Peptide Glossary

Comprehensive definitions of peptide-related terms, concepts, and terminology.

Amino Acid

Basics

The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to create different peptides with unique biological functions.

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Angiogenesis

Mechanisms

The formation of new blood vessels. Several peptides like TB-500 and BPC-157 promote angiogenesis to support tissue healing and regeneration.

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Bacteriostatic Water

Preparation

Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol that prevents bacterial growth. Used to reconstitute peptides for injection. Also called BAC water.

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Bioavailability

Pharmacology

The proportion of a drug that enters circulation and can have an active effect. Oral peptides typically have low bioavailability due to digestive breakdown, which is why most are injected.

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BPC-157

Peptides

Body Protection Compound-157, a synthetic peptide derived from a protective protein in gastric juice. Known for healing gut tissue, tendons, ligaments, and reducing inflammation. Typical dose: 250-500 mcg twice daily.

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CJC-1295

Peptides

A growth hormone releasing hormone analog that increases growth hormone production. Available with or without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex). Often stacked with Ipamorelin. Typical dose: 1-2 mg weekly (with DAC) or 100-200 mcg 2-3x daily (no DAC).

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COA (Certificate of Analysis)

Quality

A document from a testing laboratory that verifies a peptide's identity, purity, and concentration through methods like HPLC and mass spectrometry. Essential for quality assurance.

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Cycle

Protocols

A period of peptide use followed by a break. Typical peptide cycles range from 4-12 weeks on, followed by an equal or longer period off to prevent tolerance and allow receptor sensitivity to normalize.

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DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)

Chemistry

A modification that extends the half-life of CJC-1295 from minutes to days. CJC-1295 with DAC requires less frequent dosing (1-2x weekly) compared to CJC-1295 without DAC (2-3x daily).

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GHK-Cu

Peptides

A naturally occurring copper peptide with wound healing, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation properties. Used topically or via injection. Typical dose: 1-2 mg subcutaneously or applied topically.

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GHRP

Classifications

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. A class of peptides that stimulate growth hormone release. Examples include GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, and Hexarelin.

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Growth Hormone Secretagogue

Classifications

A compound that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Includes peptides like Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and others. Used for muscle growth, recovery, and anti-aging.

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Half-Life

Pharmacology

The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body. Important for determining dosing frequency. Peptides have varying half-lives from minutes to days.

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HPLC

Quality

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, an analytical method used to verify peptide identity, purity, and concentration. Quality suppliers provide HPLC results with each batch.

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IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)

Mechanisms

A hormone produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone. Some peptides work by increasing IGF-1 levels, which promotes muscle growth, fat loss, and tissue repair.

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Insulin Syringe

Administration

Small syringes (typically 0.3ml, 0.5ml, or 1ml) with fine needles marked in units (100 units = 1ml). Used for precise subcutaneous peptide administration.

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Intramuscular Injection

Administration

Injection directly into muscle tissue. Some peptides like BPC-157 can be administered intramuscularly for localized effects near injury sites.

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Ipamorelin

Peptides

A selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. Used for muscle growth, fat loss, and anti-aging. Typical dose: 200-300 mcg before bed or post-workout.

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IU (International Unit)

Dosing

A unit of measurement for insulin syringes where 100 IU equals 1 milliliter. Used to measure and administer reconstituted peptides accurately.

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Lyophilized

Preparation

Freeze-dried peptide powder that has been processed to remove water content for stability. Lyophilized peptides must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.

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Melanotan II

Peptides

A synthetic analog of melanocyte-stimulating hormone that promotes tanning, reduces appetite, and enhances libido. Typical dose: 250-500 mcg daily initially, then 2-3x weekly for maintenance.

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Micrograms (mcg)

Dosing

A unit of mass equal to one millionth of a gram. Most peptide dosages are measured in micrograms (e.g., 250 mcg, 500 mcg).

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Milligrams (mg)

Dosing

A unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram. Peptide vials are typically measured in milligrams (e.g., 2mg, 5mg, 10mg).

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Nootropic Peptides

Classifications

Peptides that enhance cognitive function, memory, focus, or neuroprotection. Examples include Semax, Selank, Dihexa, and Cerebrolysin.

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Peptide

Basics

A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50) linked by peptide bonds. Peptides are smaller than proteins and can be synthesized to target specific biological functions.

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Protocol

Protocols

A structured plan for peptide administration including dosage, frequency, timing, duration, and any cycling or stacking strategies. Protocols should be individualized based on goals and response.

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PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Peptides

A melanocortin receptor agonist used to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Administered subcutaneously. Typical dose: 1-2 mg as needed.

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Purity

Quality

The percentage of actual peptide in a vial versus impurities, fillers, or degradation products. Quality peptides should be >95% pure, with >98% being optimal. Verified by HPLC testing.

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Reconstitution

Preparation

The process of mixing lyophilized peptide powder with bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution. Proper reconstitution is critical for accurate dosing and peptide stability.

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Selank

Peptides

An anxiolytic peptide derived from tuftsin that reduces anxiety, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. Administered via nasal spray. Typical dose: 250-500 mcg 2-3x daily.

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Semax

Peptides

A synthetic peptide based on ACTH that provides cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and stress reduction. Administered via nasal spray. Typical dose: 300-600 mcg daily.

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Stack

Protocols

The combination of multiple peptides used together for synergistic effects. Common stacks include Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 for GH optimization or BPC-157 + TB-500 for enhanced healing.

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Subcutaneous Injection

Administration

Injection into the fatty tissue layer between skin and muscle, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Most peptides are administered subcutaneously using insulin syringes.

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TB-500

Peptides

A synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide that promotes tissue repair, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Used for systemic healing and recovery. Typical dose: 2-5 mg twice weekly.

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