Peptide Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of peptide terminology. The PeptIQ app includes an expanded in-app glossary and this page extends the reference with linked educational context.
A
Adherence
How consistently a person follows a prescribed or planned medication schedule (including titration and ongoing weekly injections). In obesity pharmacotherapy trials, continued adherence is strongly linked to maintaining weight-loss outcomes.
Amino Acid
Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine to form different peptide chains.
Aseptic Technique
The set of sterile-handling practices, including hand hygiene, disinfecting vial stoppers with alcohol, and using single-use needles and syringes, that keeps peptides and injection equipment free from contamination during reconstitution and dosing.
B
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used for reconstituting peptides because it prevents bacterial growth, allowing multi-dose vial use.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect. Subcutaneous injection typically provides high bioavailability for peptides.
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157, a pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from human gastric juice. Researched for its potential tissue healing and protective properties.
C
CJC-1295
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Available with or without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) which extends its half-life.
Co-Administration
Giving two or more peptides during the same session. Co-administration usually means separate back-to-back injections; less commonly it means combining compounds in one syringe. Same-syringe mixing requires confirmed compatibility of diluent, pH, and post-mix stability, and when compatibility is unknown, separate injections are the safer default.
Concentration
The amount of peptide per unit of liquid after reconstitution, usually expressed in mcg/mL. Calculated as peptide amount divided by diluent volume, it determines how many syringe units equal a target dose.
D
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
A modification added to certain peptides that significantly extends their half-life by binding to albumin in the bloodstream.
Desensitization
A reduction in receptor sensitivity that can occur with continuous use of certain peptides. Often addressed through cycling protocols.
Diluent
The sterile liquid added to lyophilized peptide powder during reconstitution, most commonly bacteriostatic water. The diluent volume you choose sets the final concentration.
E
Epithalon
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied for telomerase activation and melatonin regulation. Typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and dosed in short 10 to 20 day cycles; no published same-syringe compatibility data exists for combining it with other peptides, so it is generally injected separately.
Epithalon (Epitalon)
Synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), also spelled Epitalon. Studied mainly in aging, pineal, and telomerase research contexts; human standardized clinical protocols remain limited.
G
GH Secretagogue
Compounds that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Includes peptides like Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Sermorelin.
GHK-Cu
Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex, a copper-binding tripeptide studied for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and skin matrix remodeling.
GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)
A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone. Synthetic analogues like Sermorelin mimic this hormone.
GHRP (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide)
A class of synthetic peptides that stimulate growth hormone release through the ghrelin receptor. Includes GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
H
Half-Life
The time required for the concentration of a peptide in the body to decrease by half. Important for determining dosing frequency. After about five half-lives, only a small fraction of the original dose typically remains.
I
Ipamorelin
A selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. Popular for its clean side effect profile.
L
Lyophilization
The freeze-drying process used to preserve peptides. Lyophilized peptides appear as a powder or cake in the vial and require reconstitution before use.
M
Melanotan II
A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Researched for its effects on skin pigmentation and other physiological processes.
P
Peptide Bond
The chemical bond that links amino acids together in a peptide chain. Formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
Peptide Stacking
The practice of using multiple peptides simultaneously to achieve synergistic effects. Requires careful consideration of timing and compatibility.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
A synthetic peptide that acts on melanocortin receptors. Researched for its effects on sexual function and libido enhancement.
R
Reconstitution
The process of adding bacteriostatic water to lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder to create an injectable solution.
S
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide used for weight management and blood sugar control. Available as both injectable and oral formulations.
Sermorelin
A synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH. Used to stimulate natural growth hormone production.
Subcutaneous Injection
Injection into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. The most common administration method for peptides, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or deltoid area.
T
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
A synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all human and animal cells. Researched for tissue repair and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tesamorelin
A synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone approved for reducing abdominal fat in certain conditions.
Tirzepatide
A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide. Represents a newer class of weight management peptides with enhanced efficacy.
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