Peptides 101

Peptides are rapidly gaining popularity in health, fitness, and medicine. These short chains of amino acids play essential roles in the body, from muscle growth and fat metabolism to cognitive function and skin health. As research expands, peptides are proving to be powerful tools for disease treatment, performance enhancement, and overall well-being.

This page provides everything you need to know about peptides—including how they work, their benefits, and how they are shaping the future of medicine.


Peptides broken down by function

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs)

GHRPs stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland, promoting cellular repair, fat loss, and muscle growth. They are used to enhance overall vitality and recovery.

  • CJC-1295 (with or without DAC): Boosts growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, improving recovery, fat loss, and anti-aging.

  • Ipamorelin: A selective peptide that stimulates GH without affecting other hormones like cortisol or prolactin.

  • Sermorelin: Mimics natural GHRH, promoting natural GH production with minimal side effects.

  • Tesamorelin: Particularly effective for reducing visceral fat and improving metabolic health.

  • GHRP-2: A potent GH secretagogue, widely studied for fat loss and muscle recovery.

  • GHRP-6: Promotes GH release while also increasing appetite, making it ideal for bulking.

  • Hexarelin: One of the strongest GH-releasing peptides, also studied for its cardioprotective effects.

Fat Loss Peptides

These peptides enhance fat metabolism, making them popular for weight management and body composition improvement.

  • AOD 9604: Derived from HGH, specifically targets fat breakdown without impacting blood sugar levels.

  • Fragment 176-191: A modified segment of HGH, promotes fat loss without GH-related side effects.

  • 5-Amino-1MQ: Inhibits an enzyme that hinders fat metabolism, supporting weight loss.

Muscle Growth and Strength Peptides

These peptides are designed to support muscle hypertrophy, strength, and recovery from intense physical activity.

  • BPC-157: A healing peptide that also aids in muscle and tendon repair.

  • TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): Promotes tissue regeneration and muscle recovery.

  • IGF-1 LR3: Enhances cell growth and muscle repair through the IGF pathway.

  • MGF (Mechano Growth Factor): Supports muscle growth and regeneration post-exercise.

  • Follistatin 344: Inhibits myostatin to allow enhanced muscle growth.

  • Myostatin Inhibitors: Block myostatin to increase muscle mass potential.

Anti-Aging and Skin Health Peptides

These peptides are used to reduce signs of aging, promote collagen production, and improve overall skin elasticity.

  • GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): Improves skin regeneration and reduces wrinkles.

  • Epithalon: Associated with telomere repair and anti-aging effects.

  • Thymalin: Promotes immune health and skin vitality.

  • Matrixyl: Stimulates collagen production to enhance skin elasticity.

  • Argireline: Known as “Botox in a bottle,” reduces wrinkle formation.

Cognitive Enhancement Peptides

These peptides focus on improving mental clarity, focus, memory, and overall brain health.

  • Selank: Reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive performance.

  • Semax: A neuroprotective peptide that boosts learning and memory.

  • DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide): Improves deep sleep and recovery.

  • Cerebrolysin: Enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function.

Healing and Recovery Peptides

These peptides are vital for accelerating tissue repair and boosting immune responses.

  • Thymosin Alpha-1 (Ta1): Enhances immune function and fights infections.

  • KPV: Reduces inflammation and promotes skin healing.

  • LL-37: An antimicrobial peptide that also supports wound healing.

  • ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone): Supports adrenal health and immune regulation.

Sexual Health and Libido Peptides

These peptides are used to enhance libido, sexual performance, and overall reproductive health.

  • PT-141 (Bremelanotide): Enhances sexual arousal and satisfaction.

  • Kisspeptin-10: Stimulates reproductive hormone release.

  • Melanotan II (MT-II): Increases libido and promotes skin pigmentation.

Peptides for Joint and Bone Health

These peptides promote the repair and regeneration of joints, cartilage, and bone tissues.

  • Parathyroid Hormone (PTH 1-34): Supports bone density and reduces fracture risks.

  • Osteogenic Growth Peptide (OGP): Enhances bone repair and growth.

Miscellaneous Peptides

Peptides with varied uses that don’t fit into a single category.

  • Oxytocin: Enhances emotional bonding and reduces stress.

  • Glutathione: A master antioxidant supporting detoxification and immune health.

  • Motilin: Regulates gastrointestinal motility for better digestion.

  • Gonadorelin: Stimulates reproductive hormone release.

  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH): Supports thyroid and metabolic health.

  • Exendin-4 (GLP-1 Mimetic): Regulates blood sugar and appetite for weight management.

Why Categorize This Way?


Categorizing peptides by their primary function simplifies understanding their roles and potential benefits. It allows users to focus on specific goals such as fat loss, muscle growth, anti-aging, or cognitive enhancement. By aligning peptides with their effects, it becomes easier to make informed decisions based on individual needs. I will be adding pages for each individual peptide on this list as my research expands.