PeptideCompareMONOGRAPH 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.
ANXIOLYTIC
A substance studied for its potential to reduce anxiety. Used loosely in the peptide research space for compounds explored for calming or stress-reducing effects, such as Selank and Semax.
A substance studied for its potential to reduce anxiety. Used loosely in the peptide research space for compounds explored for calming or stress-reducing effects, such as Selank and Semax.
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.
BIOREGULATOR
A short synthetic peptide (2–4 amino acids) modelled on the work of Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson, studied for organ- or tissue-specific support. Examples: Epitalon, Thymalin, Vilon, Cartalax.
A short synthetic peptide (2–4 amino acids) modelled on the work of Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson, studied for organ- or tissue-specific support. Examples: Epitalon, Thymalin, Vilon, Cartalax.
CMI
Customer Mystery Investigation. PeptideCompare’s own real order or supplied sample, used to independently review a supplier’s delivery time, packaging, labelling, customer service and invoice details. See CMI Verified.
Customer Mystery Investigation. PeptideCompare’s own real order or supplied sample, used to independently review a supplier’s delivery time, packaging, labelling, customer service and invoice details. See CMI Verified.
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.
ERR
Estrogen-Related Receptor. A nuclear receptor involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, independent of estrogen itself. A research target for compounds studied for endurance.
Estrogen-Related Receptor. A nuclear receptor involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, independent of estrogen itself. A research target for compounds studied for endurance.
GCGR
Glucagon Receptor. Regulates glucose release from the liver. Some newer research peptides target GLP-1 and GCGR together (dual agonists).
Glucagon Receptor. Regulates glucose release from the liver. Some newer research peptides target GLP-1 and GCGR together (dual agonists).
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.
GIP
Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide. An incretin hormone alongside GLP-1. Compounds such as Tirzepatide and Retatrutide act on both receptors at once.
Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide. An incretin hormone alongside GLP-1. Compounds such as Tirzepatide and Retatrutide act on both receptors at once.
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.
HPG AXIS
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis. The hormonal feedback loop controlling reproductive hormone production. Studied in relation to peptides such as Kisspeptin.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis. The hormonal feedback loop controlling reproductive hormone production. Studied in relation to peptides such as Kisspeptin.
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.
MC4R
Melanocortin 4 Receptor. A brain receptor involved in appetite, skin pigmentation and sexual function. A research target for peptides such as Melanotan II and PT-141.
Melanocortin 4 Receptor. A brain receptor involved in appetite, skin pigmentation and sexual function. A research target for peptides such as Melanotan II and PT-141.
NNMT
Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. An enzyme linked to fat storage and metabolic rate. A research target for compounds such as 5-Amino-1MQ.
Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. An enzyme linked to fat storage and metabolic rate. A research target for compounds such as 5-Amino-1MQ.
NOOTROPIC
A substance studied for potential cognitive effects on memory, focus or learning. Used broadly across the research-peptide space, e.g. Semax, Selank, Dihexa.
A substance studied for potential cognitive effects on memory, focus or learning. Used broadly across the research-peptide space, e.g. Semax, Selank, Dihexa.
PTH
Parathyroid Hormone. Regulates calcium and bone metabolism. Analogues such as Abaloparatide are studied for bone density.
Parathyroid Hormone. Regulates calcium and bone metabolism. Analogues such as Abaloparatide are studied for bone density.
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.
SENOLYTIC
A compound studied for its potential to selectively clear senescent (‘zombie’) cells, which accumulate with age and release inflammatory signals (see SASP).
A compound studied for its potential to selectively clear senescent (‘zombie’) cells, which accumulate with age and release inflammatory signals (see SASP).
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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