A

Amino Acid

The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to create peptides. Each amino acid has a unique structure that determines the peptide's properties.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels from existing vessels. Some peptides like BPC-157 promote angiogenesis, which supports tissue healing by improving blood supply to damaged areas.

AOD-9604

A synthetic peptide fragment (amino acids 177-191) of human growth hormone. Researched primarily for its potential to stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) without the growth-promoting effects of full HGH.

B

Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water)

Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used to reconstitute peptides because it inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the reconstituted solution to remain stable for weeks when refrigerated.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a substance that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect. Peptides administered subcutaneously typically have higher bioavailability than oral peptides due to digestive breakdown.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

A synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. Consists of 15 amino acids and is researched for tissue healing, gut protection, and anti-inflammatory properties.

C

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A document provided by a testing laboratory that verifies the identity, purity, and quality of a peptide batch. Should include HPLC purity, mass spectrometry data, and batch information. Third-party COAs are more reliable than in-house testing.

CJC-1295

A synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). Available in two forms: with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) for extended half-life, and without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29) for shorter, more pulsatile action.

Collagen Peptides

Short chains of amino acids derived from collagen protein, typically from bovine or marine sources. Used for skin, joint, and connective tissue support. Different from research peptides as they're taken orally as supplements.

D

DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)

A modification added to some peptides (like CJC-1295 with DAC) that allows them to bind to albumin in the blood, dramatically extending their half-life from minutes to days.

Degradation

The breakdown of a peptide's molecular structure over time, caused by factors like heat, light, moisture, or bacterial contamination. Proper storage minimizes degradation and maintains peptide potency.

E

Epithalon (Epitalon)

A synthetic tetrapeptide (4 amino acids) studied for its potential to activate telomerase, an enzyme involved in cellular aging. Research focuses on longevity and anti-aging applications.

Endogenous

Produced naturally within the body. For example, growth hormone is an endogenous hormone, while synthetic GHRP peptides stimulate the release of this endogenous hormone.

G

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

A tripeptide (3 amino acids) naturally occurring in human plasma that binds copper. Researched for wound healing, skin regeneration, and collagen synthesis. Available in topical and injectable forms.

GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. GHRH analogs like CJC-1295 mimic this signaling to enhance GH release.

GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide)

A class of synthetic peptides that stimulate growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor. Examples include Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, and GHRP-2. Each has different side effect profiles.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

A hormone produced in the intestines that regulates blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are FDA-approved medications that mimic this hormone.

H

Half-Life

The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body. Peptide half-lives range from minutes (most GHRPs) to days (CJC-1295 with DAC), affecting dosing frequency.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

An analytical technique used to separate and measure compounds. In peptide testing, HPLC determines purity by identifying what percentage of the sample is the target peptide versus impurities.

I

Ipamorelin

A selective GHRP that stimulates growth hormone release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or appetite. Considered one of the "cleanest" GH secretagogues with minimal side effects.

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)

A hormone produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone. Many of GH's effects are actually mediated through IGF-1. Some peptides like CJC-1295 can increase IGF-1 levels.

L

Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying)

A preservation process that removes water from peptides by freezing then applying vacuum to sublime the ice. Lyophilized peptides are stable powders that must be reconstituted before use.

Lyophilized Peptide

A peptide in freeze-dried powder form. This is the most stable form for storage and shipping. Must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before research use.

M

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules. In peptide testing, MS confirms the molecular weight matches the expected peptide, verifying identity.

Mod GRF 1-29

Modified Growth Releasing Factor (amino acids 1-29), also known as CJC-1295 without DAC. A GHRH analog with a short half-life (about 30 minutes), used for pulsatile GH release.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Not technically a peptide, but a small molecule that mimics ghrelin and stimulates GH release orally. Often discussed alongside peptides due to similar effects but different administration.

P

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond formed between amino acids in a peptide chain. It's created when the carboxyl group of one amino acid joins with the amino group of another, releasing water.

Purity

The percentage of a peptide sample that is the target compound versus impurities. Research-grade peptides typically have >98% purity. Higher purity generally indicates better quality.

R

Reconstitution

The process of dissolving lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder in bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution. Proper technique involves slowly adding water to avoid damaging the peptide.

Research Chemical

A compound sold for laboratory research purposes only, not approved for human or veterinary use. Most synthetic peptides fall into this category and must be labeled accordingly.

S

Semaglutide

A GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and weight management (Wegovy). Works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.

Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Administration method where a substance is injected into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. Most peptides are administered subcutaneously using insulin syringes.

Synergy

When two or more compounds produce effects greater than the sum of their individual effects. For example, combining a GHRP with a GHRH produces synergistic GH release.

T

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

A synthetic version of a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide. Researched for systemic healing effects including cell migration, inflammation reduction, and tissue repair throughout the body.

Tesamorelin

A synthetic GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Stimulates natural GH release from the pituitary.

Tirzepatide

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and weight management (Zepbound). Represents a newer class of metabolic peptides with dual action.