Reference
Peptide & Supplement Research Glossary
Key terms and definitions for researchers exploring peptides and natural supplements.
A
- Amino Acid
- The basic building blocks of peptides and proteins. Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
- Anabolic
- Relating to the process of building complex molecules in the body, such as muscle tissue. Opposite of catabolic.
- Angiogenesis
- The formation of new blood vessels. Several peptides like BPC-157 are studied for their ability to promote angiogenesis to support tissue repair.
- Autophagy
- A cellular recycling process where damaged components are broken down and reused. Some compounds are studied for their ability to upregulate autophagy.
B
- BAC Water (Bacteriostatic Water)
- Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol. The standard solvent used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides. Allows multi-use over approximately 28 days when refrigerated.
- Bioavailability
- The proportion of a compound that enters systemic circulation. Varies by administration route.
- BID
- Twice daily. A dosing frequency term used in research protocols.
C
- Catabolic
- Relating to the breakdown of complex molecules in the body. Opposite of anabolic.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- A document from a third-party laboratory verifying the purity, concentration, and identity of a peptide batch.
- CNS (Central Nervous System)
- The brain and spinal cord. Some peptides such as Semax and Selank are studied for their effects on CNS function.
- Collagen
- The most abundant structural protein in the body. Many peptides and supplements are studied for their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis.
D
- DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
- A modification that extends a peptide’s half-life by enabling albumin binding. CJC-1295 with DAC is a common example.
- DPP-4
- An enzyme that breaks down GLP-1 and other peptides. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide are designed to resist DPP-4 degradation.
F
- Fibroblast
- A cell that produces collagen and structural proteins. GHK-Cu and other peptides are studied for their ability to stimulate fibroblast activity.
G
- GH (Growth Hormone)
- A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth and regeneration.
- GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)
- A hormone that stimulates GH release. CJC-1295 and Sermorelin are synthetic GHRH analogues.
- GHRP (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide)
- A class of peptides that stimulate GH release. Ipamorelin is a commonly researched GHRP.
- GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
- A gut hormone involved in insulin release. Tirzepatide and Retatrutide target GIP receptors alongside GLP-1.
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
- A naturally occurring gut hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses appetite. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
H
- Half-Life
- The time for a compound’s concentration to decrease by half. A key factor in dosing frequency.
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- A lab technique used to measure peptide purity. HPLC/MS is the gold standard for verifying research peptide quality.
I
- IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)
- A hormone produced in response to growth hormone. IGF-1 LR3 is a long-acting synthetic analogue studied for anabolic and tissue repair properties.
- IM (Intramuscular)
- An injection delivered directly into muscle tissue.
- Insulin Syringe
- A syringe calibrated in units (100 units = 1 mL) for precise small-volume injections.
L
- Lyophilized
- Freeze-dried. Most research peptides are sold lyophilized for stability. Stable for 2–5 years at -20°C. Must be reconstituted with BAC water before use.
M
- mcg (Microgram)
- One thousandth of a milligram (1 mg = 1,000 mcg). Peptide doses are often measured in mcg.
- mg (Milligram)
- A unit of mass. Peptide vials are typically sold by mg. The mg amount does not change when reconstituted.
- mL (Milliliter)
- A unit of liquid volume used when measuring reconstituted peptide solutions. 1 mL = 1 cc.
N
- Neuroprotection
- The preservation of neuronal structure and function. Semax and Selank are studied for neuroprotective effects.
- Nootropic
- A compound studied for potential cognitive enhancement, memory, or focus benefits.
P
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids (typically 2–50) linked by peptide bonds. Smaller than proteins, peptides act as signaling molecules.
- Purity
- The percentage of the desired compound in a peptide preparation. Research-grade peptides typically have purity of 98%+, verified by HPLC/MS.
Q
- QD
- Once daily. A dosing frequency term.
- QOD
- Every other day. Used in alternate-day dosing protocols.
R
- Receptor
- A protein on or in a cell that binds to a specific compound and triggers a biological response.
- Reconstitution
- The process of dissolving a lyophilized peptide in a solvent (typically BAC water) to create a solution ready for research use.
S
- Secretagogue
- A substance that stimulates secretion of another compound. Growth hormone secretagogues like Ipamorelin stimulate GH release.
- SQ / Subcutaneous
- An injection into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The most common administration route for research peptides.
- Stacking
- Using two or more compounds simultaneously in a research protocol for complementary or synergistic effects.
T
- Telomere
- The protective cap at the end of chromosomes that shortens with age. Epitalon is studied for potential telomerase activation effects.
- Thymosin
- A family of peptides produced by the thymus involved in immune regulation and tissue repair. Thymosin Alpha-1 and TB-500 are commonly researched examples.
U
- Units
- In the context of insulin syringes, 100 units = 1 mL.
V
- Vial
- A small glass or plastic container holding lyophilized peptide powder. Research peptides are typically sold in sealed vials of 2–10 mg.
This glossary is for educational and research purposes only. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Not for human use.