Peptide Research Database

Research-backed information on peptides — dosage, half-life, risks, and the latest peer-reviewed studies from PubMed.

91peptides
11categories
1214research papers

Ara-290

Healing

A non-erythropoietic peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO) that activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) for tissue protection and nerve regeneration. Engineered to retain EPO's powerful tissue-protective signaling while completely eliminating its red blood cell-stimulating effects. Particularly promising for neurological injuries and ischemic tissue damage.

Half-life:2 minutes (tissue-protective effects persist much longer)

BPC-157

HealingBodybuilding

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.

Half-life:4 hours (stable in gastric juice)

BPC-157 + TB-500

HealingBodybuilding

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.

Half-life:BPC-157: 4 hours | TB-500: 2-3 hours

Dermorphin

Healing

An opioid heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin secretions of the South American tree frog Phyllomedusa sauvagei. Approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine at the mu-opioid receptor. Highly controversial due to widespread abuse in horse racing for its pain-masking and performance-enhancing effects, which has led to numerous doping scandals and animal welfare concerns.

Half-life:1-2 hours (more stable than endogenous opioid peptides)

GHK-Cu

BeautyAnti-AgingHealing

A naturally occurring tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) with extremely high copper binding affinity, found throughout the human body with declining levels after age 20. The most extensively studied cosmetic peptide, with proven effects on collagen synthesis, skin remodeling, wound healing, and antioxidant defense. Modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, resetting gene expression toward a younger, more regenerative profile.

Half-life:Topical: variable (local effect) | Injectable: 1-2 hours

Hyaluronic Acid

BeautyHealing

A naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in connective tissue, skin, and synovial fluid throughout the body. Essential for tissue hydration, joint lubrication, and skin volume. Used in multiple formulations — dermal fillers for cosmetic volume, intra-articular injections for osteoarthritis, topical serums for skin hydration, and oral supplements. Available in low, medium, and high molecular weight forms with different biological effects.

Half-life:Intra-articular: 24-72 hours (1-3 days) | Dermal filler: 4320-12960 hours (6-18 months) depending on cross-linking

IGF-1

BodybuildingAnti-AgingHealing

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.

Half-life:10-20 minutes (unbound) | 12-15 hours (bound to IGFBP-3)

KPV

ImmuneHealingBeauty

A tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminal end of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. Retains the potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of full α-MSH without causing skin tanning or sexual side effects. One of the cleanest anti-inflammatory peptides available, effective via oral, injectable, and topical routes.

Half-life:0.5-1 hours

LL-37

ImmuneHealing

The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — a 37-amino-acid component of the innate immune system with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Beyond antimicrobial defense, LL-37 promotes wound healing, modulates the inflammatory response, and stimulates angiogenesis at injury sites. Naturally produced by immune cells, epithelial cells, and keratinocytes in response to infection or tissue damage.

Half-life:4-6 hours (varies by tissue environment)

MGF

BodybuildingHealing

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.

Half-life:5-7 minutes

PEG-MGF

BodybuildingHealing

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.

Half-life:Estimated 4-6 hours (compared to 5-7 minutes for native MGF)

Pentosan Polysulfate

HealingAnti-Aging

A semi-synthetic polysulfated xylan (glycosaminoglycan) derived from beechwood. FDA-approved orally (Elmiron) for interstitial cystitis, with widespread off-label use as an injectable for joint and cartilage repair in osteoarthritis. One of the most popular peptide-adjacent therapies in sports medicine and regenerative clinics. Mimics heparan sulfate proteoglycans to protect cartilage and reduce joint inflammation.

Half-life:20-27 hours

TB-500

HealingBodybuilding

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.

Half-life:2-3 hours

TB-500 + BPC-157 + GHK-Cu

Healing

A triple healing combination adding GHK-Cu (copper peptide) to the BPC-157/TB-500 stack. GHK-Cu contributes collagen synthesis, tissue remodeling, and antioxidant properties that complement the regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects of the other two peptides. An advanced combination protocol used in regenerative medicine for comprehensive tissue healing and recovery.

Half-life:BPC-157: 4 hours | TB-500: 2-3 hours | GHK-Cu: 1-2 hours

Thymosin Beta-4

HealingAnti-AgingImmune

The full-length 43-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland — the parent molecule from which TB-500 is derived. Thymosin Beta-4 is the most abundant actin-sequestering protein in mammalian cells, playing a fundamental role in cell migration, tissue repair, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory responses throughout the body. The full-length form may offer broader biological activity than the TB-500 fragment alone.

Half-life:1-2 hours

VIP

ImmuneHealing

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide — a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide found throughout the body, particularly in the nervous system, gut, and lungs. Functions as a potent vasodilator, anti-inflammatory agent, and immunomodulator. Most widely studied in the context of CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and pulmonary hypertension, where it modulates excessive inflammatory signaling.

Half-life:1-2 minutes (rapidly degraded by peptidases)

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