Don't see a term? Tell us and we'll add it. For peptide-specific terminology, see the individual product profiles — each one defines the peptide-specific jargon in context.
32 terms you'll encounter on peptide product pages, COAs, and research articles. Click any term to expand.
A counterion form many synthesized peptides take after HPLC purification. Acetate content is part of total mass — a 10 mg vial may contain 8 mg net peptide and 2 mg acetate. Reputable COAs disclose counterion content.
AMP-activated protein kinase. A cellular energy sensor activated by low ATP. Activated by MOTS-c and several metabolic peptides; central mechanism for the weight-loss and energy effects of mitochondrial peptides.
Building tissue. Anabolic peptides (IGF-1 LR3, MGF, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin) promote muscle and connective tissue synthesis.
Bacteriostatic water for injection. Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol added to inhibit bacterial growth. Used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides. Provides ~28-day stability for reconstituted product when refrigerated.
Fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation. Subcutaneous peptides typically 70–90%; intranasal 5–40% depending on peptide; oral generally <2% unless specially formulated.
A single, relatively concentrated dose administered all at once, versus continuous infusion.
GHRH analog. Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. Comes in two variants: with DAC (long-acting, weekly) and without DAC (short-acting, bedtime daily). See profile.
Certificate of Analysis. The document a third-party lab issues confirming a batch's identity, purity, and quality. A real COA includes HPLC-MS data, purity %, endotoxin level, batch number, lab name, and date. Read our COA standard.
The non-peptide chemical (acetate, TFA, HCl) that pairs with the peptide during synthesis and remains after purification. Counterion content matters for accurate dosing.
Drug Affinity Complex. A modification (typically a maleimide group) attached to a peptide to extend half-life by binding to serum albumin. CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life measured in days; without DAC, in minutes.
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide. A 9-amino-acid neuropeptide that promotes slow-wave (delta) sleep without sedation. See profile.
Lipopolysaccharide from gram-negative bacteria, present as a contaminant if manufacturing isn't sterile. Tested by LAL (limulus amebocyte lysate) assay. Injectable peptides should be below 0.5 EU/mg.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide. A class that includes ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin. Binds ghrelin receptor to trigger GH pulse.
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. The endogenous hypothalamic peptide; analogs include CJC-1295, sermorelin, tesamorelin.
Time for plasma concentration of a drug or peptide to fall to half its peak. Determines dosing frequency.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The standard method for separating, identifying, and quantifying peptide purity. The gold standard for purity reporting.
HPLC coupled to Mass Spectrometry. Confirms not just purity but identity — the mass spectrum proves the molecule you have is the molecule advertised.
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1. Liver-produced peptide that mediates most of growth hormone's anabolic effects. Measured in routine bloodwork; central biomarker for GH-axis protocols.
Administered via nasal mucosa. Selank, Semax, DSIP, oxytocin among others have good intranasal bioavailability.
Freeze-dried. The standard form peptides ship in; provides multi-year shelf life when stored cool and dry.
A peptide with a closed ring structure (versus linear). Often confers oral bioavailability and protease resistance.
Using a peptide (especially GLP-1s) at well below the FDA-approved therapeutic dose for metabolic-health benefits without dramatic weight loss.
Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in the 12S rRNA gene. Activates AMPK; improves insulin sensitivity. See profile.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The standard self-report sleep quality measure; useful for tracking sleep peptide protocols.
Pulse-pattern secretion. The endogenous GH pattern is pulsatile, with the largest pulse during early-night SWS. Peptide protocols try to mimic this rather than producing sustained high levels.
Adding sterile fluid (BAC water) to lyophilized peptide to create injectable solution.
Regulatory designation for compounds sold for laboratory research rather than human consumption. The specific legal meaning varies by jurisdiction.
Injected into the fatty layer beneath the skin (commonly abdomen or thigh). The standard route for most peptide protocols.
Slow-Wave Sleep, also called deep sleep or stages 3–4. The phase during which most GH is secreted and most physical recovery happens.
Receptor desensitization with repeated use. A reason to cycle peptides on/off.
Gradually increasing dose to find the minimum effective level while monitoring side effects. Especially critical for GLP-1 agonists.
Trifluoroacetic acid. A counterion form. Higher TFA content (vs. acetate) is associated with worse tolerability; reputable vendors disclose.
Don't see a term? Tell us and we'll add it. For peptide-specific terminology, see the individual product profiles — each one defines the peptide-specific jargon in context.