Peptide Glossary
A reference guide to common terms used in peptide research and the PeptideVolt platform.
For research and educational purposes only. Not medical advice.
A
Acetylation
A chemical modification in which an acetyl group is added to a molecule, often used to enhance the stability or bioavailability of peptide compounds.
Amino Acid
The building blocks of peptides and proteins. Peptides are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. There are 20 standard amino acids used in biological processes.
B
BAC Water
Bacteriostatic Water — sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used to reconstitute lyophilised peptides and inhibits microbial growth, allowing multi-dose use.
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157 — a synthetic peptide derived from a protective stomach protein (BPC). Studied in research for its effects on tissue repair, angiogenesis, and inflammation modulation.
C
CJC-1295
A synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). Research compounds may be DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) modified for extended half-life, or without DAC for shorter activity.
Concentration
The amount of active peptide per unit volume of reconstituted solution, typically expressed in mg/mL or mcg/mL. Determined by the amount of powder reconstituted in a given volume of BAC water.
D
Dosage
The amount of a compound administered in a single dose, typically measured in micrograms (mcg) or milligrams (mg) for peptide research.
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide — a neuropeptide studied for its potential effects on sleep architecture and stress response in research settings.
E
Epithalon
A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the epithalamus. Studied in longevity and anti-ageing research for its potential influence on telomere length and melatonin regulation.
F
Follistatin
A protein that inhibits myostatin and activin signalling. Research in this area focuses on its potential to influence muscle growth and tissue regeneration.
G
GH (Growth Hormone)
Human Growth Hormone — a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration. Many peptide research compounds aim to stimulate endogenous GH secretion.
GHRH
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone — a peptide produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary to secrete growth hormone. Synthetic analogues like CJC-1295 mimic its action.
GHRP
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide — a class of peptides (e.g. GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin) that stimulate GH release by acting on ghrelin receptors. Often stacked with GHRH analogues.
H
Half-Life
The time it takes for the concentration of a compound in the body to reduce by half. Peptides typically have short half-lives (minutes to hours) due to enzymatic degradation.
I
IGF-1
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 — a hormone primarily produced by the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. Mediates many of GH's anabolic effects in research.
Ipamorelin
A selective GHRP that stimulates GH release with minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin. Commonly studied alongside CJC-1295 as a GHRH/GHRP combination.
IU (International Units)
A unit of measurement for biological activity of substances. Some peptides (e.g. HGH) are measured in IUs. The conversion to weight varies by substance.
L
Lyophilisation
Freeze-drying — the process used to remove water from peptide compounds to produce a stable powder (lyophilate) that can be stored and later reconstituted. The standard form in which peptides are supplied.
M
MCG / Microgram
One millionth of a gram (0.001 mg). Many peptide research doses are measured in micrograms due to the high potency of these compounds.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
A non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates GH and IGF-1 secretion. Orally active and long-acting. Used in research studying GH axis effects.
P
Peptide
A short chain of amino acid residues linked by peptide bonds. Peptides are smaller than proteins (typically fewer than 50 amino acids) and can have wide-ranging biological activities.
Protocol
A structured research plan defining dosage, timing, frequency, duration, and administration route for a peptide compound or combination.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A synthetic melanocortin peptide studied for its effects on sexual function and libido via central nervous system pathways rather than vascular mechanisms.
R
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving a lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide powder in a sterile solution (typically BAC water or sterile water) to create an injectable solution.
Research Chemical
A compound used for scientific research and laboratory study. Not approved for human consumption or therapeutic use. Sold legally for research purposes only.
S
Selank
A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of tuftsin. Studied in nootropic and anxiolytic research for its potential effects on cognitive performance and stress response.
Semax
A synthetic peptide derived from ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Studied for its potential neuroprotective and nootropic effects in research settings.
Stack
A combination of two or more research peptides used together in a protocol, often chosen to achieve synergistic effects or to target multiple pathways simultaneously.
T
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
A synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide that regulates actin — a key protein in cell structure. Studied for its potential role in tissue repair, wound healing, and inflammation.
V
Vial
A small glass container holding the lyophilised peptide powder. Typically sealed with a rubber stopper that can be pierced with a syringe for reconstitution or withdrawal.
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