussed for nerve pain, neuropathy, disc issues, and reducing inflammatory pain. It does not repair tissue the way BPC-157 or TB-500 are discussed for, but many people use it for injuries involving nerve irritation.
MOTS-c
Metabolic
A mitochondrial-derived peptide discussed around metabolic homeostasis, AMPK signaling, glucose metabolism, stress resilience, and energy regulation. Belongs in metabolic and bioenergetic education, not just weight loss.
See protocol →AOD-9604
Metabolic
A growth-hormone fragment discussed around lipolysis and fat metabolism. Best framed as metabolic and lipolysis research, not a magic fat-loss peptide.
See protocol →SS-31 / Elamipretide
Advanced
A mitochondrial peptide discussed around oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane function, and cellular energy support.
See protocol →Tirzepatide
Metabolic
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist (GLP-1 + GIP) that acts on two metabolic pathways supporting appetite and blood-sugar regulation, and is also being researched in the context of PCOS.
Retatrutide
Metabolic
Retatrutide is a triple agonist (GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon) that acts on three metabolic pathways, potentially providing broader support for appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and body composition.
Cagrilintide
Metabolic
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog discussed around satiety, appetite regulation, and food cravings, helping people feel fuller for longer and eat less. It is often researched alongside GLP-1 compounds for weight-management support.
See protocol →5-Amino-1MQ
Metabolic
5-Amino-1MQ is a metabolic support compound commonly researched for its potential to support energy utilization, body composition, and healthy cellular function.
L-Carnitine
Metabolic
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that helps convert stored fat into usable energy, supporting metabolism, endurance, and cellular energy production.
Glutathione
Metabolic
Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect cells, support detoxification, and maintain healthy energy production and immune function.
NAD+
Metabolic · Neuro
NAD+ is a naturally occurring coenzyme (not a peptide) involved in energy production, brain function, and healthy aging at the cellular level.
See protocol →Semax
Neuro
Semax is a synthetic nootropic peptide commonly researched for its potential to support focus, memory, mental clarity, and overall cognitive performance.
See protocol →Selank
Neuro
Selank is a synthetic peptide commonly researched for its potential to support a calm mood, stress resilience, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
See protocol →PE-22-28
Neuro
PE-22-28 is a synthetic peptide commonly researched for its potential to support mood, stress resilience, and emotional well-being through its effects on serotonin-related pathways.
Dihexa
Neuro
Dihexa is a synthetic peptide derivative commonly researched for its potential to support memory, learning, neuroplasticity, and overall cognitive function.
Cerebrolysin
Neuro
Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation commonly researched for its potential to support cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and overall brain health and recovery.
Pinealon
Neuro
Pinealon is commonly discussed for focus, mental clarity, and brain-aging support. Many people describe it as a cleaner brain feeling rather than stimulation.
DSIP
Neuro
Discussed around sleep-wake regulation and stress adaptation. Evidence and claims are mixed, so it belongs in an emerging, limited-evidence bucket.
P21
Neuro
An advanced neurocognitive peptide discussed around neuroplasticity and cognitive support. Not a beginner category.
CJC-1295
Hormone
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which may increase IGF-1 levels and support recovery, sleep, and body composition.
See protocol →Ipamorelin
Hormone
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the pituitary gland through the ghrelin receptor pathway, supporting natural GH release and downstream IGF-1 activity.
See protocol →Sermorelin
Hormone
Sermorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that encourages the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, supporting the body's natural GH and IGF-1 pathways.
See protocol →Tesamorelin
Hormone
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that stimulates pituitary growth hormone release, increasing IGF-1 activity and supporting body composition and metabolic health.
See protocol →PT-141 / Bremelanotide
Sexual Health
A melanocortin receptor agonist discussed for libido and sexual arousal, more about central arousal signaling than hormone replacement. The FDA-approved bremelanotide product is indicated for certain premenopausal women with acquired, generalized HSDD.
See protocol →MT-II / Melanotan II
Sexual Health
A melanocortin receptor agonist associated with tanning and pigmentation research, and also discussed around sexual arousal. Not the same as PT-141. Side-effect discussions commonly include nausea, flushing, yawning, and pigmentation changes.
Kisspeptin
Sexual Health · Hormone
Discussed around reproductive hormone signaling, GnRH and LH pathways, fertility, ovulation signaling, and testosterone-related signaling. Better framed as upstream reproductive signaling than a direct sex-drive peptide.
Oxytocin
Sexual Health · Hormone
Often called the bonding peptide and discussed around connection, social behavior, intimacy, arousal context, and emotional bonding. Effects are context-dependent, not simply a love spray.
Epitalon
Advanced
Epitalon is a synthetic peptide commonly researched for its potential to support healthy aging, sleep quality, cellular renewal, and overall longevity.
See protocol →FOXO4-DRI
Advanced
Experimental senolytic peptide discussed in cellular senescence and aging conversations. Clearly advanced and limited-evidence.
Snap-8
Advanced
TOPICAL ONLY. Snap-8 is a topical cosmetic peptide discussed around skin appearance, fine lines, and aesthetic support.