Peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino
acids, whereas proteins are made up of 50 or more amino acids. Bioactive
peptides have become extremely popular in the antiaging industry, as they can
aid in weight loss, improvement in aging skin, improvement in muscle to fat
mass ratio, improvement in immune function, and improvement in overall sense
of well-being. Below is a list of some of the peptides that we offer in our
practice:
Inflammation
BPC157
Body Protection Compound-157, is a synthetic peptide made up of 15 amino
acids. It was initially isolated from human gastric juice and is now produced
in a laboratory as well.
Potential benefits:
Accelerated healing: BPC-157 has been shown to accelerate the healing of
various tissues, including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. It may
help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels,
which can promote faster healing.
Anti-inflammatory effects: BPC-157 may have anti-inflammatory effects, which
could help to reduce pain and swelling in the body.
Protection of the digestive system: BPC-157 has been studied for its
potential to protect the digestive system from damage caused by factors such
as alcohol, stress, and NSAID use. It may help to promote the healing of
ulcers and prevent further damage to the gut lining.
Joint health: BPC-157 may have beneficial effects on joint health, such as
reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new cartilage.
Anxiety and depression: Some studies have suggested that BPC-157 may have
anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, possibly by influencing the levels of
certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Dosing: the typical BPC-157 dosage for subcutaneous injection is 200 to 300
micrograms (mcg) per day, in a single daily injection, taken consistently each
day for up to 4 weeks. Individuals have injected up to 800 mcg, typically
divided into 2 doses in the day, without side effects. If continued dosing is
desired after 4 weeks, it is commonly recommended that the individual take at
least a 2-week break.
A peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for
modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha-1 has been
utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and malignancies, as an
enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing morbidity and
mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have postulated that
thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely ill Covid-19
patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of lymphocytic immunity
and prevent the excessive activation of T cells.
Some examples of human studies that have been conducted with Thymosin alpha-1:
A study published in the journal Vaccine in 2004 evaluated the safety and
immunogenicity of a Tα1-based influenza vaccine in healthy volunteers. The
results suggested that the vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, and it
induced a strong immune response against the influenza virus.
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology
in 2011 evaluated the efficacy of Tα1 in combination with chemotherapy in
patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study found that the
combination therapy was associated with longer progression-free survival and
overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone.
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology in 2012 investigated
the effects of Tα1 on immune function in patients with chronic hepatitis B
virus infection. The results suggested that Tα1 treatment improved immune
function and reduced inflammation in these patients.
A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Clinical and
Experimental Allergy in 2013 evaluated the efficacy of Tα1 in combination
with allergen-specific immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis. The
study found that the combination therapy was associated with greater
improvement in symptoms and reduced need for rescue medication compared to
immunotherapy alone.
Dosing of Thymosin alpha-1: 1.6 mg subcutaneously 2 times per week.
Thymalin
A polypeptide that consists of 28 amino acids and is derived from the thymus
gland. It has been studied for its potential immunomodulatory effects, and
some studies suggest that it may help to stimulate the production of immune
cells and enhance immune function. Thymalin has also been studied for its
potential anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to promote tissue repair.
Thymalin was approved as an immunomodulator by the USSR Ministry of Health in
1982.
For further reading on human studies with Thymalin, a Powerpoint Presentation
is available upon request.
Dosing: 10 mg daily for 10 days; may repeat every 6 months.
A synthetic peptide, which was identified as the active component of a bovine
pineal gland extract. Epitalon has been studied for its potential anti-aging
effects and some studies suggest that epitalon may help to increase the length
of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that
shorten as we age. Human studies:
Epitalon decreased the level of LDL and VLDL lipoproteins and increased HDL
in patients with NIDDM. In these same patients with hypertension, epitalon,
decreased BP and improved myocardial contraction.
Administration of epitalon in patients with asthenia syndrome (fatigue/lack
of energy) revealed nearly complete elimination of their symptoms.
Administration of epitalon in elderly individuals promoted the complete
normalization of antioxidant indices.
Epitalon has been studied in cancer patients, mostly with hormone dependent
cancers, such as breast, uterine, and ovarian. Results showed improved
cellular immunity and significantly decreased the incidence of recurrences
and metastasis as compared to the control.
For further reading on human studies with Epitalon, a Powerpoint Presentation
is available upon request.
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a
mitochondria-derived peptide that has been studied for its potential health
benefits, particularly in relation to aging and metabolic health.
Mitochondrial function deteriorates as we age and MOTS-c levels in
70-81-year-olds drop by nearly 21% compared to 18-30-year-old individuals.
Some of the potential benefits of MOTS-c include:
Improved insulin sensitivity: Studies suggest that MOTS-c may help to
improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for the regulation of blood
sugar levels and metabolic health.
Increased energy expenditure: Some research suggests that MOTS-c may help to
increase energy expenditure, which may have implications for weight loss and
metabolic health.
Improved cardiovascular health: MOTS-c has been shown to have potential
cardioprotective effects, including the ability to improve mitochondrial
function and reduce oxidative stress.
Improved physical performance: MOTS-c has been shown to have potential
benefits for physical performance, including the ability to increase muscle
strength and endurance.
Potential anti-aging effects: Some studies suggest that MOTS-c may have
potential anti-aging effects, including the ability to promote mitochondrial
biogenesis and reduce oxidative stress.
Dosing: 10 mg subcutaneously weekly x 4 weeks; take a 3 week break and repeat
as needed.
Ipamorelin is a synthetic peptide that acts as a growth hormone secretagogue,
meaning it stimulates the secretion of growth hormone in the body.
Human studies with ipamorelin:
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism, researchers investigated the effects of ipamorelin on growth
hormone secretion in healthy elderly individuals. They found that ipamorelin
increased growth hormone secretion without affecting insulin-like growth
factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, suggesting that it may be a useful therapy for
age-related decline in growth hormone secretion.
Another study published in the same journal examined the effects of
ipamorelin on growth hormone secretion and body composition in obese men.
The researchers found that ipamorelin increased growth hormone secretion and
led to significant reductions in body fat, suggesting that it may be a
useful therapy for obesity and related conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation investigated the
effects of ipamorelin on glucose metabolism in healthy individuals. The
researchers found that ipamorelin increased insulin secretion and improved
glucose tolerance, suggesting that it may be a useful therapy for diabetes
and related conditions.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that is similar in structure to growth
hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It works by increasing the production and
release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland in the brain. Some
potential benefits of CJC-1295 include increased muscle mass and strength,
improved recovery from exercise, and reduced body fat.
Human studies with CJC-1295:
Researchers investigated the effects of CJC-1295 on growth hormone secretion
in healthy adults. They found that CJC-1295 increased growth hormone
secretion and had a sustained effect over several weeks.
Another study published in the same journal examined the effects of CJC-1295
on body composition and metabolism in obese adults. The researchers found
that CJC-1295 reduced body fat and improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting
that it may be a useful therapy for obesity and related conditions.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation investigated the
effects of CJC-1295 on muscle mass and strength in older adults. The
researchers found that CJC-1295 increased muscle mass and strength,
suggesting that it may be a useful therapy for age-related decline in muscle
function.
The combination of ipamorelin with CJC1295 may have a synergistic effect on
increasing growth hormone levels in the body.
Some studies suggest that combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 may enhance the
beneficial effects of each peptide individually. For example, a study
published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that
combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 increased growth hormone levels more than
either peptide alone in healthy adults.
Another study published in the journal Endocrine Practice investigated the
effects of combining ipamorelin with CJC-1295 in adults with growth hormone
deficiency. The researchers found that the combination therapy led to
improvements in body composition, including reductions in body fat and
increases in lean body mass.
A compound found in Panax ginseng, a type of herb commonly used in traditional
Chinese medicine. RG3 nasal spray is a formulation of this compound that is
being investigated for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that RG3 may help to
improve cognitive function and memory, as well as protect against
neurodegeneration.
Human studies with RG3:
In a 2012 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, researchers
gave RG3 to healthy middle-aged adults and found that it improved their
cognitive function, specifically in the areas of attention and working
memory.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that RG3
improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The
researchers also noted that RG3 had a protective effect on brain cells.
In a 2015 study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers gave RG3 to
healthy young adults and found that it improved their exercise performance
and reduced muscle damage.
A 2016 study published in the journal Oncotarget found that RG3 had
anticancer effects in human breast cancer cells.
RG3 Dosing: doses have ranged from 10 - 200 mg per day. With RG3 nasal spray,
typically 2 sprays in each nostril is administered daily, with each spray
being 10 mg.
