Peptides.
Shortly about
The most popular peptides used across bodybuilding, athletic
recovery, metabolic health, and anti-aging subcultures are categorized below by
their primary mechanism of action.
1. Tissue Repair & Healing Peptides
Peptides in this category target systemic or localized
inflammation, accelerating soft tissue, tendon, muscle, and gut repair.
- BPC-157
(Body Protection Compound): Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel
growth) to rapidly heal tendons, ligaments, joint injuries, and gut lining
issues.
Extension Health
- TB-500
(Thymosin Beta-4 Derivative): Upregulates actin (a cell
building-block) to improve cell migration, reduce systemic inflammation,
and speed muscle and soft-tissue repair.
Extension Health
- GHK-Cu
(Copper Peptide): Stimulates collagen production, skin remodeling,
hair growth, and tissue repair while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
- KPV:
An anti-inflammatory peptide derived from alpha-MSH, primarily used for
severe gut inflammation (IBD/IBS) and skin issues like psoriasis.
2. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS)
These compounds trigger the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
to release the body's natural Growth Hormone (GH) pulses rather than
introducing synthetic hGH.
Hone Health
- Ipamorelin:
A selective GH secretagogue that boosts GH output without elevating
appetite (ghrelin) or cortisol levels.
Hone Health
- CJC-1295
(No DAC / Mod-GRF 1-29): A Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
analogue that amplifies natural GH pulses; typically stacked with
Ipamorelin.
Extension Health
- CJC-1295
(With DAC): Contains a drug affinity complex that extends its
half-life to several days, providing continuous elevation of GH and IGF-1
levels.
- Sermorelin:
A shorter-acting GHRH analogue used to stimulate natural GH production,
often used in anti-aging and recovery protocols.
Extension Health
- Tesamorelin:
A GHRH analogue specifically developed and clinically used to reduce
visceral abdominal fat while maintaining lean muscle tissue.
Hone Health
- MK-677
(Ibutamoren): An oral ghrelin-mimetic that acts as a GH secretagogue,
drastically increasing appetite, sleep quality, and baseline GH/IGF-1.
Hone Health
- GHRP-2
& GHRP-6: Older-generation GH-releasing peptides; GHRP-6 causes
extreme appetite surges, while GHRP-2 is a more potent GH pulse generator.
3. IGF-1 & Direct Anabolic Peptides
These peptides act downstream of growth hormone or target
direct anabolic cell signaling pathways.
- IGF-1
LR3 (Long R3): An altered form of IGF-1 with a long half-life that
bypasses binding proteins, heavily promoting muscle cell hyperplasia
(creation of new muscle fibers).
- IGF-1
DES: A short-acting form of IGF-1 designed for localized,
site-specific muscle growth post-workout.
- PEG-MGF
(Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor): Synthesized to mimic the tissue
response to weight training, signaling muscle stem cells (satellite cells)
to repair damage and expand muscle volume.
- Follistatin
344: A myostatin inhibitor peptide used to temporarily suppress the
protein that limits natural muscle growth capacity.
4. Metabolic & Metabolic Regulation (GLP-1 / GIP)
These peptides mimic gut hormones to slow gastric emptying,
regulate insulin secretion, and reduce appetite.
- Semaglutide:
A GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite and optimizes insulin
sensitivity.
Hone Health
- Tirzepatide:
A dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist offering stronger appetite
suppression and metabolic rate enhancement.
- Retatrutide:
A triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon) that increases fat burning
directly via glucagon pathways while curbing appetite.
- AOD-9604:
A lipolytic fragment of the hGH molecule (C-terminus) designed to burn
body fat without affecting blood sugar levels or cell growth.
HiTONE Fitness
5. Nootropic, Cosmetic & Specialty Peptides
- Melanotan
II (MT-2): Stimulates melanin production for skin tanning, while also
acting as an aphrodisiac via central nervous system melanocortin
receptors.
- PT-141
(Bremelanotide): Derivative of MT-2 targeting sexual dysfunction,
working directly on the brain to increase libido in men and women.
- Semax:
A nootropic peptide that increases BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic
Factor) to enhance focus, memory, and cognitive speed under stress.
- Selank:
An anxiolytic nootropic peptide designed to lower anxiety and mental
stress without causing sedation.
- Epithalon
(Epitalon): An anti-aging peptide that regulates telomerase activity
to lengthen telomeres and optimize pineal gland function.
Peptides.Comprehensively about
1. Tissue Repair & Healing Peptides
- BPC-157
(Body Protection Compound-157) Derived from a natural protective
protein found in human gastric juice, BPC-157 works by accelerating angiogenesis—the
formation of new blood vessels. By sprouting fresh vascular networks
directly into damaged tissue, it delivers essential nutrients, oxygen, and
growth factors to areas that naturally receive poor blood supply, such as
tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It also upregulates growth factor
receptors (like VEGFR2) and directly heals the mucosal lining of the
stomach and intestines.
- TB-500
(Thymosin Beta-4 Derivative) A synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4,
a naturally occurring peptide present in high concentrations in blood
platelets and wound fluid. TB-500 works by sequestering actin, a
structural building-block protein vital for cellular structure and
movement. This enables damaged immune and repair cells to migrate rapidly
to the site of an injury. It drastically reduces systemic tissue
inflammation and works synergistically alongside BPC-157.
- GHK-Cu
(Copper Tripeptide-1) A naturally occurring complex of copper bound to
a tripeptide sequence found in human plasma. It acts as a gene-expression
modulator, resetting thousands of genes to a more youthful state. It
stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, accelerates dermal and
soft-tissue remodeling, and boosts superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to
neutralize free radicals.
- KPV
(Lysine-Proline-Valine) A tripeptide derived from the terminal tail of
Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH). KPV exerts
potent anti-inflammatory effects through intracellular signaling without
activating melanocortin skin-tanning receptors. It enters target cells and
directly inhibits NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa B)—the primary
master-switched complex driving chronic cellular inflammation, making it
targeted for inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD/IBS) and autoimmune skin
flares.
2. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS)
- Ipamorelin
A highly selective Ghrelin Receptor Agonist that binds to the
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR) in the anterior pituitary
gland. Unlike older secretagogues, Ipamorelin triggers a clean pulse of
natural growth hormone (GH) without raising cortisol (stress
hormone) or prolactin (which can cause gynecomastia).
- CJC-1295
(Without DAC / Mod-GRF 1-29) A modified 29-amino acid analogue of
naturally occurring Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It
binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary cells to signal GH release. Because
it lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), it acts fast (half-life of ~30
minutes). When co-administered with Ipamorelin, it creates a synergistic
"double-punch" release of growth hormone that mimics natural
physiology.
- CJC-1295
(With DAC) Incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that covalently
bonds to circulating albumin in the bloodstream. This extends its
biological half-life from 30 minutes to 6–8 days, elevating
baseline GH and IGF-1 levels constantly rather than producing isolated,
natural pulses.
- Sermorelin
An acetate salt form of the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH. It
functions similarly to Mod-GRF 1-29 by binding to pituitary GHRH
receptors, encouraging the pituitary gland to produce and secrete its own
endogenous growth hormone.
- Tesamorelin
A stabilized, 44-amino acid GHRH analogue with an added hexenoyl moiety
that makes it resistant to rapid enzymatic degradation. It acts
specifically on the pituitary to stimulate GH, which downstream drives
significant lipolysis (fat breakdown) with a strong affinity for visceral
adipose tissue (VAT)—the deep, dangerous fat surrounding abdominal
organs.
- MK-677
(Ibutamoren) An oral, non-peptidic long-acting agonist of the ghrelin
receptor. By mimicking ghrelin (the "hunger hormone"), MK-677
crosses the blood-brain barrier to trigger sustained, pulsatile
secretagogue activity of GH and IGF-1 for up to 24 hours. A major side
effect is a noticeable increase in appetite and transient fluid retention.
- GHRP-2
& GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides) First-generation
synthetic hexapeptides that stimulate the pituitary via ghrelin receptors.
GHRP-6 strongly triggers ghrelin release in the hypothalamus,
causing intense, immediate hunger pangs. GHRP-2 is slightly more
potent at raising GH with less impact on appetite, though both compounds
cause mild elevations in cortisol and prolactin.
3. IGF-1 & Direct Anabolic Peptides
- IGF-1
LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) An engineered 83-amino acid analogue of human
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1. It contains a substitution of Glutamic acid
for Arginine at position 3, plus a 13-amino acid N-terminal extension.
This modification lowers its affinity for IGF-Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) by
over 100-fold, allowing it to stay active in circulation for up to 20–24
hours (compared to minutes for native IGF-1) and driving hyperplasia
(splitting and creation of new muscle cells).
- IGF-1
DES (1-3 IGF) A truncated variant of IGF-1 lacking the first three
N-terminal amino acids. This structural loss prevents binding proteins
from deactivating it, but gives it a short half-life (~20–30 minutes). It
is injected locally into specific muscle groups immediately post-workout
to trigger rapid, localized cell receptor binding and pump-mediated
hypertrophy.
- PEG-MGF
(Pegylated Mechano Growth Factor) A splice variant of IGF-1 (IGF-1Eb)
expressed by damaged or overloaded muscle tissue. Native MGF signals local
satellite cells (muscle stem cells) to fuse with damaged muscle
fibers to rebuild tissue. Adding a Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
molecule prevents the body from breaking down the peptide rapidly,
extending its half-life to several days so it can circulate systemically
to speed muscle recovery.
- Follistatin-344
An autocrine-glycoprotein inhibitor that directly binds to and neutralizes
Myostatin—the body's natural genetic regulator protein that
prevents muscles from growing too large. Blocking myostatin lifts the
natural limits on muscle size, though it carries potential risks to tendon
strength due to rapid tissue expansion.
4. Metabolic & Incretin Peptides
- Semaglutide
A GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) Receptor Agonist. It mimics the
natural gut incretin hormone released after eating. It acts on the brain's
hypothalamus to suppress appetite, delays gastric emptying (keeping food
in the stomach longer to prolong fullness), and optimizes
glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the pancreas.
- Tirzepatide
A Dual GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
Receptor Agonist. By activating both receptors simultaneously,
Tirzepatide enhances insulin secretion, improves glucagon suppression, and
reduces appetite more effectively than GLP-1 selective agents alone.
- Retatrutide
A Triple Receptor Agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon
receptors. Adding glucagon receptor activation increases basal
metabolic rate and energy expenditure directly in the liver and adipose
tissue while GLP-1 and GIP keep appetite suppressed.
- AOD-9604
(Advanced Anti-Obesity Drug) A synthetic C-terminal fragment (amino
acids 177–191) of human Growth Hormone. It isolates the fat-reducing
properties of hGH without affecting IGF-1 levels, blood sugar, or tissue
growth. It stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibits lipogenesis
(the formation of new fat storage).
- 5-Amino-1MQ
Technically a small-molecule enzyme inhibitor, often grouped with
metabolic peptides. It selectively blocks Nicotinamide
N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme overexpressed in fat cells that
slows down metabolic rate. Inhibiting NNMT preserves intracellular NAD+
and SAMe levels, boosting cellular energy production and converting
energy-storing white fat into active, energy-burning tissue.
Superpower+ 1
5. Nootropic, Cosmetic & Specialty Peptides
- Melanotan
II (MT-2) A synthetic analogue of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
(α-MSH). It binds non-selectively to Melanocortin receptors
(MC1R through MC5R). Binding to MC1R stimulates skin pigment cells to
produce melanin (tanning without UV exposure), while binding to central
MC3R/MC4R receptors in the brain acts as a potent central trigger for
libido and erectile function.
- PT-141
(Bremelanotide) A metabolite derivative of Melanotan II that
selectively targets central MC3R and MC4R receptors in the brain
while largely bypassing the skin-tanning MC1R receptor. It acts on the
central nervous system to directly stimulate sexual desire and arousal in
both men and women.
- Semax
A heptapeptide synthetic analogue of ACTH (4-10). It crosses the
blood-brain barrier to upregulate BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic
Factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). It increases mental clarity,
memory retention, and stress resistance by protecting neurons from
oxidative stress and modulating dopamine and serotonin pathways.
- Selank
A synthetic hexapeptide based on the naturally occurring immunomodulatory
peptide Taftsin. It acts as a stable anxiolytic (anti-anxiety
agent) by modulating GABA receptors and slowing the enzymatic
degradation of endogenous enkephalins (feel-good endorphins). It reduces
anxiety and stress without causing drowsiness or sedation.
- Epitalon
(Epithalon) A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on
Epithalamin, a natural pineal gland extract. Its primary mechanism is
activating telomerase—the enzyme responsible for rebuilding
protective telomere caps at the ends of chromosomes. By maintaining
telomere length, it delays cellular senescence and regulates pineal gland
melatonin production.

Anabolics. Shortly about
Breakdown of 14 Common Anabolics
1. Testosterone (Enanthate / Cypionate / Propionate)
- Overview:
The foundational male androgen hormone and the baseline for all AAS regimens.
Medical News Today
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Promotes significant lean muscle mass gain, nitrogen
retention, overall strength, and recovery speed.
- Side
Effects: Converts to estrogen via aromatase, causing water retention,
fat gain, and gynecomastia (male breast tissue enlargement) if unmanaged. Converts
to DHT, accelerating male-pattern baldness and severe acne.
MSD Manuals+ 1
2. Dianabol (Methandrostenolone / Dbol)
- Overview:
One of the most famous oral bulking steroids.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Triggers rapid gains in mass and explosive strength over
short durations.
- Side
Effects: Highly hepatotoxic (liver stress) due to its
17-alpha-alkylated design. Causes heavy water retention, rapid spikes in
blood pressure, and high estrogenic activity (gynecomastia risk).
3. Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca-Durabolin)
- Overview:
A slow-acting injectable popular for off-season bulking.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Enhances joint comfort (via collagen synthesis and synovial
fluid stimulation) while adding steady lean muscle mass and strength.
- Side
Effects: Acts on progesterone receptors, leading to significant libido
disruption ("Deca Dick") and erectile dysfunction. Causes heavy
natural testosterone shutdown and moderate water retention.
4. Anavar (Oxandrolone)
- Overview:
A mild oral compound frequently used in cutting phases or by beginner
users.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Promotes lean, dense muscle retention and strength gains
without water weight or bloat.
- Side
Effects: Mild liver toxicity compared to other orals. Notably harsh on
lipid profiles, severely lowering HDL cholesterol. Still suppresses
natural hormone production.
Mayo Clinic
5. Winstrol (Stanozolol)
- Overview:
An oral or injectable cutting steroid used for physical hardness and
athletic performance.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Enhances vascularity, fat loss appearance, and raw strength
without weight gain from water retention.
MSD Manuals
- Side
Effects: Causes severe joint dryness and pain. Oral forms are toxic to
the liver. Harms blood lipid levels significantly and increases tendon
injury risk.
DEA.gov+ 1
6. Trenbolone (Acetate / Enanthate)
- Overview:
An exceptionally potent, non-aromatizing injectable compound.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Delivers unmatched muscle hardening, rapid fat loss
preservation, and extreme strength gains.
- Side
Effects: Severe psychological side effects, including intense
paranoia, aggression, insomnia, and anxiety. Triggers heavy sweating,
cardiorespiratory strain ("Tren cough"), night sweats, severe
lipid disruption, and strong natural suppression.
MSD Manuals
7. Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
- Overview:
An extremely powerful oral bulking agent.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Rapidly dramatically increases body weight, strength, and red
blood cell count.
- Side
Effects: High hepatotoxicity. Causes heavy fluid retention, severe
headaches, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and non-aromatase-mediated
estrogenic side effects.
MSD Manuals+ 1
8. Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate / Acetate)
- Overview:
A mild DHT-derived steroid available in injectable and oral forms.
Medical News Today
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Steady, high-quality, dry muscle retention during lean or
caloric-deficit phases.
- Side
Effects: Does not convert to estrogen (no bloat or gynecomastia). Low
liver impact in injectable form, but can still cause androgenic effects
like hair loss and lipid strain.
MSD Manuals
9. Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate / Enanthate)
- Overview:
An injectable cutting compound derived from DHT, often used late in
contest preparation.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Hardens muscle tissue, improves visual cosmetic detail, and
acts as a mild weak anti-estrogen.
- Side
Effects: High DHT activity accelerates male-pattern baldness and
androgenic acne. Offers minimal muscle-building benefits on its own and
alters blood cholesterol negatively.
Mayo Clinic
10. Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate / EQ)
- Overview:
A long-acting veterinary-derived injectable structurally similar to
testosterone.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Slow, consistent gains in lean tissue accompanied by a
notable increase in appetite and endurance (via elevated red blood cell
production).
- Side
Effects: Polycythemia (abnormally high red blood cell count,
thickening the blood), anxiety, slow conversion to estrogen, and prolonged
suppression.
MSD Manuals
and hair thinning.
11. Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
- Overview:
An oral compound used primarily by powerlifters and strongman competitors
shortly before events.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Provides extreme gains in neural drive, aggression, and raw
strength with zero muscle mass volume gain or water weight.
- Side
Effects: Extremely hepatotoxic. Causes intense aggression, severe cardiovascular
strain, and harsh lipid destruction.
MSD Manuals+ 1
12. Sustanon 250
- Overview:
An injectable blend of four distinct testosterone esters (propionate,
phenylpropionate, isocaproate, decanoate) designed for sustained release.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Identical to pure testosterone—builds mass, strength, and
speeds recovery.
- Side
Effects: Fluctuating hormone levels if injected infrequently, along
with standard testosterone risks (gynecomastia, water retention, hair
loss, suppression).
MSD Manuals
13. Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone / Tbol)
- Overview:
An oral steroid modified from Dianabol to prevent aromatization.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Provides steady, dry muscle mass and endurance increases
without fluid retention.
- Side
Effects: C17-alpha alkylated (liver strain). Harms HDL/LDL cholesterol
levels and suppresses internal testosterone production.
MSD Manuals+ 1
14. Proviron (Mesterolone)
- Overview:
An oral DHT derivative used mainly as an ancillary compound rather than a
primary builder.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Binds strongly to Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG),
increasing free testosterone levels in the blood; enhances muscle
hardness.
- Side
Effects: Poor at building tissue independently. Strong androgenic
effects cause prostate strain, acne, and hair loss. Negative impact on
cholesterol profiles.
Cleveland Clinic+ 1
Additional Profiles
15. Dihydroboldenone (DHB / 1-Testosterone)
- Overview:
A 5-alpha reduced derivative of Equipoise (Boldenone). It is a
non-estrogenic injectable steroid that behaves chemically similar to a
targeted form of DHT.
Geared Coaching
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Promotes dry, dense muscle mass, exceptional strength
increases, and high physical hardness/vascularity without water retention.
Often compared to a milder Trenbolone in terms of visual density.
Anabolic Planner+ 1
- Side
Effects: Notorious for severe post-injection pain (PIP) and tissue
inflammation. Frequently causes distinct, severe lethargy and fatigue. It
carries a high risk of androgenic side effects (hair loss, acne) and
causes harsh disruption to blood lipid profiles (HDL suppression).
Geared Coaching+ 1
16. Trestolone (7-alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone / MENT)
- Overview:
A 7-alpha methyl derivative of nandrolone. It was originally researched as
a male contraceptive and hormone replacement agent due to its extreme
potency and ability to maintain physiological function without needing a
testosterone base.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Exceptionally potent—estimated to be roughly 10 times more
anabolic than testosterone by weight. Triggers massive, extremely rapid
gains in raw muscle volume, nitrogen retention, strength, and overall
size.
- Side
Effects: Converts to 7-alpha-methylestradiol (a very potent estrogen
derivative), making it highly prone to causing severe water retention,
high blood pressure, and fast-onset gynecomastia. Causes immediate and
complete suppression of natural gonadotropins (HPTA shutdown) and can
cause strong night sweats, heart rate spikes, and insomnia.
Biomogging
17. Methyltrienolone (Metribolone / R1881)
- Overview:
A 17-alpha alkylated oral derivative of Trenbolone. It is considered one
of the most potent anabolic-androgenic steroids ever synthesized,
originally designed for research purposes and to bind strongly to androgen
and progesterone receptors.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Milligram-for-milligram, it is exceptionally powerful
(estimated to be over 100 times more anabolic and androgenic than standard
testosterone). It promotes extreme, rapid gains in muscle hardness, neural
drive, raw strength, and muscle density in microscopic doses (measured in
micrograms rather than milligrams).
- Side
Effects: Infamous for extreme liver toxicity—even very brief use at
sub-milligram doses can cause severe hepatotoxicity, jaundice, and
dangerous spikes in liver enzymes. It causes severe cardiovascular strain,
heavy suppression of natural testosterone, high blood pressure, and
intense psychiatric side effects like extreme aggression, severe anxiety,
and insomnia.
17-Alpha Methylated DHT Derivatives
Compounds in this family are chemically derived from
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and modified with a 17-alpha methyl group. This
structural modification prevents rapid breakdown by liver enzymes, allowing
them to be taken orally. Because they are DHT derivatives, none of these
steroids convert into estrogen via aromatase, meaning they do not directly
cause water retention or gynecomastia. However, the 17-alpha methylation makes
every compound in this class inherently hepatotoxic (stressful to the liver)
and harsh on cardiovascular health, specifically suppressing "good"
HDL cholesterol while elevating "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Wikipedia
18. Methasterone (Superdrol)
- Overview:
A potent oral compound originally designed in the 1950s that gained
popularity in the 2000s. It is chemically structured as
2α,17α-dimethyl-DHT.
- Muscle-Building
Effects: Triggers extreme, rapid increases in muscle glycogen storage,
tissue density, and raw strength. Users gain full, "3D" looking
muscle volume almost immediately without any subcutaneous water weight.
- Side
Effects: Extremely harsh on the body. Causes severe liver toxicity,
debilitating lethargy, intense muscle cramps/back pumps, sharp drops in
HDL cholesterol, and rapid suppression of natural hormone production.
Wikipedia