Research compound encyclopedia
Every compound, cited to the literature
Mechanism, research status and the safety signals reported in published studies, for the compounds researchers ask about, whether we stock them or not. Every citation links to its PubMed record.
126 compound profiles410 PubMed citations10 mechanism categories
Growth-hormone secretagogues & GH-axis peptides
Compounds studied for how they act on the growth-hormone axis: GHRH analogues that act on the pituitary GHRH receptor, ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R1a) agonists, and the downstream IGF-1 system. Much of this literature comes from endocrine diagnostics and anti-doping work.
ACE-031 (Ramatercept)A fusion protein of the activin type IIB receptor and an antibody Fc fragment that traps myostatin and related ligands.AnamorelinAn orally active, non-peptide ghrelin-receptor agonist approved in Japan for cancer cachexia — the best-trialled molecule in the secretagogue class.CJC-1295 (with DAC)A long-acting synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) carrying a Drug Affinity Complex that binds serum albumin.In stock · research overviewCJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)A stabilised 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment with four amino-acid substitutions — the short-acting cousin of CJC-1295 with DAC.Follistatin (FS-344)A secreted glycoprotein that binds and neutralises myostatin and activin — studied as a route to muscle growth in muscle-disease research.GhrelinThe endogenous 28-amino-acid stomach hormone that activates the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor — the natural ligand every synthetic secretagogue imitates.GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin)A synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide that acts on the ghrelin receptor and is used in some countries as a diagnostic test of GH reserve.GHRP-6One of the first synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptides, a ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for GH release and as a diagnostic probe.HexarelinA potent synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide with additional, receptor-mediated actions studied in cardiovascular models.Ibutamoren (MK-677)An orally active, non-peptide growth-hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin at the GHS-R1a receptor.IGF-1 LR3A recombinant analogue of insulin-like growth factor-1 with an Arg3 substitution and N-terminal extension that sharply reduces binding to IGF-binding proteins.In stock · research overviewIpamorelinIpamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that selectively binds the growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (the ghrelin receptor).MacimorelinAn oral ghrelin-receptor agonist approved in the US and EU as a diagnostic test for adult growth-hormone deficiency.MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)A splice variant of the IGF-1 gene (IGF-IEc) produced in response to mechanical load, with a distinct E-domain peptide studied in tissue repair.OctreotideA long-acting synthetic analogue of somatostatin — the hormone that switches growth-hormone release off.SermorelinSynthetic GHRH(1-29) — the shortest fully active fragment of natural growth-hormone-releasing hormone, once a registered paediatric medicine.In stock · research overviewTesamorelinTesamorelin is a stabilised synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
Incretin & metabolic research compounds
GLP-1, GIP, glucagon and amylin pathway compounds, plus metabolic modulators. Several are approved medicines elsewhere; the research literature here is large, trial-driven and reported as what each study measured.
5-Amino-1MQA small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), studied in obesity and metabolism models.Adipotide (FTPP)A peptidomimetic that targets prohibitin on the blood vessels of white fat and triggers their apoptosis, studied in obese monkeys.AOD-9604A modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177–191 plus an N-terminal tyrosine) studied for fat metabolism without GH’s growth or glucose effects.CagrilintideA long-acting amylin analogue, studied alone and in a fixed combination with semaglutide (CagriSema).Cardarine (GW501516)A synthetic PPARδ agonist developed for dyslipidaemia and nicknamed an "exercise mimetic" — a doping compound that never became a medicine.DulaglutideA once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist made by fusing two GLP-1 analogues to an antibody Fc fragment.In stock · research overviewEloralintideAn investigational, selective, long-acting amylin-receptor agonist from Eli Lilly, studied for obesity.ExenatideA synthetic version of exendin-4, a 39-amino-acid peptide from Gila monster venom and the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved as a medicine.GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)The native 30-amino-acid incretin hormone from intestinal L-cells that every GLP-1 receptor agonist imitates.GlucagonThe pancreatic alpha-cell hormone that raises blood glucose — the counter-regulatory partner to insulin and a component of newer multi-agonist research molecules.LiraglutideA once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first long-acting GLP-1 analogue developed by acylation, predecessor to semaglutide.MazdutideA once-weekly dual GLP-1 / glucagon-receptor agonist, first approved in China in 2025.OrforglipronAn oral, small-molecule (non-peptide) GLP-1 receptor agonist taken once daily without food restrictions.OxyntomodulinA natural 37-amino-acid gut hormone that activates both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors — the template for the dual-agonist drug class.PramlintideA synthetic analogue of the pancreatic hormone amylin, the first approved amylinomimetic.In stock · research overviewRetatrutideRetatrutide (LY3437943) is a single peptide engineered to activate three receptors at once — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon.SemaglutideA long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, the reference molecule of the modern incretin era in both injectable and oral form.SurvodutideA dual glucagon-receptor / GLP-1-receptor agonist being developed for obesity and metabolic liver disease (MASH).TesofensineA triple monoamine (noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin) reuptake inhibitor that reduced weight in a phase 2 obesity trial.In stock · research overviewTirzepatideTirzepatide is a synthetic dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 incretin receptors.
Melanocortin-system peptides
Peptides acting at melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R): pigmentation, appetite and sexual-function research. Several are registered medicines elsewhere and named in SAHPRA warnings.
In stock · research overviewMelanotan 2Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic cyclic lactam heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), designed at the University of Arizona as an enzymatically resistant, long-acting melanocortin.Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)A linear α-MSH analogue that selectively activates MC1R, approved (as an implant) to prevent phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria.In stock · research overviewPT-141 (Bremelanotide)A cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist derived from melanotan II, approved in the US for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.SetmelanotideA melanocortin-4 receptor agonist approved for rare genetic obesities caused by defects in the leptin–melanocortin pathway.α-MSH (Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone)The natural 13-amino-acid melanocortin hormone cleaved from POMC — the template for every melanotan analogue.
Tissue-repair, gut & immune-signalling peptides
Peptides studied in wound, gut-barrier, antimicrobial and immune-modulation models — from thymic peptides to host-defence peptides and tissue-protective erythropoietin derivatives.
AbaloparatideA synthetic analogue of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1–34) that selectively activates the PTH1 receptor to build bone.Angiotensin-(1-7)A heptapeptide of the renin–angiotensin system that tends to counter angiotensin II — the "protective arm" of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis.In stock · research overviewARA-290 (Cibinetide)An 11-amino-acid peptide from erythropoietin’s helix B that activates the "innate repair receptor" without stimulating red-cell production.In stock · research overviewBPC-157BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective sequence found in human gastric juice.In stock · research overviewGlow Blend (BPC-157 · TB-500 · GHK-Cu blend)The Glow blend is a blend rather than a single compound, and no published study has evaluated this specific three-peptide combination — the evidence below is the literature for each constituent, cited separately.GLP-2 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-2)A 33-amino-acid gut hormone co-secreted with GLP-1 that drives growth and repair of the intestinal lining.In stock · research overviewKLOW (GHK-Cu · BPC-157 · TB-500 · KPV blend)KLOW is a blend rather than a single compound, and no published study has evaluated this specific four-peptide combination — the evidence below is the literature for each constituent, cited separately.In stock · research overviewKPVKPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.Larazotide AcetateAn 8-amino-acid tight-junction regulator designed to reduce intestinal permeability, studied mainly in coeliac disease.LinaclotideA 14-amino-acid gut-acting peptide that activates guanylate cyclase-C on intestinal cells — one of the few oral peptide drugs.LL-37The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide — a 37-residue host-defence peptide with antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immune-signalling activity.Relaxin (Serelaxin)An insulin-family peptide hormone of pregnancy that remodels connective tissue, studied for anti-fibrotic and cardiovascular effects.Salmon CalcitoninA 32-amino-acid thyroid hormone (salmon form) that inhibits bone resorption, used for decades in osteoporosis and Paget’s disease.In stock · research overviewTB-500 (Thymosin beta-4)Thymosin beta-4 — the parent molecule of the TB-500 fragment — is a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering protein.TeduglutideA degradation-resistant analogue of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), approved for short bowel syndrome.TeriparatideThe 1–34 fragment of human parathyroid hormone — the first bone-building (anabolic) osteoporosis medicine.Thymopentin (TP-5)A synthetic pentapeptide matching the active site (residues 32–36) of the thymic hormone thymopoietin, studied as an immunomodulator.Thymosin Alpha-1A 28-amino-acid thymic peptide that modulates T-cell and dendritic-cell function, registered as a medicine in a number of countries.ThymulinA zinc-dependent nonapeptide hormone produced only by thymic epithelial cells, studied for immune and neuroendocrine regulation.In stock · research overviewVIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)A 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon family with vasodilatory, secretory and immune-modulating actions.In stock · research overviewWolverine Blend (BPC-157 · TB-500 blend)The Wolverine blend is a blend rather than a single compound, and no published study has evaluated this specific two-peptide combination — the evidence below is the literature for each constituent, cited separately.
Nootropic & neuropeptide research compounds
Neuropeptides and nootropic research compounds studied for cognition, sleep, social behaviour and neuroprotection — much of it preclinical or from small human studies.
Alpha-GPC (Choline Alfoscerate)A choline-containing phospholipid and acetylcholine precursor used as a medicine or nutraceutical for cognition.In stock · research overviewCerebrolysinCerebrolysin is a preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain.Citicoline (CDP-Choline)A naturally occurring intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, studied as a neuroprotective and cognitive compound.Desmopressin (DDAVP)A synthetic vasopressin analogue selective for the V2 receptor — strongly antidiuretic, with little effect on blood pressure.DihexaA small, blood–brain-barrier-permeable angiotensin IV analogue reported to act through the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met system.In stock · research overviewDSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)A nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) isolated in 1977 from rabbit cerebral venous blood during studies of sleep.MelatoninThe pineal hormone that signals darkness to the body clock — one of the most-trialled sleep and circadian compounds.Noopept (Omberacetam)A proline-containing dipeptide nootropic developed in Russia as a piracetam analogue, whose metabolite resembles an endogenous neuropeptide.Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1)A hypothalamic neuropeptide that stabilises wakefulness; its loss causes narcolepsy type 1.In stock · research overviewOxytocinThe hypothalamic nonapeptide hormone of labour and lactation, and a major research focus in social behaviour.P021 (Peptide 021)A tetrapeptide derived from the most active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), studied for neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.PACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide)A neuropeptide of the VIP family that strongly raises cAMP, studied for neuroprotection and as a migraine trigger.In stock · research overviewSelankSelank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin.In stock · research overviewSemaxSemax is a synthetic heptapeptide based on a fragment of ACTH(4-10) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability.Vasopressin (AVP)The posterior-pituitary nonapeptide that controls water balance and blood pressure, and a central regulator of social and anxiety-related behaviour.
Mitochondrial & longevity research compounds
Mitochondria-targeted peptides, mitochondrial-derived peptides and NAD+/mitophagy research compounds, studied for cellular energy metabolism and ageing biology.
ApelinAn endogenous peptide ligand of the APJ receptor, studied as an "exerkine" released by muscle during exercise.CarnosineA dipeptide (β-alanyl-L-histidine) abundant in muscle and brain, studied as a pH buffer, antioxidant and anti-glycation agent.FisetinA plant flavonoid (strawberries, apples) identified as one of the most potent natural senolytics in screening studies.FOXO4-DRIA D-retro-inverso peptide designed to disrupt the FOXO4–p53 interaction that keeps senescent cells alive — a senolytic research tool.In stock · research overviewGlutathioneGlutathione is the body’s principal endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) that neutralises reactive oxygen species and supports phase-II detoxification and cellular redox balance.HumaninA 24-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome — the first mitochondrial-derived peptide described — studied for cytoprotection.IrisinA myokine cleaved from the muscle membrane protein FNDC5 during exercise, studied for links between exercise, metabolism, bone and the brain.In stock · research overviewMOTS-cMOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA.In stock · research overviewnadplusNAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is the redox coenzyme at the centre of cellular energy metabolism and the substrate of sirtuins and PARPs; levels decline with age in many tissues.Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)A vitamin-B3-form NAD+ precursor that raises blood NAD+ in humans, tested in randomised trials in ageing and neurodegeneration.NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)A direct precursor of NAD+, studied in human trials as a way to raise NAD+ levels that decline with age.SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2)A mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 16S rRNA region, studied as an insulin sensitiser and cytoprotective signal.SpermidineA natural polyamine that induces autophagy, studied as a caloric-restriction mimetic and lifespan-extending compound in animals.SR9009 (Stenabolic)A synthetic ligand reported to activate REV-ERB circadian nuclear receptors — though later work showed REV-ERB-independent effects.In stock · research overviewSS-31 (Elamipretide)A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane — approved in the US in 2025 for Barth syndrome.Urolithin AA gut-microbiome metabolite of ellagitannins (pomegranate, berries, nuts) that stimulates mitophagy — the recycling of damaged mitochondria.
Short peptide bioregulators
Di-, tri- and tetrapeptides from the Russian bioregulator research programme, studied mainly in cell and animal models of gene expression and ageing. The evidence base is narrow and concentrated in one research group.
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro)A synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator modelled on brain-cortex peptide extracts (Cortexin), studied in nerve-regeneration and brain-ischaemia models.CortexinA lyophilised polypeptide extract of animal (bovine/porcine) brain cortex used as a neuroprotective drug in Russia.In stock · research overviewEpitalonEpitalon (epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) modelled on the pineal peptide epithalamin.Livagen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala)A synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator from the Khavinson programme, associated with liver tissue and studied for chromatin effects in aged lymphocytes.In stock · research overviewPinealonPinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg, "EDR") among the Khavinson peptide bioregulators.ThymalinA polypeptide extract of calf thymus used as an immunomodulatory drug in Russia; its active short peptides (e.g. Lys-Glu) are studied as bioregulators.Vesugen (Lys-Glu-Asp)A synthetic tripeptide bioregulator associated with vascular endothelium in the Khavinson programme.Vilon (Lys-Glu)A synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) from the Khavinson bioregulator programme, studied for immune and chromatin effects in cell and animal models.
Reproductive-axis (HPG) peptides
Kisspeptin, GnRH and gonadotropin research compounds that act on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Several are prescription medicines; the literature is largely endocrine physiology and fertility research.
In stock · research overviewhCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)A placental glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinising hormone (LH), stimulating testicular testosterone production — a prescription fertility medicine.In stock · research overviewhMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropin)A gonadotropin preparation purified from urine that carries both FSH and LH activity, used in assisted reproduction.In stock · research overviewKisspeptin-10The shortest active fragment of kisspeptin, the hypothalamic peptide that triggers GnRH release and sits at the top of the reproductive axis.Leuprolide (Leuprorelin)A GnRH-agonist peptide that first stimulates, then shuts down, the reproductive axis — "medical castration" used in prostate cancer and other hormone-driven conditions.TriptorelinA GnRH-agonist decapeptide with a D-tryptophan at position 6, used to suppress sex hormones and in assisted reproduction.
Cosmetic & skin-signalling peptides
Signal and neurotransmitter-modulating peptides used in cosmetic-science research — matrix signalling and SNARE-complex peptides studied in skin models and small cosmetic trials.
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8)A synthetic hexapeptide patterned on the N-terminus of SNAP-25, studied as a topical "Botox-like" anti-wrinkle ingredient.Collagen PeptidesEnzymatically hydrolysed collagen taken orally, studied in randomised trials for skin, joint and bone outcomes.In stock · research overviewGHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a sequence that occurs naturally in human plasma and declines with age.Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)A lipidated fragment of type I pro-collagen (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) used as a topical "signal peptide" to stimulate matrix production.In stock · research overviewSNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)An eight-amino-acid extension of Argireline, designed as a topical expression-line peptide that targets the same SNARE complex.
Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
Androgens, anabolic steroids, selective androgen-receptor modulators and related compounds. These are scheduled substances in South Africa; this section is educational, reports what the literature measured, and carries no use guidance of any kind.
Clomiphene CitrateA selective oestrogen-receptor modulator that raises LH, FSH and testosterone by blocking oestrogen feedback — used off-label in male hypogonadism and infertility.DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)An adrenal steroid prehormone that the body converts into androgens and oestrogens; levels fall steadily with age.Enclomiphene CitrateThe trans-isomer of clomiphene — an oral oestrogen-receptor antagonist that raises LH, FSH and testosterone while preserving sperm production.Enobosarm (Ostarine)A non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) taken orally, studied for cancer cachexia and AR-positive breast cancer.In stock · research overviewEPO (Erythropoietin)The kidney-derived glycoprotein hormone that drives red-cell production.Ligandrol (LGD-4033)A non-steroidal SARM developed for muscle wasting, prohibited by WADA since 2018 and sold illicitly.Nandrolone DecanoateA 19-nortestosterone anabolic steroid with a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, used clinically in some anaemia, osteoporosis and wasting settings.OxandroloneAn oral anabolic steroid studied clinically for severe burns, muscle wasting and Duchenne dystrophy.RAD-140 (Testolone)A non-steroidal SARM studied in breast-cancer models and neuroprotection, found in illicit "bodybuilding" supplements.Somatropin (Human Growth Hormone)Recombinant human growth hormone — the 191-amino-acid pituitary hormone that secretagogues stimulate indirectly.Testosterone CypionateA long-chain ester of testosterone given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, used clinically in testosterone deficiency and gender-affirming care.Testosterone EnanthateA testosterone ester with a heptanoate chain, one of the oldest injectable androgen preparations.TrenboloneA potent 19-nor anabolic steroid approved only as a veterinary growth promoter for cattle — never as a human medicine.YK-11A steroidal partial androgen-receptor agonist reported to raise follistatin expression in muscle cells — sold illicitly as a "myostatin inhibitor".
Research reference only — not medical advice, no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.