MONOGRAPH No. 042
🧪 Handling & Reference
EU peptide — glossary.
Plain-English definitions of every term you will encounter on PeptideCompare and EU supplier sites.
Last reviewed:
AGONIST
A molecule that binds to and activates a receptor, producing a biological response. Most research peptides are agonists at their target receptors.
A molecule that binds to and activates a receptor, producing a biological response. Most research peptides are agonists at their target receptors.
AMPK
AMP-activated protein kinase, the cell energy sensor. Activated by low energy states. Targeted by AICAR, MOTS-C, metformin.
AMP-activated protein kinase, the cell energy sensor. Activated by low energy states. Targeted by AICAR, MOTS-C, metformin.
BACTERIOSTATIC WATER
Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol. The standard reconstitution liquid for peptides. Inhibits bacterial growth in multi-dose vials.
Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol. The standard reconstitution liquid for peptides. Inhibits bacterial growth in multi-dose vials.
BDNF
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Promotes neuronal survival and growth. Upregulated by Semax, exercise, and some antidepressants.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Promotes neuronal survival and growth. Upregulated by Semax, exercise, and some antidepressants.
COA
Certificate of Analysis. Quality document confirming identity, purity and safety parameters of a batch. Must be batch-specific and from an independent lab.
Certificate of Analysis. Quality document confirming identity, purity and safety parameters of a batch. Must be batch-specific and from an independent lab.
GHRH
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. Natural hypothalamic peptide. Analogues include Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin.
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. Natural hypothalamic peptide. Analogues include Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin.
GHRP
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. Synthetic ghrelin mimetics. Examples: Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. Synthetic ghrelin mimetics. Examples: Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin.
GLP-1
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. Incretin hormone reducing appetite and blood glucose. Mimicked by Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. Incretin hormone reducing appetite and blood glucose. Mimicked by Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide.
HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The standard method for measuring peptide purity. A purity figure without a chromatogram is unverifiable.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The standard method for measuring peptide purity. A purity figure without a chromatogram is unverifiable.
LYOPHILIZED
Freeze-dried. The standard form for research peptides, a dry powder, stable for years. Must be reconstituted before use.
Freeze-dried. The standard form for research peptides, a dry powder, stable for years. Must be reconstituted before use.
MASS SPECTROMETRY
Technique measuring molecular mass to confirm identity. A purity reading alone cannot confirm you have the right peptide.
Technique measuring molecular mass to confirm identity. A purity reading alone cannot confirm you have the right peptide.
RECONSTITUTION
Dissolving lyophilized peptide powder in bacteriostatic water to create a solution.
Dissolving lyophilized peptide powder in bacteriostatic water to create a solution.
RESEARCH USE ONLY
Label positioning products outside pharmaceutical regulations. Not a guarantee of safety, nor a legal protection for human consumption.
Label positioning products outside pharmaceutical regulations. Not a guarantee of safety, nor a legal protection for human consumption.
SASP
Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype. The inflammatory signals released by senescent cells. Reduced by senolytics.
Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype. The inflammatory signals released by senescent cells. Reduced by senolytics.
SUBCUTANEOUS
Injected into the fat layer just under the skin. Standard route for most research peptides.
Injected into the fat layer just under the skin. Standard route for most research peptides.
WADA S0
WADA prohibited list category Non-Approved Substances. Covers all pharmacological substances not approved for human therapeutic use.
WADA prohibited list category Non-Approved Substances. Covers all pharmacological substances not approved for human therapeutic use.
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The comparison table uses these terms consistently — hover badges for inline explanations.