100 peptides, decoded

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a lab-made copy of a natural gut hormone your body releases after eating. In plain terms: it flips on your 'I'm full' signal, so you feel satisfied sooner, eat less, and your blood sugar steadies. It is the active drug in Ozempic and Wegovy.

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that activates two gut-hormone receptors at once, GLP-1 and GIP. In plain terms: it works on two of your body's appetite-and-blood-sugar signals together, which tends to produce more weight loss than drugs that hit only one. It is the active drug in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Retatrutide is a triple agonist that switches on three hormone receptors at once: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. In plain terms: it copies three of your natural 'I'm full' and fat-burning signals together, which is why it drives some of the largest weight-loss numbers seen in trials. It is still experimental.

Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog, a copy of amylin, the hormone your pancreas releases with insulin to signal fullness. In plain terms: it works on a different 'stop eating' pathway than the GLP-1 drugs, which is why it is often paired with semaglutide for bigger results.

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the same hormone-copying approach as semaglutide but shorter-acting, so it is taken daily. In plain terms: it turns up your fullness signal to curb appetite and steady blood sugar. It is the drug in Saxenda and Victoza.

Survodutide is a dual GLP-1 and glucagon agonist. In plain terms: it copies your fullness signal and also nudges your metabolism to burn more energy, which is why trials show strong weight loss and better fatty liver. It is still experimental.

Mazdutide is a dual GLP-1 and glucagon agonist, similar in design to survodutide. In plain terms: it works on appetite and metabolism at once for weight loss and better blood sugar. It is approved in China and still in trials elsewhere.

Amycretin is a single molecule that combines GLP-1 and amylin activity. In plain terms: it packs two different 'stop eating' signals into one compound, with strong early weight-loss data. It is still experimental, in pill and injectable forms.

VK2735 is a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, the same two-receptor family as tirzepatide. In plain terms: it works on two appetite-and-blood-sugar signals for weight loss, with promising early results. It is in trials as both a shot and a pill.

Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, and unlike most of this group it is a small molecule rather than a peptide, so it survives digestion as a pill. In plain terms: it gives the same appetite control as the injectable GLP-1 drugs without needles, and unlike earlier oral versions it does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

Pramlintide is a synthetic version of amylin, a hormone released with insulin. In plain terms: taken at meals alongside insulin in diabetes, it blunts the post-meal blood-sugar spike and reduces hunger. It is FDA-approved.

AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of growth hormone (the 176-191 tail) with an added amino acid. In plain terms: it was built to trigger growth hormone's fat-burning effect without its muscle or blood-sugar effects, though the human proof that it works is weak.

HGH Fragment 176-191 is the tail end of the growth hormone molecule, the part linked to fat breakdown. In plain terms: it aims to target stubborn fat without the rest of growth hormone's effects, but real human evidence is thin.

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule, not a peptide, that blocks an enzyme called NNMT which helps fat cells store fat. In plain terms: by taking the brakes off cellular metabolism, it is studied for burning fat and boosting energy, though human data is very limited.

Tesofensine is a small molecule, not a peptide, that blocks the reuptake of three brain chemicals: dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. In plain terms: it acts on the brain's appetite and reward system like a stimulant to suppress hunger, which also means more heart-related risk.

SLU-PP-332 is a small molecule, not a peptide, that activates ERR, a switch controlling how cells burn energy. In plain terms: it is nicknamed 'exercise in a molecule' because it pushes cells to act as if you had worked out, but it is very early with no human data.

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, a short chain your own mitochondria (your cells' power plants) produce, that activates the energy sensor AMPK. In plain terms: it signals cells to burn more fuel and use energy efficiently, which is why it is explored for metabolism and aging.

CagriSema is a fixed combination of cagrilintide (an amylin copy) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 copy) in one weekly shot. In plain terms: it hits two separate fullness pathways at once for bigger weight loss than either alone. It is still experimental.

Danuglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist and a small molecule, not a peptide, so it works as a pill. In plain terms: it gives GLP-1-style appetite control without injections. It is in testing.

Petrelintide is a long-acting amylin analog. In plain terms: it copies the pancreas's fullness hormone to reduce appetite, positioned as a gentler standalone weight-loss option. It is still experimental.

Setmelanotide is an MC4R agonist that switches on the brain's melanocortin-4 receptor, a master control for hunger. In plain terms: for people with rare genetic defects in this exact hunger pathway, it restores the missing 'I'm full' signal. It is FDA-approved only for those specific conditions.

MariTide is an unusual design, an antibody linked to two GLP-1 peptides that also blocks the GIP receptor. In plain terms: it combines appetite signals in one long-lasting molecule you inject only once a month. It is still experimental.

CT-388 is a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, the same two-receptor family as tirzepatide. In plain terms: it works on two appetite-and-blood-sugar signals for weight loss. It is a weekly shot still in trials.

Pemvidutide is a dual GLP-1 and glucagon agonist. In plain terms: it curbs appetite and nudges metabolism to burn more, studied for both weight loss and fatty-liver disease. It is still experimental.

Eloralintide is an amylin receptor agonist from Eli Lilly. In plain terms: it copies the pancreas's fullness hormone for weight loss, designed to be easy to tolerate. It is still in trials.

Zovaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. In plain terms: it gives the usual GLP-1 appetite control but lasts long enough to inject just once a month. It is still experimental.

Bimagrumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activin type II receptor, a signal that normally limits muscle. In plain terms: by releasing that brake it builds muscle while the body sheds fat, an unusual combination being studied with GLP-1 drugs. It is still experimental.

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue, specifically a ghrelin-receptor agonist (a GHRP). In plain terms: instead of injecting growth hormone, it signals your pituitary to release a clean pulse of your own, without much effect on hunger or stress hormones.

CJC-1295 with DAC is a long-acting GHRH analog, a copy of the hormone that tells your body to make growth hormone, with a molecular anchor ('DAC') that keeps it working for days. In plain terms: it raises your own growth hormone steadily from a single weekly or twice-weekly shot.

CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) is the short-acting version of the same GHRH analog. In plain terms: it gives a quick pulse of growth hormone closer to your body's natural rhythm, then clears fast, so it is usually paired with ipamorelin.

This is a blend of two growth-hormone signals: a GHRH analog (CJC-1295) that sets a steady base and a GHRP (ipamorelin) that adds a pulse. In plain terms: together they nudge your body to release more of its own growth hormone than either alone, in one shot.

Sermorelin is a GHRH analog, a shortened copy of the natural hormone that prompts growth hormone release. In plain terms: it encourages your body to make more of its own growth hormone, a gentler approach than injecting the hormone directly.

Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog. In plain terms: it tells your body to make more growth hormone, and it is specifically proven to shrink deep belly fat. It is FDA-approved for HIV-related belly fat.

GHRP-2 is a growth hormone releasing peptide (a ghrelin-receptor agonist). In plain terms: it signals a strong pulse of your own growth hormone, a bigger boost than ipamorelin, though it also nudges appetite and stress hormones up a bit.

GHRP-6 is a growth hormone releasing peptide that strongly activates the ghrelin (hunger) receptor. In plain terms: it raises your own growth hormone and triggers intense hunger, which is why it is mostly used for bulking.

Hexarelin is a potent growth hormone releasing peptide. In plain terms: it strongly signals growth hormone release and has even shown heart-protective effects, but the body adapts to it quickly, so it stops working well with continued use.

MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a ghrelin-receptor agonist and, unlike the injectable peptides here, a small molecule that works as a daily pill. In plain terms: it keeps your own growth hormone and IGF-1 raised around the clock for sleep, appetite, muscle, and skin, without needles.

HGH (somatropin) is lab-made human growth hormone itself, injected directly rather than coaxed out of your body. In plain terms: it is the most powerful option for muscle, fat loss, and recovery, but also the priciest and the most likely to cause side effects if misused. It is prescription-only.

IGF-1 LR3 is a long-acting version of insulin-like growth factor 1, the hormone that growth hormone works through to build tissue. In plain terms: it directly drives muscle cells to grow and repair and stays active for hours, but it also drops blood sugar hard.

IGF-1 DES is a short, extra-potent version of insulin-like growth factor 1 that acts locally. In plain terms: injected into a specific muscle, it drives growth right there, then clears quickly.

Follistatin is a protein that binds and blocks myostatin, the body's natural brake on muscle growth. In plain terms: with the brake released, muscles can grow beyond their normal limit, an effect that is dramatic in animals but experimental in people.

MGF (mechano growth factor) is a variant of IGF-1 that muscles produce locally after intense exercise. In plain terms: it activates the stem cells that rebuild muscle, so it is injected near a worked muscle to speed repair.

PEG-MGF is mechano growth factor with a PEG coating that makes it last far longer in the body. In plain terms: it does the same muscle-repair job as MGF but on a less-frequent schedule.

ACE-031 (ramatercept) is a decoy receptor that soaks up myostatin and activin, the signals that limit muscle. In plain terms: by mopping up those brakes it lets muscle grow, but its development was paused over side effects.

BPC-157 is a synthetic chain of 15 amino acids based on a protective protein found in stomach acid. In plain terms: it seems to speed the body's own repair signals, especially for blood vessels and connective tissue, which is why people use it after injuries, though almost all evidence is from animals.

TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein involved in cell repair and movement. In plain terms: it is used to help muscles, tendons, and other tissue heal and to improve flexibility, though most evidence is from animals and most products are the fragment, not the full protein.

PDA (pentadeca arginate) is a more stable, arginate-salt cousin of BPC-157. In plain terms: it aims to do the same repair job, healing gut, tendon, and muscle, while lasting longer in the body. It is very new.

GLOW is a pre-mixed blend of three peptides: GHK-Cu for skin, plus BPC-157 and TB-500 for tissue repair. In plain terms: it bundles a skin-and-healing stack into one injection.

KLOW is the GLOW blend (GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500) with KPV added for extra anti-inflammatory effect. In plain terms: it is an all-in-one recovery-and-skin stack in a single shot.

KPV is a tripeptide, the three-amino-acid tail (lysine-proline-valine) of the hormone alpha-MSH, minus the part that causes tanning. In plain terms: it carries alpha-MSH's anti-inflammatory action to calm the gut and skin without darkening skin. There are no human trials yet.

ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide carved from the tissue-protective part of erythropoietin (EPO), the hormone that makes red blood cells. In plain terms: it keeps only EPO's healing, anti-inflammatory side, switching on a 'repair receptor' in injured nerves and tissue without thickening the blood. It reached real human trials for nerve pain.

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is a natural 28-amino-acid signaling peptide found in the gut, lungs, and nerves. In plain terms: it relaxes blood vessels and airways and calms the immune system, which is why a nasal-spray form is used to try to quiet chronic inflammation, though it can lower blood pressure.

Larazotide is an 8-amino-acid peptide that tightens the junctions between the cells lining your gut. In plain terms: it works locally in the intestine to seal a 'leaky' gut barrier and has been studied mainly for celiac disease. It is not absorbed into the body.

Pentosan polysulfate is a semi-synthetic sugar-based molecule, not a peptide, that acts like the natural lubricants in joints and the bladder lining. In plain terms: it coats and calms irritated tissue, used for arthritis and painful bladder. It is a prescription drug for some uses.

Semax is a 7-amino-acid peptide based on a fragment of ACTH, a brain-signaling hormone, given as a nasal spray. In plain terms: it raises BDNF, a chemical that helps brain cells grow and connect, which is why it is used for focus and memory, and in Russia after strokes.

Selank is a synthetic version of tuftsin, a natural immune-and-brain peptide, given as a nasal spray. In plain terms: it gently tunes the calming GABA and serotonin systems to lower anxiety without sedation or dependence.

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a chemically tweaked, more stable version of Semax. In plain terms: it does the same focus-and-memory job by raising BDNF, but resists breakdown so it lasts longer.

DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide) is a natural 9-amino-acid brain peptide linked to deep sleep. In plain terms: taken before bed, it is used to encourage the deep, slow-wave stage of sleep, though results are inconsistent.

Cerebrolysin is a mixture of small peptides and amino acids extracted from pig brain tissue, rich in nerve-growth signals. In plain terms: injected in cycles, it feeds and protects brain cells, and it has the strongest human evidence in this group for stroke and dementia recovery.

Dihexa is a small peptide derived from angiotensin IV that powerfully activates HGF, a growth signal for brain connections. In plain terms: it is studied for building new synapses and reversing memory loss, with striking animal results but essentially no human safety data.

Methylene blue is a century-old synthetic dye, not a peptide, that can shuttle electrons inside cells' energy machinery. In plain terms: at low doses it helps mitochondria make energy more efficiently, which is why it is taken for focus and energy. It famously turns urine blue-green, which is harmless.

Pinealon is a 3-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family of short peptides. In plain terms: it is marketed to support brain function, sleep, and healthy aging, but there is very little real human research behind it.

P21 is a small peptide derived from CNTF, a natural nerve-growth factor. In plain terms: it is studied for growing new brain cells and protecting memory, but there is no human data.

PE-22-28 is a peptide based on spadin that blocks a potassium channel (TREK-1) tied to mood. In plain terms: it is studied as a fast-acting antidepressant that may also support brain flexibility, but there is no human data.

Epitalon is a 4-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family, based on a natural pineal-gland peptide. In plain terms: it is taken in short courses for sleep and anti-aging on the theory that it supports the body's internal clock, but strong human evidence is thin.

NAD+ is not a peptide but a coenzyme every cell uses to turn food into energy, and levels fall with age. In plain terms: supplementing it is meant to refill your cells' energy currency to fight fatigue and support healthy aging. Injectable NAD+ is compounded, and human evidence is still early.

SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds and stabilizes cardiolipin, a fat in the inner wall of your cells' power plants. In plain terms: it helps damaged mitochondria make energy again and cut harmful byproducts, and it is in real clinical trials for mitochondrial and heart disease.

Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, a short chain encoded inside your mitochondria's own DNA. In plain terms: it acts as a cell-protective, stress-resistance signal, which is why it is studied for brain, metabolic, and aging support. Human data is limited.

FOXO4-DRI is a specially built (D-retro-inverso) peptide that pries apart a partnership between the proteins FOXO4 and p53 inside aged cells. In plain terms: it is a 'senolytic,' designed to make worn-out 'zombie' cells self-destruct so healthy tissue can take over, with striking animal results but essentially no human safety data.

Thymalin is a peptide extract from the thymus, the gland that trains your immune system. In plain terms: taken in short courses, it is used to refresh immune function and support healthy aging, though Western human evidence is limited.

Vilon is a 2-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed for immune balance and healthy aging, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Cortagen is a short peptide 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family, based on a brain-tissue peptide. In plain terms: it is taken in courses for nerve and tissue recovery, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Cartalax is a 3-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed for cartilage and joint health, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Vesugen is a short 3-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed to support blood-vessel health as you age, but there is very little real human research behind it, so treat the claims cautiously.

Bronchogen is a 4-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed for lung and airway health, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Ovagen is a short peptide 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed for liver and digestive support, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Chonluten is a 3-amino-acid 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is marketed for lung and gut-lining support, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Cerluten is a peptide 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family, drawn from nerve tissue. In plain terms: it is marketed for brain and nervous-system support, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Sigumir is a peptide 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family, drawn from cartilage. In plain terms: it is marketed for bone, joint, and cartilage health, but there is very little real human research behind it.

Glutathione is a natural tripeptide (three amino acids) that is your body's master antioxidant. In plain terms: it mops up cell-damaging molecules, which is why it is taken for skin brightness, detox support, and general cell protection.

Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino-acid peptide made by the thymus that helps direct immune defenses. In plain terms: it tunes up the immune system to respond better to infection, and it is well studied and used abroad as an add-on therapy.

LL-37 is a natural 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide, part of your innate immune system's first line of defense. In plain terms: it punches holes in bacteria and helps wounds heal, which is why it is explored for stubborn infections, though human data is limited.

Thymulin is a zinc-dependent thymus peptide involved in immune-cell maturation. In plain terms: it is studied for balancing immune function and calming inflammation and pain, with limited human data.

Thymogen is a 2-amino-acid thymus 'bioregulator' from the Russian Khavinson family. In plain terms: it is taken in courses to support immune function, but there is very little real human research behind it.

PT-141 (bremelanotide) is a melanocortin receptor agonist, a cyclic peptide that acts on the MC4R receptor in the brain. In plain terms: it raises sexual desire through brain signaling rather than blood flow, which is different from how erection drugs work. It is FDA-approved for low libido in women.

Kisspeptin is a natural brain peptide that sits at the very top of the reproductive hormone chain, switching on the neurons that release GnRH. In plain terms: it kick-starts your body's own sex-hormone production, which is why it is studied for libido and fertility, with a gentler feel than PT-141.

Gonadorelin is synthetic GnRH, the hormone your brain uses to tell the pituitary to make testosterone and fertility hormones. In plain terms: it prompts your own hormone production, often used alongside testosterone therapy to keep the testicles active. Because it clears fast, it needs frequent dosing.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that mimics LH, the signal that tells the testicles to make testosterone and sperm. In plain terms: it keeps the testicles switched on, commonly used alongside testosterone therapy or for fertility.

HMG (menotropin) is a fertility medication containing both FSH and LH, the two pituitary hormones that drive egg and sperm production. In plain terms: it supplies those signals directly to stimulate fertility, used in fertility treatment and sometimes with testosterone therapy.

Oxytocin is a natural 9-amino-acid hormone made in the brain, released during touch, closeness, and childbirth. In plain terms: known as the 'bonding hormone,' it is used as a nasal spray or tablet for connection, mood, and sometimes libido, with subtle, short-lived effects.

GHK-Cu is a natural copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine plus copper) the body uses in tissue repair, and levels fall with age. In plain terms: applied to skin it signals collagen and healing, which is why it is a popular anti-aging skincare ingredient.

Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is an analog of alpha-MSH, the hormone that tells skin to make the pigment melanin. In plain terms: it builds a slow, even, protective tan and shifts your skin toward real sun defense. It is FDA-approved (as Scenesse) for a rare light-sensitivity disorder.

Melanotan II is a broad melanocortin-receptor agonist, hitting several of the same receptors as the tanning and libido hormones. In plain terms: it tans skin fast and also boosts libido and cuts appetite, but hitting so many receptors is why it has more side effects. It is not approved.

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a cosmetic peptide that mildly limits the release of the signal muscles use to contract. In plain terms: applied topically, it softens fine expression lines a bit like a gentle, needle-free version of Botox.

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a longer cousin of Argireline used in skincare. In plain terms: applied to the skin, it relaxes the tiny muscles under expression lines to soften forehead and eye wrinkles.

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is a cosmetic peptide that signals skin to rebuild collagen. In plain terms: used in serums over time, it firms skin and smooths fine lines.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a cosmetic collagen-signal peptide, often paired with Matrixyl. In plain terms: applied to skin, it tells the skin to make more collagen to firm and smooth.

Tetrapeptide-21 is a cosmetic peptide that boosts skin's production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. In plain terms: used topically, it helps skin look firmer and plumper.

Adipotide is an experimental peptide that homes to the blood vessels feeding fat tissue and triggers them to die. In plain terms: by starving fat of its blood supply it caused dramatic fat loss in animals, but it also damaged kidneys, so it is considered dangerous with essentially no safe human use.

Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a natural brain peptide that keeps you awake and alert; people with narcolepsy lack it. In plain terms: it is studied as a nasal spray for wakefulness and daytime energy, with limited data.