Peptides are bioregulatory molecules made up of short chains of amino acids linked together. They are smaller than proteins. Peptides are defined as molecules consisting of 2 to 50 amino acids, whereas proteins are made up of more than 50 amino acids. The function of a peptide is determined by its size and amino acid sequence. Peptides can act as transport molecules, cell-to-cell signalers, enzymes, and hormones.
Since the development of insulin therapy in the 1920s, peptide therapy has played a significant role in medical practice. Over 7,000 naturally occurring peptides have been discovered to date. In the United States and other major countries, over 60 peptide drugs have been approved, and peptides are continuing to enter clinical development at a steady pace.
Because peptides are mostly naturally occurring in the body, they are typically well-tolerated and very safe. One of the newest and most promising applications for peptide therapy has been in the field of anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Here are ten notable peptides and their beneficial uses:
BPC-157: This peptide has been found to inhibit systemic inflammation; reduce pain; stimulate healing of the GI tract, skin, musculoskeletal system, brain, and spinal cord; inhibit the growth of cancer, and counteract cancer cachexia. Click here to learn more.
Epithalon: This peptide is one of the very few substances that can activate the telomerase enzyme. Telomerase renews (elongates) the telomeres responsible for protecting human DNA from degradation and error-causing cancer. A reduced level of shortening of telomeres has been equated with the slowing of the rate of aging. Epithalon has also been found to increase the production of melatonin in the pineal gland, protect the integrity of the immune system and the retina, and increase one’s resistance to emotional stress. Click here to learn more.
Follistatin: This peptide is a potent inhibitor of myostatin. Myostatin breaks down muscle and inhibition of myostatin results in increased muscle mass. Follistatin has also been found to have anti-cancer properties by inhibiting Activin A. Activin A inhibits Natural Killer (NK) cells which are the immune system’s powerful cancer assassins. Click here to learn more.
FOXO4-DRI: This peptide has been found to eradicate senescent cells. Cellular senescence occurs when old and damaged cells, rather than dying, persist and become toxic. Also known as “zombie cells,” senescent cells have outlived their usefulness yet remain alive. Senescent cells accumulate with age and secrete pro-inflammatory molecules that harm surrounding healthy cells. They are a major driver of the physical deterioration of aging and have been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, frailty, dementia, and other diseases. Removing senescent cells could help us lead a disease-free life, bring back a more youthful vigor, and extend lifespan. Click here to learn more.
GHK-Cu: This peptide has been found to be able to “reset” our genes. With aging, there is an increase in the expression of genes that promote inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, cancer, and tissue deterioration, along with a simultaneous decrease in the expression of genes that inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer, and promote insulin sensitivity, DNA repair, and removal of damaged proteins. GHK-Cu has been found to reset gene expression to a younger and healthier state. This opens the door to a powerful way to prevent and treat age-related diseases and restore a more youthful state of health. Click here to learn more.
Oxytocin: This peptide is known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people hug or bond socially. Oxytocin acts both as a hormone and as a brain neurotransmitter. It can induce a general sense of calm and well-being, improve social interactions, and increase confidence and trust. Click here to learn more.
Selank: This is a neuroactive peptide that can potentially replace conventional antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs without causing the adverse effects associated with these drugs. Selank has also been found to improve memory and mental clarity. Click here for more information.
Semax: This is another neuroactive peptide that can help improve memory, concentration, motivation, and creativity, and help reduce anxiety and depression. Click here to learn more.
Thymalin: This peptide helps improve immune function. Advancing age is associated with a decline in immunity known as immunosenescence. This impairs the immune response to infections and immune surveillance against cancer cells. Contributing factors include atrophy of the thymus gland and declining bone marrow activity, resulting in a reduction of cytotoxic T-cells (CTCs). Thymalin has been found to combat immunosenescence by stimulating the regeneration of functional thymus tissue and boosting the production of CTCs. Thymalin has also been found to improve liver function, cardiovascular health, and bone density. Click here to learn more.
Thymosin Alpha-1: This peptide has been found to suppress cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (death) of cancer cells. Click here to learn more.
