Peptides, A to Z
What each one is, where it stands, and how to get the math right.
Search by name, another name (bremelanotide, copper peptide, epithalon) or a goal (recovery, weight loss, skin). Misspellings are fine.
- 30peptides
- 4FDA-approved for a specific use
- 13research or compounded
Vial, dose and U-100 syringe math, with a cited library that shows each peptide’s status and evidence.
What are you looking into?
Pick a goal to see the peptides studied for it, from the ones your body already makes to the newest research compounds.
Where each peptide stands
The same word covers an FDA-approved medicine, a research compound and the collagen in your coffee. Here’s the status of each one, and how strong the evidence is. Status and evidence come from the cited Peptide Calculator library.
Approved drugs for a labeled condition. A doctor may prescribe them; compounded copies are not the approved product.
Not FDA-approved. Studied in people, in cells or animals, or barely at all: the tier shows which.
- AOD-9604Human studies
- BPC-157Human studies
- RetatrutideHuman studies
- SelankHuman studies
- SemaxHuman studies
- SermorelinCompounded Rx
- Thymosin alpha-1Human studies
- EpitalonCells & animals
- GHK-CuCells & animals
- KPVCells & animals
- MOTS-cCells & animals
- CJC-1295 / ipamorelinInsufficient evidence
- TB-500Insufficient evidence
Hormones and signals your body already makes, and the food, sleep and training that support them.
Peptides you eat: collagen, bone broth, colostrum and the peptides in meat and fish.
How many units do I draw?
Enter what’s on your vial, the water you added and the dose your practitioner gave you. The math updates as you type.
0.1 mL per dose · 2,500 mcg per mL · about 20 doses per vial
Open the full calculator, with each peptide’s status and dosing sources
The Health Institute pairs you with a practitioner by video, reads your labs against functional ranges and builds a plan that adapts, from home.
Popular and new in peptides
The peptides pages readers open most on DrAxe.com, and the newest ones.
Most popular
Ranked by recorded monthly readers
1Made by your body11 min readIGF-1The growth factor your liver makes in response to growth hormone.
2Food & supplement peptideCarnosineA two–amino acid peptide concentrated in muscle and brain, found in meat and fish.8 min read
3Made by your bodyLeptinA hormone from fat cells that signals fullness and energy stores.22 min read
4Made by your bodyGhrelinThe stomach’s hunger hormone, which rises before meals.13 min read
5Made by your bodyOxytocinA brain peptide released with touch, connection and childbirth.14 min read
Just published
The newest peptides pages
Research peptideBPC-157An experimental peptide investigated for musculoskeletal and gut repair.10 min read
Food & supplement peptideBone brothBones and connective tissue simmered for collagen, gelatin and amino acids.9 min read
Food & supplement peptideCollagen peptidesCollagen broken into small peptides that absorb easily, from bone, hide or fish skin.9 min read
Food & supplement peptideCollagenThe main structural protein in skin, joints, bone and gut lining.9 min read
Made by your bodyGLP-1If a GLP-1 medicine is prescribed, Dr. Axe's approach is a 10–20% micro-dose with protein and strength training.13 min read
Food & supplement peptideColostrumThe first milk, rich in immune proteins, growth factors and peptides.11 min read
Made by your bodyHuman growth hormoneThe pituitary hormone that growth hormone–releasing peptides are designed to raise.13 min read
GLP-1, the Dr. Axe way
GLP-1 is a peptide your gut already makes. Raise your own first. If your doctor prescribes a GLP-1 medicine, Dr. Axe’s approach keeps the dose low and protects your muscle.
Protein at every meal, plenty of fiber, healthy fats and a walk after eating all help your gut release more GLP-1 on its own.
Dr. Axe’s approach is 10–20% of the labeled starting dose: about 0.025–0.05 mg of semaglutide (vs 0.25 mg) or 0.25–0.5 mg of tirzepatide (vs 2.5 mg). Make any change with your prescriber.
Weight that comes off fast takes muscle with it. Eat protein at every meal and do resistance training two to three times a week, suited to your ability.
Your body makes peptides too
Many of the most studied peptides copy signals you already make. These are the everyday ways to support your own, before and alongside anything else.
Protein first, plenty of fiber, fermented foods and a walk after meals.
Seven to nine hours of sleep and protein-rich meals keep fullness up and hunger in check.
Deep sleep, strength training, and fasting windows raise it naturally.
Bone broth, collagen peptides and vitamin C to build it.
Sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions and broccoli help your cells make more.
Touch, time with people you love, and even a good laugh release it.
Rated with the Dr. Axe Score
Dr. Axe rates each article’s subject from 1 to 10 on four weighted factors, such as the strength of the evidence and safety, and shows every factor. It’s an editorial assessment, not a lab result.
Research peptideBPC-1578.5/10Research only, not FDA-approved. Dr. Axe rates it highly for clinical usefulness; the human research is still early.
Read the full articleFood & supplement peptideCollagen8.5/10Strong human evidence for skin elasticity and joint comfort, excellent safety profile, and thousands of years of traditional use as bone broth and gelatin-rich foods.
Read the full articleEvery peptide, A to Z
Pick a letter, filter by goal or type, or search the list. Other names are listed too.
32 entries
- BPC-157Research onlyAlso called body protection compoundAn experimental peptide investigated for musculoskeletal and gut repair.Status, evidence & doses
- TB-500Research onlyA fragment of thymosin beta-4, distinct from the full-length peptide.BPC-157 vs TB-500Peptides for muscle growth
- GHK-CuResearch onlyAlso called copper peptideA copper-bound peptide studied in connective-tissue cells.
- Collagen peptidesFood peptideAlso called hydrolyzed collagen · collagen hydrolysateCollagen broken into small peptides that absorb easily, from bone, hide or fish skin.
- GLP-1Made by your bodyAlso called glucagon-like peptide-1The gut hormone behind fullness and blood sugar control, and the medicines that copy it. Raise your own first; if a GLP-1 medicine is prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a 10–20% micro-dose with protein and resistance training.
- SemaglutideFDA-approved for a specific useA GLP-1 receptor agonist. If prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the labeled starting dose, with protein at every meal and resistance training.GLP-1 medicines: what to knowBest peptides for weight loss
- TirzepatideFDA-approved for a specific useA GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. If prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the labeled starting dose, with protein at every meal and resistance training.GLP-1 medicines: what to knowBest peptides for weight loss
- RetatrutideResearch onlyAn investigational GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist. Dr. Axe’s approach to GLP-1 medicines is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the standard dose, with protein and resistance training.Best peptides for weight loss
- TesamorelinFDA-approved for a specific useA growth hormone-releasing factor analog.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
- MOTS-cResearch onlyA peptide encoded by mitochondrial genetic material.Best peptides for weight loss
- LeptinMade by your bodyAlso called satiety hormoneA hormone from fat cells that signals fullness and energy stores.
- CJC-1295 / ipamorelinResearch onlyAlso called CJC-1295 · ipamorelinCJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog. The cited human study evaluated CJC-1295 alone.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
- SermorelinCompounded RxA synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with a historical FDA approval.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
- Human growth hormoneMade by your bodyAlso called HGH · growth hormoneThe pituitary hormone that growth hormone–releasing peptides are designed to raise.
- IGF-1Made by your bodyAlso called insulin-like growth factor 1The growth factor your liver makes in response to growth hormone.
- CarnosineFood peptideAlso called L-carnosineA two–amino acid peptide concentrated in muscle and brain, found in meat and fish.
- ColostrumFood peptideAlso called bovine colostrumThe first milk, rich in immune proteins, growth factors and peptides.
- OxytocinMade by your bodyAlso called love hormone · bonding hormoneA brain peptide released with touch, connection and childbirth.
- Thymosin alpha-1Research onlyAlso called thymalfasinAn immune-modulating peptide studied as an investigational treatment.
- GlutathioneMade by your bodyAlso called GSHA three–amino acid peptide your cells make: the body’s master antioxidant.
A
1 entriesB
4 entries- BPC-157Research onlyAlso called body protection compoundAn experimental peptide investigated for musculoskeletal and gut repair.Status, evidence & doses
- BradykininMade by your bodyA peptide that widens blood vessels and drives swelling and pain signals.
C
5 entries- CarnosineFood peptideAlso called L-carnosineA two–amino acid peptide concentrated in muscle and brain, found in meat and fish.
- CJC-1295 / ipamorelinResearch onlyAlso called CJC-1295 · ipamorelinCJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog. The cited human study evaluated CJC-1295 alone.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
- Collagen peptidesFood peptideAlso called hydrolyzed collagen · collagen hydrolysateCollagen broken into small peptides that absorb easily, from bone, hide or fish skin.
- ColostrumFood peptideAlso called bovine colostrumThe first milk, rich in immune proteins, growth factors and peptides.
E
1 entriesG
4 entries- GHK-CuResearch onlyAlso called copper peptideA copper-bound peptide studied in connective-tissue cells.
- GhrelinMade by your bodyAlso called hunger hormoneThe stomach’s hunger hormone, which rises before meals.
- GLP-1Made by your bodyAlso called glucagon-like peptide-1The gut hormone behind fullness and blood sugar control, and the medicines that copy it. Raise your own first; if a GLP-1 medicine is prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a 10–20% micro-dose with protein and resistance training.
- GlutathioneMade by your bodyAlso called GSHA three–amino acid peptide your cells make: the body’s master antioxidant.
- GSH → see Glutathione
- GHRH → see Sermorelin
H
1 entries- Human growth hormoneMade by your bodyAlso called HGH · growth hormoneThe pituitary hormone that growth hormone–releasing peptides are designed to raise.
- HGH → see Human growth hormone
I
1 entries- IGF-1Made by your bodyAlso called insulin-like growth factor 1The growth factor your liver makes in response to growth hormone.
K
1 entriesL
1 entries- LeptinMade by your bodyAlso called satiety hormoneA hormone from fat cells that signals fullness and energy stores.
M
1 entries- MOTS-cResearch onlyA peptide encoded by mitochondrial genetic material.Best peptides for weight loss
O
1 entries- OxytocinMade by your bodyAlso called love hormone · bonding hormoneA brain peptide released with touch, connection and childbirth.
P
2 entriesR
1 entries- RetatrutideResearch onlyAn investigational GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist. Dr. Axe’s approach to GLP-1 medicines is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the standard dose, with protein and resistance training.Best peptides for weight loss
S
4 entries- SemaglutideFDA-approved for a specific useA GLP-1 receptor agonist. If prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the labeled starting dose, with protein at every meal and resistance training.GLP-1 medicines: what to knowBest peptides for weight loss
- SermorelinCompounded RxA synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analog with a historical FDA approval.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
T
4 entries- TB-500Research onlyA fragment of thymosin beta-4, distinct from the full-length peptide.BPC-157 vs TB-500Peptides for muscle growth
- TesamorelinFDA-approved for a specific useA growth hormone-releasing factor analog.Peptides for muscle growthBest peptides for weight loss
- Thymosin alpha-1Research onlyAlso called thymalfasinAn immune-modulating peptide studied as an investigational treatment.
- TirzepatideFDA-approved for a specific useA GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. If prescribed, Dr. Axe’s approach is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the labeled starting dose, with protein at every meal and resistance training.GLP-1 medicines: what to knowBest peptides for weight loss
- TA1 → see Thymosin alpha-1
Before you start any peptide
Four free tools to get the numbers right and see what your labs say first.
Vial, dose and U-100 syringe math, with a cited library of each peptide’s status and evidence.
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Upload my labs Lab InterpreterCheck one number, like fasting insulin or HbA1c, against the functional and the lab range.
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About peptides
What they are, where they stand and how to use them well. Medically reviewed articles carry a review badge and date. How we review.
Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Alejandro Junger
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy
Dr. Taz BhatiaWhat are peptides?
Short chains of amino acids that act as signals in the body. You already make thousands of them, such as GLP-1, oxytocin, glutathione and the hormones that drive growth and repair. Therapeutic peptides are made to copy or boost one of those signals, and food peptides, like collagen, come from what you eat.
Which peptides are FDA-approved?
Of the research-focused peptides on this page, four are: semaglutide and tirzepatide (for labeled weight and blood sugar uses), tesamorelin (for a specific HIV-related belly fat condition) and PT-141, or bremelanotide (for low sexual desire in premenopausal women). Growth hormone, IGF-1 (mecasermin), oxytocin and liraglutide are also approved prescription drugs for specific conditions. A doctor may prescribe them for those uses. Most others, including BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295 with ipamorelin, GHK-Cu injections, epitalon, MOTS-c, KPV, selank and semax, are research only. Compounded copies of approved drugs are not the FDA-approved product.
How do I work out how much to draw into the syringe?
Divide what’s in the vial by the water you add to get the strength per mL, then divide your dose by that strength. A 5 mg vial with 2 mL of water holds 2,500 mcg per mL, so a 250 mcg dose is 0.1 mL, or 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. The Peptide Calculator does the math and checks the units.
What is Dr. Axe’s approach to GLP-1 medicines?
Raise your own GLP-1 first with protein, fiber, healthy fats and movement after meals. If your doctor prescribes a GLP-1 medicine, Dr. Axe’s approach is a micro-dose of 10–20% of the labeled starting dose, always with protein at every meal and resistance training to protect muscle. Make any dose change with your prescriber.
Are peptides allowed in tested sports?
Many are not. The World Anti-Doping Agency list includes BPC-157, TB-500 and the growth hormone–releasing peptides such as CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin and tesamorelin. If you compete in a tested sport, check the current list before you start anything.
Should I get bloodwork before a peptide?
Yes. Fasting insulin and A1C show where your blood sugar stands before a GLP-1; IGF-1 shows your growth hormone status before a growth hormone–releasing peptide. Upload your bloodwork to see your results against functional ranges, the window where the body heals and functions optimally.