Anti-Aging Peptides
29Longevity-focused peptides target the fundamental mechanisms of aging — telomere maintenance, mitochondrial function, senescent cell clearance, and NAD+ metabolism. Research in this area explores whether these compounds can slow or reverse age-related cellular decline.
AEDG Peptide
A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) identical to Epithalon's core active sequence — effectively the same compound. Studied for telomerase activation and pineal gland regulation, promoting melatonin production and potentially slowing cellular aging through telomere maintenance. Part of the Khavinson bioregulator peptide family developed in St. Petersburg.
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
One of the most popular growth hormone peptides, often called Mod GRF 1-29. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly, this tells your pituitary gland to release more of its own GH naturally. This is considered healthier than injecting GH directly because your body keeps its normal feedback systems intact. Usually combined with Ipamorelin for much stronger effects — the two work together better than either alone.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
The most commonly prescribed peptide combination in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Pairs the GHRH analogue CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29) with the selective ghrelin-mimetic Ipamorelin for synergistic, pulsatile growth hormone release. Exploits two complementary signaling pathways — cAMP (GHRH) and calcium/PLC (ghrelin receptor) — to amplify GH pulses while maintaining minimal side effects.
CJC-1295 with DAC
The long-acting version of CJC-1295. After injection it attaches to a protein in your blood (albumin), which keeps it active for nearly a week instead of just 30 minutes. This means you only need to inject once a week. The trade-off is that it keeps growth hormone elevated constantly rather than in natural pulses, which some practitioners consider less ideal for your body. More convenient but potentially less natural than the no-DAC version.
Cortagen
A short synthetic peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by the Khavinson Institute in Russia. Designed to support brain cortex function by modulating gene expression in brain cells. Part of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator family alongside Epithalon and Vilon. One of the few peptides specifically formulated for brain function optimization, available in both injectable and oral/sublingual forms.
Dihexa
A compound derived from angiotensin IV, reported to be extremely potent at enhancing memory and brain plasticity in animal studies. One of the most discussed nootropic compounds for memory enhancement. Works through a different pathway than typical brain drugs — the HGF/c-Met system rather than traditional neurotransmitter pathways.
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide — a nine-amino-acid peptide originally found in rabbit brain during sleep research. Promotes deep, restorative sleep (stage 3 sleep) while also helping with stress, pain perception, and cell damage from stress. One of the few peptides that specifically targets sleep quality rather than just causing drowsiness.
Epithalon
A lab-made peptide based on a natural compound from the pineal gland (a small gland in your brain). It's studied for its ability to activate telomerase, the enzyme that keeps the protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes from shortening. Since those caps naturally shorten as cells age, this peptide is one of the most talked-about in anti-aging research. Originally developed in Russia.
FOXO4-DRI
A peptide designed to selectively kill 'zombie cells' — old, damaged cells that have stopped dividing but stay alive and pump out inflammatory signals. They accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation. This peptide breaks the mechanism that keeps them alive, allowing them to die off. In aged mice it showed rejuvenating effects, but it's still highly experimental for humans.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found throughout the body; levels drop after age 20. The most studied cosmetic peptide, with proven effects on collagen production, skin renewal, wound healing, and antioxidant protection. It influences over 4,000 genes, shifting them toward a younger, more regenerative pattern. People use it for skin aging, wound healing, and anti-aging.
Glutathione
The body's main antioxidant — present in every cell and essential for detoxification, immune function, and protection against oxidative damage. Widely used for skin brightening (it slows dark pigment production), liver support, and overall antioxidant therapy. Available as IV infusion, oral supplement, or injection. People use it for skin lightening, detox support, and anti-aging.
HGH 191AA
Synthetic human growth hormone, identical to what your body naturally produces. FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency and sold under brand names like Norditropin and Genotropin. Widely used in anti-aging medicine and bodybuilding because it helps build muscle, burn fat, speed up recovery, and improve skin and sleep quality. One of the most well-studied performance peptides available.
Humanin
A 24-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by mitochondria. Related to MOTS-c but works differently. Protects cells against oxidative stress, cell death, and age-related damage by interacting with proteins involved in apoptosis and IGF signaling. One of the most studied peptides in longevity research, with evidence that levels decline in aging tissues.
IGF-1
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.
Ipamorelin
Considered the safest and most beginner-friendly growth hormone peptide. It stimulates your body to release more growth hormone without the unwanted side effects (hunger spikes, stress hormone increases) that come with older GH peptides. This clean profile makes it the most commonly prescribed GH peptide in anti-aging clinics. Usually the recommended starting point for anyone new to peptide therapy, and often combined with CJC-1295 for stronger results.
Melatonin
The main hormone your brain makes to control your sleep-wake cycle. It rises in response to darkness and helps you fall asleep. Also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Production drops with age, which can contribute to sleep problems in older adults. One of the most widely used supplements globally, available over-the-counter in the US.
MK-677
The only growth hormone booster you can take as a pill instead of injecting. Also known as Ibutamoren, it mimics the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger GH release. Very popular because of the convenience — just swallow a capsule once daily. The major downside is a significant increase in appetite (you will feel hungry), and it stays active for 24 hours so the effects don't switch off. Studied for muscle wasting and bone density but never completed FDA approval.
MOTS-C
A small peptide that comes from your mitochondria (the energy factories in your cells). It acts like an 'exercise mimetic' — it can produce many of the metabolic benefits of working out without actually exercising, such as improving how your body handles sugar and burns fat. Discovered in 2015, it was one of the first signaling molecules found to be encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than the main DNA in your cell nucleus.
NAD+
A molecule your body needs for hundreds of essential processes — making energy, repairing DNA, and regulating genes. Your NAD+ levels drop by about half between ages 40 and 60, which may contribute to aging and mitochondrial decline. People supplement with IV infusions, oral pills (NMN or NR), or injections to try to restore levels toward what they had when younger.
P21 (P021)
A small peptide derived from a brain-protecting factor (CNTF). Helps create new brain cells, protects existing neurons, and blocks the process that forms tangles in Alzheimer's disease. One of the few peptides specifically targeting brain degeneration, with potential for Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Pentosan Polysulfate
A compound derived from beechwood. FDA-approved orally (Elmiron) for bladder pain (interstitial cystitis), commonly used as an injection for joint and cartilage repair in osteoarthritis. One of the most popular peptide-adjacent therapies in sports medicine and regenerative clinics. Mimics natural compounds in cartilage to protect joints and reduce inflammation.
RG3
Ginsenoside Rg3 — a bioactive compound derived from Panax ginseng. While not a peptide, it is frequently offered alongside peptide therapies in regenerative medicine clinics for its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. One of the most active compounds in ginseng, with research demonstrating effects on blood vessel formation, immune cell activation, and cancer cell death.
Sermorelin
One of the safest and most studied growth hormone peptides, with the longest track record in clinical use. It was actually FDA-approved (as Geref) for children with growth hormone deficiency before being discontinued for business reasons, not safety concerns. Like CJC-1295, it tells your pituitary to release its own growth hormone naturally. Popular in anti-aging medicine as a gentle, well-understood option.
SS-31
A peptide that travels straight to your mitochondria (the energy factories inside your cells). It binds to a key molecule there and helps restore energy production while reducing oxidative stress. One of the most promising anti-aging compounds in development, with clinical trials underway for heart failure, Barth syndrome, and age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
A popular combination pairing Tesamorelin (FDA-approved for certain conditions) with Ipamorelin to boost growth hormone. Favored for improving body composition, reducing belly fat, and anti-aging. Tesamorelin has proven effectiveness for visceral fat reduction, and Ipamorelin has a clean side-effect profile, making this a premium GH peptide protocol.
Thymalin
A peptide blend extracted from the thymus glands of young animals. The thymus is the gland that helps train your immune cells. This preparation supports thymus activity and helps your body mature T-cells — the immune cells that fight infections and cancer. It's been used in Russian medicine for decades, though Western clinical evidence is still limited.
Thymosin Beta-4
The full-length 43-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland — the parent molecule from which TB-500 is derived. Plays a key role in cell movement, tissue repair, wound healing, and reducing inflammation throughout the body. The full-length form may offer broader healing benefits than the TB-500 fragment alone.
Thymulin
A 9-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland that requires zinc to work properly. Distinct from Thymalin (which is a thymic extract mixture). Plays a central role in T-cell development, immune system regulation, and the zinc-thymulin axis that declines with aging. Thymulin levels decrease as the thymus shrinks with age, contributing to immune decline.
Vilon
A synthetic two-amino-acid peptide (Lys-Glu) designed to support the thymus gland and immune system. Studied for immune modulation, thymic rejuvenation, and anti-aging. Part of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator family alongside Thymalin, Epithalon, and Cortexin. Designed to support T-cell development and restore age-related immune decline.