Peptide Glossary
Definitions for 32 key terms in peptide research science.
Amino Acid
The building blocks of peptides. There are 20 standard amino acids; peptides are chains of 2 or more linked by peptide bonds.
Bacteriostatic Water (BW)
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Used to reconstitute lyophilised peptide powders for research use. The benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial growth, extending usability.
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157. A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from gastric juice proteins. Studied extensively for tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and gut-healing properties in animal models.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from an analytical laboratory confirming a product's identity, purity, and potency. Third-party COAs (from independent labs like Janoshik) are the gold standard for verifying research peptide quality.
CJC-1295
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Extends the half-life of endogenous GHRH and stimulates GH secretion. Often used in research with Ipamorelin.
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
A modification added to CJC-1295 that binds to albumin, dramatically extending its half-life from minutes to ~6–8 days.
Epitalon
A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for its role in pineal gland regulation, telomere elongation, and anti-aging effects in preclinical models.
GHK-Cu
A naturally occurring copper peptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper). Studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory, and skin regeneration properties.
GLP-1 Analog
Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue. GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion. Analogs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are studied for metabolic and weight-related research.
GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide)
A class of peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Includes GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.
Half-Life
The time it takes for a substance's concentration in the body to reduce by 50%. Critical for understanding dosing frequency in research protocols.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
An analytical technique used to identify and quantify compounds in a mixture. HPLC purity testing is the standard method to confirm peptide identity and concentration.
Ipamorelin
A selective GHRP that stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. One of the most selective GH secretagogues studied.
Janoshik Analytical
A Czech Republic-based independent analytical laboratory widely used by the research peptide community to verify product purity via HPLC and mass spectrometry.
Lyophilisation (Freeze-Drying)
A preservation process that removes water from a product under low temperature and vacuum. Lyophilised peptides are stable powders that must be reconstituted before research use.
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, used to confirm molecular identity of a compound. Combined with HPLC (LC-MS), it provides the most definitive peptide verification.
Melanotan II (MT-2)
A synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH. Studied for its effects on melanogenesis (skin pigmentation) and sexual function via MC1R and MC4R receptor activation.
MOTS-c
A mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. Studied for metabolic regulation, exercise performance, and longevity effects in preclinical research.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2–50) linked by peptide bonds. Distinguished from proteins primarily by length. Peptides can act as hormones, neurotransmitters, or growth factors.
Peptide Bond
The chemical bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing water. The fundamental link in peptide and protein structure.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A melanocortin receptor agonist studied for its effects on sexual arousal and dysfunction via CNS pathways, distinct from PDE5 inhibitors.
Receptor
A protein on a cell surface or inside a cell that binds to a specific molecule (ligand) and triggers a cellular response. Peptides exert effects by binding to specific receptors.
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving a lyophilised peptide powder in a liquid (typically bacteriostatic water or sterile saline) to prepare it for research use.
Retatrutide
A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. One of the most potent metabolic peptides studied, showing significant weight reduction in early clinical trials.
Selank
A synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Studied for anxiolytic effects, cognitive enhancement, and immune system modulation in animal models.
Semax
A synthetic ACTH analogue developed in Russia. Studied for neuroprotective effects, cognitive enhancement, and stroke recovery in preclinical and some clinical research.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Most extensively studied GLP-1 analog for metabolic research. Forms the basis of Ozempic and Wegovy commercially.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide. Studied for cardioprotection, mitochondrial dysfunction, and age-related metabolic decline in animal models.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
A synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4. Studied for accelerated wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and tissue repair, particularly in cardiac and musculoskeletal models.
Tesamorelin
A synthetic GHRH analogue studied for its ability to reduce visceral fat accumulation, particularly in HIV-associated lipodystrophy research.
Tirzepatide
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Studied for superior metabolic and weight management outcomes versus single-receptor GLP-1 agonists. Basis of Mounjaro commercially.
Trust Rank
PeptidePlaza's community-derived ranking of vendors based on independent lab test results, forum reputation, COA quality, and community reporting. #1 = most trusted.