Peptide Resources
⚠️ Research Disclaimer: Many peptides listed below (e.g., BPC-157, TB-500, Epitalon) are classified as "Research Chemicals" and are not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use. Approved peptides (e.g., Semaglutide, Tirzepatide) are indicated only for specific medical conditions. This archive is for educational and informational purposes only.
1. Metabolic & Weight Loss (Incretin Mimetics)
Semaglutide
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist.
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Mechanism: Mimics Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 to increase insulin secretion, lower glucagon, and delay gastric emptying.
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Key Study: The STEP Trials (STEP 1-5).
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Finding: 2.4mg weekly resulted in ~15% body weight loss over 68 weeks. Reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in select populations.
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Status: FDA Approved (Ozempic/Wegovy).
Tirzepatide
Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist.
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Mechanism: Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, enhancing insulin sensitivity and fat utilization more potently than GLP-1 alone.
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Key Study: SURMOUNT-1.
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Finding: 15mg weekly resulted in ~21% body weight loss. Superior efficacy to Semaglutide in head-to-head trials (SURPASS).
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Status: FDA Approved (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
Retatrutide
Triple Agonist (GLP-1, GIP, Glucagon).
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Mechanism: Adds Glucagon receptor agonism (GCGR) to the mix, which increases energy expenditure (burning calories) alongside appetite suppression.
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Key Study: Phase 2 Trial (NEJM 2023).
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Finding: Participants achieved up to 24.2% weight loss at 48 weeks. It is currently the most potent weight loss agent in late-stage development.
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Note: Higher heart rate increases observed compared to dual agonists due to glucagon activity.
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2. Healing, Repair & Tissue Regeneration
BPC-157
Pentadecapeptide (Gastric derivative).
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Mechanism: Upregulates Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) in tendon fibroblasts; modulates VEGF for angiogenesis (new blood vessels).
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Key Research: Chang et al. (2011) demonstrated accelerated healing of transected Achilles tendons in rats. Sikiric et al. widely documented its gastroprotective effects against NSAID damage and fistulas.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)
Synthetic fraction of Thymosin Beta-4.
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Mechanism: Sequesters actin, a protein essential for cell structure and movement. Promotes cell migration to injury sites and prevents fibrosis (scar tissue).
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Research Context: Studied for cardiac tissue repair after heart attacks and corneal healing. In sports/research, used for muscle tears and flexibility.
Klow Blend
Proprietary "Radiance/Recovery" Blend.
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Composition: Typically a synergistic mix of BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide), and KPV.
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Mechanism: Combines the soft tissue repair of BPC/TB-500 with the skin-remodeling and anti-inflammatory effects of GHK-Cu and KPV.
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Use Case: Often marketed for "whole body recovery," post-surgery healing, and aesthetic skin improvement.
3. Growth Hormone & Anabolic Agents
HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
191-amino acid protein.
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Mechanism: Stimulates liver to produce IGF-1.
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Research: Gold standard for growth hormone deficiency. FDA approved. Increases muscle mass, reduces fat, improves bone density.
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
Downstream effector of HGH.
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Mechanism: Directly mediates the cell-growing effects of HGH.
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Research: Promotes hyperplasia (splitting of muscle cells) rather than just hypertrophy (growth of existing cells).
IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 IGF-1 (Modified Analog).
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Mechanism: An analog of IGF-1 with an 83-amino acid chain that prevents it from binding to IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs).
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Significance: This gives it a significantly longer half-life (~20-30 hours) compared to regular IGF-1 (~15-20 mins), making it much more potent for muscle growth in research settings.
T-4 (Thyroxine)
Thyroid Hormone (Not a peptide).
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Mechanism: Converted in the body to T3 (active hormone), which regulates metabolic rate.
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Context: often stacked with HGH to prevent the HGH-induced downregulation of thyroid output and to maximize fat loss.
4. Hormonal Support & Fertility
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
LH Mimetic.
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Mechanism: Mimics Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.
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Research: Standard medical treatment for hypogonadism and fertility; used in research to prevent testicular atrophy during TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy).
Kisspeptin
Neuropeptide.
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Mechanism: Stimulates GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) release from the hypothalamus.
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Key Study: Jayasena et al.
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Finding: Unlike HCG which acts directly on the testes, Kisspeptin restarts the upstream signal (HTPA axis), potentially maintaining natural pulsatile testosterone production without desensitizing receptors.
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Oxytocin
Neuropeptide ("Love Hormone").
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Mechanism: Modulates social bonding, sexual arousal, and uterine contraction.
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Research: Studies investigate its use for autism (social cues), libido enhancement, and lowering cortisol.
5. Immunity, Longevity & Antimicrobials
TA-1 (Thymosin Alpha-1)
Thymic Peptide.
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Mechanism: Modulates T-cell function; increases MHC Class I expression.
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Key Research: Approved in some countries (Zadaxin) for Hepatitis B/C and as a vaccine adjuvant. Studied for restoring immune function in Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and chronic fatigue.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Neurotransmitter/Peptide.
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Mechanism: Regulates circadian rhythm and inflammation.
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Research: "Shoemaker Protocol" heavily cites VIP for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) to lower TGF-beta-1 and restore hormonal regulation in mold illness patients.
LL-37
Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide.
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Mechanism: "Pokes holes" in bacterial cell membranes; busts biofilms.
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Research: Highly effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA) and breaking down protective biofilms in chronic gut/sinus infections.
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Warning: Can be pro-inflammatory in autoimmune conditions (e.g., Psoriasis).
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Epithalon (Epitalon)
Synthetic Pineal Peptide.
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Mechanism: Induces telomerase activity to lengthen telomeres.
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Key Study: Khavinson et al. (St. Petersburg Institute).
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Finding: 12-year study in elderly populations showed reduced mortality and improved immune markers.
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NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
Coenzyme (Not a peptide).
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Mechanism: Critical for mitochondrial ATP production and DNA repair (PARP pathway).
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Research: Levels decline with age. Supplementation (IV or precursors) is studied for anti-aging, addiction recovery (reducing withdrawal), and "brain fog" clearance.