Peptides

Also known as: NAD, NAD plus
Evidence: Human + Preclinical
Categories: Cellular Energy, Longevity

Summary:
A coenzyme found in all living cells, essential for energy production and DNA repair. Interest
focuses on supporting mitochondrial function and healthy aging.

Mechanisms:

• Electron carrier in redox reactions (NAD+/NADH shuttle)
• Cofactor for sirtuins and PARPs involved in DNA repair and gene regulation
• Levels decline with age; precursors (e.g., NR, NMN) are often explored

Potential Applications:

• Supports mitochondrial function and energy metabolism
• May aid cellular stress responses
• Investigated for metabolic, neurologic, and age-related conditions

Common Forms:

• IV infusion (clinical settings)
• Oral precursors (NR, NMN)
• Intranasal and sublingual preparations (experimental)

Cautions:

• Long-term benefits and protocols under study
• Possible flushing or GI upset with some forms
• Potential drug interactions (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anticoagulants)

Also known as: PL 14736
Evidence: Primarily Preclinical (limited human data)
Categories: Tissue Repair, GI

Summary:
A synthetic peptide fragment from a stomach protein, studied for its healing and regenerative
potential.

Mechanisms:

• May modulate angiogenesis and growth-factor signaling
• Preclinical evidence suggests support for tendon, ligament, and gastrointestinal
  healing

Potential Applications:

• Investigated for tendon and ligament recovery
• Explored for gastric mucosa protection and wound healing

Common Forms:

• Oral capsules (research use)
• Subcutaneous injections (research use)

Cautions:

• Very limited human clinical data
• Quality/purity concerns in unregulated sources
• Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with active malignancy unless supervised

Also known as: Egrifta
Evidence: Human (FDA-approved for specific indication)
Categories: Endocrine, Metabolic

Summary:

A synthetic analog of GHRH approved for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in
HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Mechanisms:

• Stimulates pituitary to release growth hormone → increased IGF-1
• Can influence body composition and lipid metabolism

Potential Applications:

• Reduces visceral fat in indicated populations
• Studied for NAFLD/NASH and possible cognitive effects

Common Forms:

• Prescription only; subcutaneous injection

Cautions:

• Requires medical monitoring (IGF-1, glucose)
• Side effects: injection-site reactions, edema, joint pain
• Approved uses only unless under research protocols

Also known as: GHRH (1-29)
Evidence: Human (diagnostic) + Limited therapeutic data
Categories: Endocrine

Summary:

A GHRH analog historically used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency; compounded for
off-label use to stimulate natural GH release.

Mechanisms:

• Binds pituitary GHRH receptors to promote pulsatile GH release
• Short half-life; often used with GHRP or CJC combinations

Potential Applications:

• Explored for improving body composition and sleep via GH axis
• May raise IGF-1 within physiologic ranges

Common Forms:

• Compounded; subcutaneous injection

Cautions:

• Off-label use varies by region
• Avoid with active cancers
• Possible side effects: glucose intolerance, edema, carpal tunnel-like symptoms

Also known as: MEHFPGP
Evidence: Primarily Human (outside US) + Preclinical
Categories: Neuro, Nootropic

Summary:

A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH fragments, used in some countries for nootropic and
neuroprotective purposes.

Mechanisms:

• May enhance BDNF signaling and neurotrophic pathways
• Investigated for ischemic brain protection and cognitive enhancement

Potential Applications:

• Explored for attention, working memory, post-stroke recovery
• May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

Common Forms:

• Intranasal solutions

Cautions:

• Regulatory status varies
• Quality control issues in unregulated markets

Also known as: hGH Frag 176-191
Evidence: Preclinical + Limited Human
Categories: Metabolic

Summary:

A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone researched for fat metabolism without full GH
effects.

Mechanisms:

• Acts on adipose tissue metabolism
• May promote fat oxidation and reduce fat storage

Potential Applications:

• Investigated for supporting fat loss with diet/exercise

Common Forms:

• Oral (experimental)
• Subcutaneous (research use)

Cautions:

• Mixed research results
• Regulatory approval varies
• Not a substitute for proper nutrition and exercise

Also known as: Copper peptide, Tripeptide-1 copper
Evidence: Human (topical) + Preclinical
Categories: Dermatology, Tissue Repair

Summary:

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide prominent in skin repair and anti-aging research.

Mechanisms:

• Binds copper, influencing collagen production and tissue remodeling
• Shown to affect wound healing, skin quality, and hair health

Potential Applications:

• Improves skin firmness, reduces fine lines, and photoaging
• Supports wound healing and scalp health

Common Forms:

• Topical creams/serums
• Microneedling adjuvant

Cautions:

• May irritate sensitive skin
• Patch test before regular use

Also known as: CJC, CJC/IPA
Evidence: Preclinical + Limited Human
Categories: Endocrine

Summary:

A combination of a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) and a GHRP (ipamorelin) to stimulate growth
hormone release.

Mechanisms:

• CJC-1295: GHRH receptor agonist; DAC version extends half-life
• Ipamorelin: Ghrelin receptor agonist to amplify GH pulses

Potential Applications:

• Explored for recovery, sleep, and body composition improvement

Common Forms:

• Compounded; subcutaneous injection

Cautions:

• Dosing and quality vary widely
• Side effects similar to other GH-axis agents (edema, tingling)

Also known as: 5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium
Evidence: Preclinical only
Categories: Metabolic, Experimental

Summary:

A small molecule NNMT inhibitor being studied for potential metabolic effects and fat reduction.

Mechanisms:

• Inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
• May boost cellular NAD+ and alter fat cell energy use

Potential Applications:

• Investigated for reducing fat mass and improving insulin sensitivity (animal models)

Common Forms:

• Oral (research use)

Cautions:

• No established human safety or efficacy
• Quality/purity concerns in unregulated products