This reference table covers the full spectrum of therapeutic peptides and hormonal compounds used in integrative and functional medicine — from tissue repair and GH secretagogues to sexual health peptides, immune modulators, metabolic agents, cognitive neuropeptides, and hormonal crossover compounds. Each entry includes primary uses, mechanism of action, key protocols, and safety considerations.
This is a clinical reference tool, not a substitute for individualized assessment. Optimal dosing varies by health status, genetics, lab findings, and clinical context. Always interpret peptide and hormonal therapy within a comprehensive functional medicine framework.
Jump to: Peptide Foundations | Tissue Repair & Recovery | GH Axis & Body Composition | Sexual Health & Libido | Immune & Anti-Inflammatory | Metabolic & Weight | Cognitive & Neuropeptides | Hormonal Crossover
CAT 1: Peptide Foundations
Core concepts and foundational peptides that establish the framework for understanding therapeutic peptide science, delivery, and safety.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What Are Peptides | Foundational understanding; therapeutic framework; root cause introduction | Short chains of 2–50 amino acids that act as signaling molecules; bind specific receptors to modulate gene expression, hormone release, immune function, and tissue repair; more targeted than proteins, more stable than hormones | N/A — conceptual framework; informs all peptide selection and protocol design | N/A — educational reference |
| Peptide Delivery Methods | Subcutaneous injection, oral, intranasal, topical administration | Route determines bioavailability; subcutaneous injection bypasses first-pass metabolism (highest bioavailability); oral peptides largely degraded by proteases unless enteric-coated or specifically designed; intranasal crosses BBB efficiently for CNS peptides | Subcutaneous: most peptides; Oral: BPC-157, KPV; Intranasal: PT-141, Semax, Selank; Topical: GHK-Cu; rotate injection sites; use insulin syringes (29–31 gauge) | Sterile technique essential for injectable peptides; bacteriostatic water for reconstitution; store lyophilized peptides frozen; reconstituted peptides refrigerated and used within 30 days |
| Peptide Safety & Sourcing | Quality assurance, purity verification, sourcing standards | Research-grade peptides vary widely in purity; contaminants (endotoxins, incorrect sequences) drive adverse effects; third-party COA via HPLC and mass spectrometry is the gold standard for verification | Source only from reputable compounding pharmacies or research suppliers with third-party COAs; verify purity >98%; avoid overseas sources without documentation; consult practitioner for prescription peptides | No FDA approval for most research peptides; legal status varies by country; compounded peptides require prescription in many jurisdictions; quality control is the primary safety concern |
CAT 2: Tissue Repair & Recovery
Peptides that accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, gut lining, skin, and connective tissue through angiogenesis, growth factor modulation, and anti-inflammatory signaling.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Gut healing, tendon/ligament repair, neuroprotection, GERD, IBD, wound healing, anti-inflammatory | Body protection compound derived from gastric juice protein; upregulates growth hormone receptors; promotes angiogenesis via VEGF; modulates nitric oxide, dopamine, and serotonin systems; activates FAK-paxillin pathway for tissue repair; cytoprotective in GI mucosa | 250–500 mcg/day subcutaneous or oral; oral for GI conditions (500 mcg on empty stomach); injectable for musculoskeletal; cycle 4–8 weeks; can stack with TB-500 for synergistic repair | Research compound — no long-term human RCT data; theoretical concern re: angiogenesis in cancer; sourcing and purity critical; consult practitioner; not FDA-approved |
| TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) | Tendon/ligament repair, muscle injury, cardiac repair, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, hair growth | Synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4; promotes actin polymerization and cell migration; upregulates VEGF for angiogenesis; reduces inflammation via NF-κB inhibition; promotes stem cell differentiation; enhances tissue remodeling | 2–2.5 mg 2x/week subcutaneous for 4–6 weeks (loading); 2–2.5 mg/week maintenance; often stacked with BPC-157 for musculoskeletal repair; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water | Research compound; generally well tolerated in studies; theoretical cancer concern (angiogenesis/cell migration); banned in competitive sports (WADA); not FDA-approved |
| GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Skin regeneration, wound healing, hair growth, anti-aging, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex; activates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodeling; stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis; promotes angiogenesis; antioxidant; resets gene expression toward a younger phenotype | Topical: 1–5% cream/serum for skin and hair; subcutaneous: 1–2 mg/day for systemic effects; intradermal for localized skin repair; consistent daily use for 8–12 weeks minimum | Excellent topical safety profile; injectable use is research-grade; copper accumulation theoretically possible with very high systemic doses; generally well tolerated |
| KPV | Gut inflammation, IBD, Crohn's disease, colitis, skin inflammation, wound healing, anti-inflammatory | C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH (Lys-Pro-Val); binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R); inhibits NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha); reduces intestinal permeability; anti-inflammatory in gut mucosa and skin | Oral: 500 mcg–1 mg/day for gut inflammation; subcutaneous: 500 mcg/day for systemic anti-inflammatory; topical for skin conditions; cycle 4–8 weeks | Research compound; excellent safety profile in available studies; minimal systemic side effects; oral route preferred for gut conditions; not FDA-approved |
CAT 3: GH Axis & Body Composition
Growth hormone secretagogues and GH-axis modulators that stimulate endogenous GH release, support body composition, and promote metabolic and longevity benefits.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | GH stimulation, body composition, fat loss, muscle gain, anti-aging, sleep quality, recovery | Selective GH secretagogue; binds ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) in pituitary; stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin; most selective GHS with minimal off-target effects; pulsatile GH release mimics natural physiology | 200–300 mcg subcutaneous 1–3x/day; most effective before bed and post-workout; often stacked with CJC-1295 (no DAC) for synergistic GH pulse; cycle 3–6 months | Generally well tolerated; may cause transient water retention; mild hunger stimulation (ghrelin receptor); avoid in active cancer; monitor IGF-1 levels; not FDA-approved for anti-aging |
| CJC-1295 | GH stimulation, body composition, fat loss, muscle gain, anti-aging, recovery, sleep | GHRH analog; binds GHRH receptors in pituitary to stimulate GH release; CJC-1295 no DAC: short half-life (~30 min), pulsatile release; CJC-1295 with DAC: extended half-life (~8 days), sustained GH elevation; increases IGF-1 | CJC-1295 no DAC: 100–200 mcg with Ipamorelin before bed; CJC-1295 DAC: 1–2 mg/week subcutaneous; cycle 3–6 months; monitor IGF-1 every 3 months | Water retention, joint aches at high doses; avoid in active cancer or diabetic retinopathy; monitor IGF-1; not FDA-approved for anti-aging use |
| Sermorelin | GH deficiency, anti-aging, body composition, sleep quality, bone density, cardiovascular health | Synthetic analog of GHRH (first 29 amino acids); stimulates pituitary GH release via GHRH receptors; preserves pituitary function (unlike exogenous HGH); pulsatile GH release; increases IGF-1; FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency | 200–500 mcg subcutaneous before bed; monotherapy or stacked with GHRP (Ipamorelin); cycle 3–6 months with 1-month break; monitor IGF-1 and GH levels | Best safety profile among GH secretagogues; FDA-approved (pediatric); may cause injection site reactions, flushing, headache; avoid in active malignancy; monitor IGF-1 |
| Tesamorelin | HIV-associated lipodystrophy, visceral fat reduction, cognitive function, cardiovascular risk, NAFLD | Stabilized GHRH analog; binds GHRH receptors; stimulates GH release and IGF-1; specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue; improves lipid profiles; FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy; emerging data for cognitive protection in MCI | 2 mg subcutaneous/day (FDA-approved dose); cognitive protocols: 1–2 mg/day; monitor IGF-1, glucose, and lipids; cycle with monitoring | FDA-approved (Egrifta); may cause fluid retention, joint pain, glucose elevation; contraindicated in active malignancy, pregnancy; monitor HbA1c in diabetics |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | GH/IGF-1 elevation, muscle mass, bone density, sleep quality, anti-aging, GH deficiency | Non-peptide GH secretagogue; orally bioavailable ghrelin mimetic; binds GHSR-1a; sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation (not pulsatile); increases appetite via ghrelin receptor; convenient oral administration | 10–25 mg/day orally before bed; 10 mg/day starting dose; 25 mg/day for body composition; cycle 3–6 months; monitor IGF-1, fasting glucose, and HbA1c | Increases appetite significantly; may cause water retention, insulin resistance, elevated fasting glucose; not for diabetics without monitoring; not FDA-approved; long-term safety data limited |
CAT 4: Sexual Health & Libido
Peptides that modulate sexual function, libido, arousal, and reproductive hormonal signaling through central and peripheral mechanisms.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | Female sexual dysfunction (HSDD), male erectile dysfunction, libido enhancement, arousal | Melanocortin receptor agonist (MC3R, MC4R); acts centrally in hypothalamus to increase sexual desire and arousal; does not act on vascular system (unlike PDE5 inhibitors); FDA-approved for premenopausal HSDD in women | 1.75 mg subcutaneous (FDA-approved dose for women); 0.5–2 mg subcutaneous or intranasal 45–60 min before sexual activity; use as needed, not daily | FDA-approved (Vyleesi) for women; nausea most common side effect; transient blood pressure increase; flushing; not for cardiovascular disease; avoid with antihypertensives |
| Kisspeptin | LH/FSH stimulation, testosterone optimization, fertility, puberty disorders, hypothalamic amenorrhea, libido | Neuropeptide encoded by KISS1 gene; binds GPR54 receptors in hypothalamus; master regulator of GnRH pulsatility; drives LH and FSH release; critical for puberty onset and reproductive axis maintenance | Research protocols: 1–10 nmol/kg IV or subcutaneous; clinical use primarily in fertility medicine; not widely available outside clinical trials | Research compound; limited availability; primarily used in clinical research settings; requires medical supervision |
| Oxytocin | Social bonding, trust, anxiety reduction, sexual function, orgasm intensity, postpartum support | Hypothalamic neuropeptide released from posterior pituitary; binds oxytocin receptors in brain and periphery; modulates social behavior and pair bonding; enhances sexual arousal and orgasm; reduces amygdala reactivity; anti-anxiety via GABA modulation | Intranasal: 20–40 IU before social or intimate situations; compounded intranasal spray; sublingual troches available; use as needed | Generally well tolerated intranasally; may cause headache, nausea at high doses; caution in bipolar disorder; compounded — not FDA-approved for these uses |
CAT 5: Immune & Anti-Inflammatory
Peptides that modulate immune function, reduce chronic inflammation, and support immune resilience through thymic, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic mechanisms.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thymosin Alpha-1 (Ta1) | Immune modulation, chronic infections, cancer adjunct, autoimmune conditions, vaccine response, Long COVID | Thymic peptide that matures T-lymphocytes; enhances NK cell and dendritic cell activity; upregulates MHC class I expression; increases IL-2 and IFN-gamma; reduces immune exhaustion; FDA-approved in 37 countries for hepatitis B/C and cancer immunotherapy | 1.6 mg subcutaneous 2x/week for 6–12 months; 0.8–1.6 mg/day for acute infections; Zadaxin (pharmaceutical grade) preferred; cycle with monitoring of immune markers | Excellent safety profile; approved in many countries; mild injection site reactions; caution in organ transplant recipients; not FDA-approved in US |
| LL-37 | Antimicrobial, biofilm disruption, wound healing, immune modulation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral | Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; disrupts bacterial, fungal, and viral membranes; breaks down biofilms; modulates TLR signaling; promotes wound healing via keratinocyte migration | Topical: 0.1–1% for wound healing and skin infections; subcutaneous: 1–5 mg/day for systemic antimicrobial support; research protocols vary | Research compound; limited clinical trial data; topical generally well tolerated; injectable use is experimental; sourcing and purity critical |
| Selank | Anxiety, stress, cognitive function, immune modulation, depression, PTSD, nootropic | Synthetic analog of tuftsin; modulates GABA-A receptors (anxiolytic); increases BDNF; modulates serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine; enhances IL-2 and interferon production; anxiolytic without sedation or dependence | 250–3,000 mcg/day intranasal; 100–300 mcg subcutaneous; cycle 10–14 days on, 5–7 days off; intranasal preferred for CNS effects | Excellent safety profile; no dependence or withdrawal; non-sedating; well tolerated in Russian clinical studies; not FDA-approved; research compound |
| Epithalon | Longevity, telomere elongation, anti-aging, sleep regulation, cancer prevention, immune modulation | Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from pineal gland extract; activates telomerase enzyme; elongates telomeres; regulates melatonin production; reduces oxidative stress; modulates neuroendocrine function | 5–10 mg/day subcutaneous or IV for 10–20 days; 2–3 cycles per year; longevity protocols: 5 mg/day for 10 days, 2x/year | Research compound; no long-term human RCT data; theoretical concern re: telomerase activation in cancer cells; not FDA-approved; use with caution in cancer history |
CAT 6: Metabolic & Weight
Peptides and hormonal compounds that modulate appetite, fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial function for weight management and metabolic health.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide / GLP-1 Agonists | Type 2 diabetes, obesity, weight loss, cardiovascular risk reduction, NAFLD, neuroprotection | GLP-1 receptor agonist; stimulates insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner; suppresses glucagon; slows gastric emptying; reduces appetite via hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors; promotes satiety; reduces cardiovascular events | Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy): 0.25 mg/week SC titrating to 2.4 mg/week; oral semaglutide (Rybelsus): 3–14 mg/day; tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP dual): 2.5–15 mg/week; titrate slowly | FDA-approved; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea common during titration; risk of pancreatitis; contraindicated in MTC or MEN2 history; muscle loss concern — combine with resistance training and adequate protein |
| AOD-9604 | Fat loss, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cartilage repair, anti-aging | Modified fragment of HGH (amino acids 176–191); stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis via beta-3 adrenergic receptors; does not affect IGF-1 or blood glucose; cartilage repair via TGF-beta modulation | 300–500 mcg/day subcutaneous before breakfast or fasted cardio; oral: 1,000 mcg/day; cycle 3–6 months; combine with caloric deficit for fat loss | Research compound; excellent safety profile in Phase II/III trials; no effect on blood glucose or IGF-1; not FDA-approved |
| MOTS-c | Insulin sensitivity, metabolic health, exercise performance, longevity, obesity, mitochondrial function | Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in mitochondrial 12S rRNA; activates AMPK; improves insulin sensitivity; regulates folate cycle and purine biosynthesis; exercise-mimetic effects; declines with age | 5–10 mg subcutaneous 2–3x/week; combine with exercise for synergistic metabolic effects; cycle 4–8 weeks; emerging compound with limited standardized protocols | Research compound; limited human clinical data; generally well tolerated; not FDA-approved; sourcing and purity critical |
CAT 7: Cognitive & Neuropeptides
Peptides that enhance neuroplasticity, cognitive performance, neuroprotection, and neurotransmitter balance through central nervous system mechanisms.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax | Cognitive enhancement, ADHD, stroke recovery, neuroprotection, depression, anxiety, BDNF upregulation | Synthetic ACTH(4-7) analog; increases BDNF, NGF, and VEGF; enhances dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission; improves cerebral blood flow; neuroprotective via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms; approved in Russia for stroke and cognitive disorders | 200–900 mcg/day intranasal; 25–100 mcg subcutaneous; cycle 10–14 days on, 5–7 days off; N-Acetyl Semax Amidate preferred; morning dosing | Generally well tolerated; may cause mild stimulation at high doses; not FDA-approved; approved in Russia/Ukraine; research compound in Western markets |
| Selank (Cognitive) | Cognitive focus, memory, learning, anxiety-related cognitive impairment, nootropic | Dual immune and cognitive effects; enhances memory consolidation via BDNF; reduces anxiety-driven cognitive impairment; modulates dopamine and serotonin for focus without stimulation; enkephalin degradation inhibition | 250–1,000 mcg/day intranasal for cognitive focus; combine with Semax for synergistic nootropic stack; morning or early afternoon dosing; cycle 10–14 days | Excellent safety profile; non-stimulating; no dependence; well tolerated |
| Dihexa | Cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, neurogenesis, memory, traumatic brain injury, neuroprotection | HGF/MET signaling activator; promotes synaptogenesis; 7 orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at promoting neurogenesis; crosses BBB; enhances long-term potentiation; may reverse cognitive deficits in animal models | 10–30 mg/day oral or transdermal; transdermal preferred for CNS delivery; cycle 4–8 weeks; very potent — start at lowest dose | Extremely potent — use with caution; limited human safety data; theoretical concern re: synaptogenesis in cancer; not FDA-approved; research compound |
| Cerebrolysin | Alzheimer's disease, stroke recovery, TBI, vascular dementia, cognitive decline, neuroprotection | Porcine brain-derived peptide mixture containing BDNF, NGF, CNTF, and GDNF fragments; promotes neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and synaptic remodeling; anti-apoptotic; reduces amyloid-beta toxicity; approved in Europe and Asia | 5–30 mL IV or IM daily for 10–20 days per cycle; 2–4 cycles/year; requires clinical administration | Approved in Europe/Asia; generally well tolerated; rare allergic reactions; porcine-derived (contraindicated in pork allergy); not FDA-approved in US |
CAT 8: Hormonal Crossover Compounds
Compounds at the intersection of peptide science and hormonal biology — targeting NAD+ metabolism, telomere biology, thyroid-peptide interactions, and androgen-peptide synergies.
| Compound | Primary Uses | Mechanism of Action | Key Protocols | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAD+ & Sirtuins | Cellular energy, longevity, DNA repair, hormonal aging, mitochondrial function, metabolic health | NAD+ is essential cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1–7) and PARPs; sirtuins regulate gene expression, inflammation, and hormonal signaling; NAD+ declines ~50% by age 50; NMN and NR are direct precursors; supports adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormone biosynthesis pathways | NMN: 250–1,000 mg/day; NR: 250–500 mg/day; combine with resveratrol/pterostilbene for sirtuin synergy; morning dosing; IV NAD+ 500–1,000 mg for rapid repletion | Generally well tolerated; NMN may cause mild GI upset; theoretical concern re: NAD+ fueling cancer metabolism; avoid in active cancer without oncology guidance |
| Epithalon & Longevity | Telomere elongation, hormonal aging, longevity, melatonin regulation, anti-aging | Restores pineal melatonin production; modulates cortisol and sex hormone decline with aging; activates telomerase in endocrine cells; reduces oxidative damage to hormonal glands | 5–10 mg/day SC for 10 days, 2–3x/year; combine with melatonin and NAD+ precursors for comprehensive longevity stack | Research compound; theoretical telomerase concern in cancer; not FDA-approved |
| Peptides & Thyroid | Thyroid function support, Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, thyroid-immune axis, metabolic rate | Thymosin Alpha-1 reduces thyroid autoimmunity; BPC-157 supports gut-thyroid axis; GH secretagogues improve T4-to-T3 conversion; KPV reduces thyroid inflammation; peptides address root causes of thyroid dysfunction rather than replacing hormone | Hashimoto's: Ta1 1.6 mg 2x/week + KPV 500 mcg/day; hypothyroidism with gut component: BPC-157 500 mcg oral; monitor TSH, free T3, free T4, and TPO antibodies | Individualized protocols required; monitor thyroid labs every 3 months; peptides are adjunctive — do not replace thyroid hormone therapy without medical supervision |
| Peptides & Testosterone | Testosterone optimization, male hypogonadism, androgen support, fertility preservation, TRT adjunct | GH secretagogues increase IGF-1 supporting Leydig cell testosterone production; Kisspeptin drives LH/FSH and downstream testosterone; BPC-157 protects testicular tissue; PT-141 enhances androgen-driven sexual function; peptides can optimize testosterone without suppressing HPG axis | Natural optimization: Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 + Kisspeptin (research setting); TRT adjunct: BPC-157 for tissue protection, PT-141 for sexual function; monitor total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG | Individualized protocols required; monitor hormonal labs every 3 months; requires medical supervision; avoid in prostate cancer; sourcing and purity critical |
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