A plain-language breakdown of each research compound — what it is, how it works, what published studies have reported, and the low-end, optimal and high-end dosing ranges seen in that literature. Ranges are reported for research context only.
Tirzepatide
Also known as GLP-2 dual agonist
Metabolic / GLP
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
A dual incretin analog studied for large reductions in body weight and improvements in glycemic markers.
Mechanism
Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, slowing gastric emptying, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin release and reducing appetite signaling in the hypothalamus.
What research has shown
Phase 3 trial literature reports mean weight reductions of roughly 15–21% over 72 weeks at higher maintenance doses, with HbA1c reductions around 2%.
Low end
2.5 mg weekly (titration / tolerance phase, typically 4 weeks)
Optimal
5–10 mg weekly after stepwise titration
High end
12.5–15 mg weekly, the ceiling used in published trials
Frequency: Once weeklyNote: Literature emphasizes 4-week titration steps to limit GI effects.
Retatrutide
Also known as GLP-3 triple agonist
Metabolic / GLP
GIP/GLP-1/glucagon triple receptor agonist
A triple-receptor incretin analog reported to produce the largest weight reductions seen in this class of research compounds.
Mechanism
Adds glucagon receptor activity to dual incretin agonism, increasing energy expenditure and hepatic fat mobilization alongside appetite suppression.
What research has shown
Phase 2 data reported ~17% weight reduction at 24 weeks and ~24% at 48 weeks at the highest dose, with notable reductions in hepatic fat fraction.
Low end
1–2 mg weekly (initiation)
High end
12 mg weekly, the top dose in reported trials
Frequency: Once weeklyNote: Heart-rate increase and GI effects scale with dose in reported data.
BPC-157
Also known as Body Protection Compound 157
Repair & Recovery
Synthetic pentadecapeptide (gastric juice derived)
One of the most widely studied repair peptides in animal models, examined for tendon, ligament, muscle and gut tissue healing.
Mechanism
Upregulates VEGF-driven angiogenesis and growth-hormone receptor expression in fibroblasts, promoting collagen organization and accelerating granulation tissue formation.
What research has shown
Rodent studies show accelerated tendon-to-bone healing, improved muscle crush injury recovery and protection of gut mucosa; no large human trials are published.
Optimal
250–500 mcg daily (commonly split AM/PM)
High end
500–750 mcg daily in short 4–6 week research blocks
Frequency: Daily, typically 4–8 week cyclesNote: Often studied locally near the injury site as well as systemically.
TB-500
Also known as Thymosin Beta-4 fragment
Repair & Recovery
Actin-binding peptide fragment
A synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 studied for cell migration, flexibility and systemic tissue repair.
Mechanism
Sequesters G-actin to promote cytoskeletal remodeling, endothelial cell migration and new blood-vessel formation at injury sites.
What research has shown
Animal models report improved cardiac tissue recovery post-ischemia, faster dermal wound closure and reduced inflammatory markers.
Optimal
2–5 mg weekly during a 4–6 week loading phase
High end
5–10 mg weekly split across 2 administrations
Frequency: 1–2× weekly; loading phase then maintenanceNote: Frequently paired with BPC-157 in published repair research models.
BPC-157 + TB-500 Blend
Repair & Recovery
Combination repair blend
A combination of the two most-studied repair peptides, intended to cover both local granulation and systemic cell migration pathways.
Mechanism
Combines VEGF-mediated angiogenesis (BPC-157) with actin-driven cell migration (TB-500) for complementary repair signaling.
What research has shown
Preclinical work on the individual peptides suggests additive effects on soft-tissue recovery; combination-specific trials are limited.
Low end
250 mcg BPC + 500 mcg TB daily-equivalent
Optimal
500 mcg BPC + 750 mcg TB daily-equivalent
High end
750 mcg BPC + 1 mg TB daily-equivalent, short blocks
Frequency: Daily for 4–6 weeks, then reassess
Modified hGH fragment (176-191)
A growth-hormone fragment studied for lipolytic activity without the glucose-handling effects of full-length hGH.
Mechanism
Stimulates beta-3 adrenergic receptor signaling in adipose tissue, increasing fat oxidation while reportedly not binding the IGF-1 axis.
What research has shown
Human trials reported modest fat-mass reductions versus placebo; later cartilage-repair studies explored intra-articular use.
Optimal
300 mcg daily, typically fasted
Frequency: Daily, morning fasted in most protocols
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone
GHRH analog + selective GH secretagogue
The most commonly studied GH-axis pairing, combining a GHRH analog with a ghrelin-receptor secretagogue for a pulsatile GH release.
Mechanism
CJC-1295 extends GHRH signaling to raise baseline GH output; ipamorelin triggers a clean GH pulse without meaningful cortisol or prolactin elevation.
What research has shown
Studies report sustained increases in GH and IGF-1 levels with the combination, with a receptor-selectivity profile favorable versus older secretagogues.
Low end
100 mcg / 100 mcg once nightly
Optimal
200 mcg / 200 mcg once nightly before sleep
High end
300 mcg / 300 mcg, or 200/200 twice daily
Frequency: Nightly on an empty stomach; 8–12 week blocksNote: Administration away from food is emphasized to avoid blunting the GH pulse.
Selective ghrelin receptor agonist
A highly selective GH secretagogue valued in research for producing GH pulses with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin or appetite.
Mechanism
Binds the GHS-R1a receptor in the pituitary to induce a short, physiologic GH pulse.
What research has shown
Preclinical and early clinical data show dose-dependent GH release with a cleaner side-effect profile than GHRP-2 or GHRP-6.
Optimal
200–300 mcg per dose
High end
300 mcg, 2–3× daily
Frequency: 1–3× daily, fasted
GHRH (1-29) analog
The shortest active fragment of GHRH, studied for restoring more youthful, pulsatile GH secretion.
Mechanism
Stimulates pituitary somatotrophs directly while preserving negative-feedback regulation, reducing the risk of GH oversaturation.
What research has shown
Long-standing clinical use as a GH-deficiency diagnostic; adult studies report improved IGF-1, sleep quality and body composition over 3–6 months.
Low end
100–200 mcg nightly
Optimal
200–300 mcg nightly
Frequency: Nightly before bed
Tesamorelin
Growth Hormone
Stabilized GHRH analog
The only GHRH analog with published trial data specifically targeting visceral adipose tissue reduction.
Mechanism
A trans-3-hexenoyl modified GHRH resistant to DPP-4 degradation, producing sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation.
What research has shown
Clinical trials reported ~15–18% reductions in visceral adipose tissue over 26–52 weeks, plus reductions in liver fat.
Optimal
2 mg daily (the trial dose)
High end
2 mg daily; not exceeded in published trials
Frequency: Once daily, typically eveningNote: Glucose markers were monitored in trials due to GH-related insulin resistance.
Long-acting IGF-1 analog
An extended half-life IGF-1 variant studied for direct anabolic and cell-proliferation signaling downstream of GH.
Mechanism
Reduced binding-protein affinity gives a far longer circulating half-life, sustaining IGF-1 receptor and mTOR pathway activation.
What research has shown
In vitro and animal data show marked increases in protein synthesis, satellite cell activity and muscle hyperplasia markers.
High end
80–100 mcg daily, short blocks only
Frequency: Daily, 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off in most research designsNote: Hypoglycemia risk is the most reported acute effect in the literature.
5-Amino-1MQ
Longevity / Mitochondrial
NNMT enzyme inhibitor (small molecule)
An orally-active NNMT inhibitor studied for adipocyte metabolism and cellular NAD+ preservation.
Mechanism
Blocks nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, raising intracellular NAD+ and SAM, which shifts white adipocytes toward increased lipolysis.
What research has shown
Rodent studies report reduced fat mass without dietary change and improved muscle stem-cell function in aged models.
Low end
50 mg daily (oral)
Frequency: Daily, usually morning
MOTS-c
Longevity / Mitochondrial
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial peptide studied as an exercise-mimetic and metabolic regulator.
Mechanism
Activates AMPK and the folate–methionine cycle, improving glucose utilization and mitochondrial efficiency in skeletal muscle.
What research has shown
Animal models show prevention of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance; human association studies link higher MOTS-c levels to longevity cohorts.
High end
10 mg daily for 10-day loading blocks
Frequency: 2–3× weekly, or short daily loading phases
SS-31
Also known as Elamipretide
Longevity / Mitochondrial
Cardiolipin-targeting mitochondrial peptide
A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for restoring energy production in aged or damaged tissue.
Mechanism
Binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure, improving electron transport efficiency and lowering ROS leakage.
What research has shown
Clinical trials in primary mitochondrial myopathy and heart failure reported improved 6-minute walk distance and muscle ATP recovery.
High end
40 mg daily (upper trial dose)
Frequency: Daily, 4–8 week blocks
NAD+
Longevity / Mitochondrial
Redox coenzyme
The central coenzyme of cellular energy metabolism, studied for age-related decline, DNA repair and sirtuin activity.
Mechanism
Serves as the electron carrier for oxidative phosphorylation and the required substrate for sirtuins and PARP-mediated DNA repair.
What research has shown
Precursor and direct-NAD+ studies report improved mitochondrial function and metabolic markers; optimal human dosing remains an active research question.
Optimal
100 mg daily or every other day
High end
250–500 mg per session (slow administration)
Frequency: Daily to 2× weeklyNote: Rapid administration is consistently associated with flushing and chest pressure in reports.
Copper tripeptide
A naturally-occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied extensively for skin remodeling, hair follicle activity and wound repair.
Mechanism
Delivers copper intracellularly and resets gene expression toward collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while downregulating fibrotic signaling.
What research has shown
Gene-expression work reports it shifts over 4,000 human genes toward a younger profile; topical trials show improved skin density and wrinkle depth.
Optimal
1.5–2 mg per session
Frequency: 2–5× weekly; often topical rather than injected in dermal researchNote: Subcutaneous administration is commonly reported to cause transient site irritation.
GLOW Blend
Also known as GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500
Skin & Aesthetic
Aesthetic/repair blend
A three-peptide blend combining dermal remodeling with systemic repair signaling.
Mechanism
Pairs GHK-Cu collagen/elastin gene signaling with the angiogenic and cell-migration pathways of BPC-157 and TB-500.
What research has shown
Evidence is drawn from the individual components; combination trials are not published.
Low end
Low-end reconstituted split (≈0.5 mg total daily)
High end
≈1.5–2 mg total daily, short blocks
Frequency: Daily, 4–8 week blocks
KLOW Blend
Also known as GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 + KPV
Skin & Aesthetic
Aesthetic/repair/anti-inflammatory blend
Extends the GLOW profile with KPV, an alpha-MSH fragment studied for its anti-inflammatory action in gut and skin tissue.
Mechanism
KPV inhibits NF-kB signaling, adding an inflammation-resolution component to the repair and dermal remodeling pathways.
What research has shown
KPV research shows reduced colonic inflammation in animal colitis models; other components as described individually.
Low end
≈0.5 mg total daily
High end
≈2 mg total daily
Frequency: Daily, 4–8 week blocks
Melanotan I
Also known as Afamelanotide
Skin & Aesthetic
Alpha-MSH analog
A melanocortin-1 receptor agonist studied for photoprotection through increased eumelanin production.
Mechanism
Selectively activates MC1R on melanocytes, driving melanin synthesis independent of UV exposure.
What research has shown
Approved in some regions for erythropoietic protoporphyria; trials reported significantly increased pain-free light exposure time.
Low end
250 mcg daily (loading)
Optimal
500 mcg daily during loading, then 2× weekly
High end
1 mg daily during short loading phases
Frequency: Daily loading then weekly maintenanceNote: Melanocytic lesion monitoring is emphasized throughout the literature.
PT-141
Also known as Bremelanotide
Wellness & Hormonal
Melanocortin receptor agonist
A centrally-acting melanocortin agonist studied for sexual arousal pathways rather than vascular mechanisms.
Mechanism
Activates MC3R/MC4R in the hypothalamus, modulating dopamine release in arousal-related pathways.
What research has shown
Phase 3 trials reported statistically significant improvements in desire and reduced distress scores versus placebo.
Low end
0.5–1 mg as needed
Optimal
1.75 mg (the trial dose), 45 min before
High end
2 mg; nausea rates rise sharply above this
Frequency: As needed; no more than once in 24 hours in trial protocols
Gonadotropin (LH analog)
Studied for maintaining testicular function and endogenous steroidogenesis during suppression of the HPG axis.
Mechanism
Mimics luteinizing hormone at Leydig cell receptors, sustaining intratesticular testosterone and spermatogenesis.
What research has shown
Clinical studies report preserved intratesticular testosterone and testicular volume during exogenous androgen use.
Optimal
500 IU 2–3× weekly
High end
1,000–1,500 IU 3× weekly (restart protocols)
Frequency: 2–3× weekly
HGH (Somatropin)
Growth Hormone
Recombinant human growth hormone
The reference GH compound, studied for body composition, recovery, bone density and tissue repair.
Mechanism
Binds hepatic and peripheral GH receptors to raise IGF-1, driving lipolysis, protein synthesis and collagen turnover.
What research has shown
Adult GH-deficiency trials report reduced fat mass, increased lean mass and improved bone mineral density over 6–12 months.
Low end
1–2 IU daily (general wellness range in literature)
High end
4–6 IU daily; insulin sensitivity declines with dose
Frequency: Daily, often split AM/PMNote: Glucose and IGF-1 monitoring is standard in all published protocols.
Bacteriostatic Water
Wellness & Hormonal
Diluent
Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides and permit multi-dose withdrawal.
Mechanism
The benzyl alcohol preservative inhibits bacterial growth, extending usable vial life after reconstitution.
What research has shown
Stability work generally supports 28 days refrigerated after reconstitution for most peptides.
Low end
1 mL per vial (higher concentration)
Optimal
2 mL per vial (typical)
High end
3–5 mL per vial (finer dose granularity)
Frequency: As needed for reconstitutionNote: Use the Peptide Calculator to convert vial size and diluent volume into unit marks.