Cliff started researching peptides because his joints were complaining about losing 130 lbs fast. What he found was a category of compounds with remarkable research behind them and almost no mainstream awareness. This library is what he learned — organized, honestly framed, and updated as the science evolves.
Gut protection and joint healing peptide. Strong animal data, limited human trials. FDA removed from compounding list in 2023 — research compound only. Most relevant on a GLP-1 journey for gut sensitivity and joint stress from rapid weight loss.
A 15-amino acid peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. Your body makes a version of this — researchers isolated and synthesized it to study its protective effects on tissue, gut lining, and blood vessels.
Animal studies show accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, and gut tissue. Anti-inflammatory effects, improved blood vessel formation, and gut lining protection are the most consistent findings. Human trials are limited — most data comes from rodent models, which limits how directly we can apply it.
Rapid weight loss stresses connective tissue. Many GLP-1 users report joint discomfort and gut sensitivity during the early phases. BPC-157's gut and connective tissue research makes it one of the most commonly studied companions to GLP-1 therapy — though the combination hasn't been formally studied.
BPC-157 was removed from the FDA's list of permissible bulk drug substances for compounding in 2023. It is currently available only as a research chemical, not for human therapeutic use through licensed pharmacies.
A natural-ish peptide with strong healing research — mostly in animals. Gut protection and joint repair are the two most studied effects. FDA status changed in 2023 — no longer available through compounding pharmacies. Research compound only.
Muscle and tissue recovery peptide. Reduces inflammation, speeds healing. Relevant for GLP-1 users losing weight rapidly — helps preserve muscle and connective tissue. Good equine research base; human data limited. Research compound only.
A synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a protein your body naturally produces to regulate actin — a structural protein critical to cell movement, muscle contraction, and wound healing.
Animal and some early human research shows reduced inflammation, improved muscle recovery, and accelerated healing of wounds and injured tissue. Some cardiac research suggests protective effects after injury. Well-studied in veterinary contexts — equine research is extensive.
GLP-1 medications can accelerate muscle loss alongside fat loss. TB-500's muscle protection and recovery research makes it relevant for people trying to preserve lean mass while losing weight rapidly.
Recovery-focused peptide with solid animal research. Helps muscle and tissue heal faster. Most relevant if you're losing weight quickly and concerned about muscle preservation. Not FDA approved — research compound.
hGH fragment targeting fat metabolism. Isolates fat-burning effect without growth or blood sugar impact. Human Phase 2 trial data exists. Unusual GRAS food-use status — does not override athletic bans. Research compound in the US.
A fragment of human growth hormone (hGH) — specifically the part responsible for fat metabolism effects, isolated to capture those benefits without the growth-promoting or insulin-disrupting effects of full hGH.
Research shows increased fat burning, reduced fat accumulation, and no effect on blood sugar or growth — the main concerns with full hGH. One Phase 2 trial in humans showed modest weight loss. Doesn't appear to affect lean mass negatively.
Some people use AOD-9604 alongside GLP-1 therapy to target stubborn fat deposits. The combination hasn't been formally studied but the mechanisms don't obviously conflict.
hGH fragment designed to burn fat without the downsides of full growth hormone. Human trial data exists. GRAS status is unusual — it means the FDA considers it safe as a food additive but hasn't approved it as a drug.
Two-peptide stack that restores natural growth hormone pulsing. Better sleep, better recovery, improved body composition. More physiologic than injecting GH directly — your body still controls the release. Most studied longevity stack in this category.
Two peptides typically used together. CJC-1295 stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue — it triggers GH release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin. Together they restore more youthful GH pulse patterns.
Research shows sustained increases in GH and IGF-1, improved body composition, better sleep quality, and faster recovery. The combination is widely used in anti-aging and longevity medicine. Effect is more physiologic than injecting GH directly — the body still controls the release.
A two-peptide stack that coaxes your pituitary into releasing more growth hormone — naturally, not by injecting GH directly. Better sleep, better recovery, better body composition. Most studied longevity stack in this category.
Longevity-focused peptide targeting telomere length. Russian research base — substantial but not widely replicated in the West. Longer telomeres = younger-acting cells. Most compelling aging compound in this library. Research compound, no FDA approval.
A four-amino acid peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland. Developed by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson. Research has focused on its ability to activate telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length, which is closely associated with cellular aging.
Russian studies — some with multi-year follow-up — show telomere elongation, extended lifespan in animal models, reduced cancer incidence, and improved biomarkers of aging. The Russian research base is substantial but not widely replicated in Western institutions yet.
The most longevity-focused peptide in this library. Telomere research is compelling — a longer telomere generally means a younger-acting cell. Most data comes from Russian studies. Not replicated widely in the West yet. Research compound only.
Most accessible compound here — NMN available OTC. Backs up cellular energy and DNA repair. Levels drop with age. Most people notice improved energy and mental clarity. IV form is faster. Decent human data. Not a peptide — a coenzyme precursor.
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell — essential for energy production, DNA repair, and activating sirtuins (longevity-related proteins). NMN is a direct precursor that converts to NAD+ in the body. Levels decline significantly with age.
Human trials show increased NAD+ levels, improved energy metabolism, and some markers of metabolic health. David Sinclair's work at Harvard has driven significant mainstream interest. IV NAD+ infusions show more dramatic short-term effects than oral supplementation.
The most accessible compound in this library — NMN is available as an over-the-counter supplement. Backs up cellular energy and DNA repair. Most people notice improved energy and mental clarity. IV form is faster and more dramatic. Decent human data exists.
Anti-anxiety peptide without sedation or dependency risk. Approved as a drug in Russia. Research compound in the US. Good data on reducing anxiety and improving focus — the key distinction from benzodiazepines is no fog, no withdrawal.
A synthetic analog of the naturally occurring peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia, where it has been approved as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication. Works on GABA receptors and BDNF — the brain's own growth factor for learning and mood regulation.
Anxiety reduction without sedation — the key distinction from benzodiazepines. Improved focus and cognitive clarity. BDNF upregulation. Russian clinical data is substantial. Used medically in Russia and some Eastern European countries.
Anti-anxiety without the fog. Approved as a drug in Russia. Research compound in the US. Good data on reducing anxiety and improving focus — without the dependency concerns of benzodiazepines.
Cognitive peptide with clinical data from Russian stroke research. Primarily boosts BDNF and memory. Often stacked with Selank for a calm-focus combination. Approved medically in Russia. Research compound in the US.
A synthetic analog of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) — the part responsible for cognitive enhancement rather than cortisol stimulation. Developed in Russia, where it is used clinically for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
Significant BDNF upregulation, improved memory and learning, neuroprotective effects. Russian clinical use in stroke and TBI recovery has generated substantial data. Often described as "nootropic" — cognitive enhancement without stimulant mechanisms.
Cognitive-focused peptide with real clinical data from Russian stroke research. Primarily affects BDNF and memory. Used medically in Russia. Research compound in the US. Often stacked with Selank for a calm-focus combination.
Helps your mitochondria run cleaner and more efficiently. FDA-approved for one specific blood disorder — everything else is off-label research. The brain health and longevity data is genuinely interesting. Critical caveat: never combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk is real and serious.
A synthetic compound invented in 1876 as a textile dye — and one of the first ever used as medicine. Methylene blue works by supporting electron transfer in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, helping cells produce energy more efficiently. It crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, which is a key reason for the interest in brain health applications.
The most consistent data covers mitochondrial support — improved cellular energy production and reduced oxidative stress. Cognitive research (memory, attention, processing speed) is promising in early trials. The longevity angle centers on cellular aging pathways. Most human data is preliminary; rodent models are stronger. Dose matters significantly — too much has opposite effects.
⚠ FDA approved for one indication only: methemoglobinemia (a rare blood oxygen disorder). All other uses — cognitive enhancement, longevity, mitochondrial support — are off-label. Not compounding-eligible for other uses. Available as a research compound.
Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs. Methylene blue inhibits MAO-A and can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic medications. This is not a minor caution — it is a hard stop. Always disclose to your prescriber.
Start with one peptide. Understand it. Then add the next. The most studied GLP-1 journey stack: BPC-157 for gut and joints + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for sleep and recovery. More is not always better — the off-cycle is where your body consolidates the gains.
Stacking means using more than one peptide at a time. The logic is that different peptides work on different pathways — combining them can address multiple goals without the compounds interfering with each other. Some combinations are well-studied. Most are not.
More is not always better. Starting with one compound lets you understand how your body responds before adding another variable. The stacks with the most research behind them are the ones worth starting with — not the ones with the most forum enthusiasm.
Start with one. Understand it. Add the next. The most popular GLP-1 journey stack: BPC-157 for gut and joints + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for sleep and recovery. Everything else is context-specific.