Agonist
A compound that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response. Ipamorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist — it binds and triggers GH release.
Antagonist
A compound that binds to a receptor but blocks it, preventing activation. The opposite of an agonist.
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels. BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis at injury sites, which is a key part of its healing mechanism.
BAC water
Bacteriostatic water — sterile water for injection containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Standard diluent for reconstituting lyophilised peptides.
Bioavailability
The fraction of a dose that reaches systemic circulation in an active form. Subcutaneous injection gives near-100% bioavailability for most peptides. Oral administration typically gives much less due to digestive breakdown.
Bioregulator peptide
Short peptides (typically 2–4 amino acids) derived from tissue extracts, associated with organ-specific regulatory effects. Includes epithalon, pinealon, cardiogen, vilon, etc. Originally developed in Soviet/Russian research.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A document from a third-party laboratory confirming the identity, purity, and absence of contaminants in a product. HPLC purity and mass spectrometry confirmation are the key tests.
Concentration
The amount of peptide per unit volume of solution after reconstitution, usually expressed in mcg/mL. Determined by: vial size (mg) × 1000 ÷ BAC water added (mL).
CJC-1295
A GHRH analogue — synthetic peptide that mimics growth hormone releasing hormone. Available with DAC (long-acting, ~7 day half-life) or without DAC (short-acting, ~30 min half-life).
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
A modification to CJC-1295 that extends its half-life from ~30 minutes to ~7 days by binding to albumin in the bloodstream. CJC-1295 with DAC is dosed 1–2x per week; without DAC is dosed daily.
Downregulation
Reduction in the number or sensitivity of receptors in response to chronic overstimulation. Leads to diminishing response over time — one reason cycling off is important.
Exogenous
Originating from outside the body. Exogenous GH (recombinant growth hormone) vs. endogenous GH (produced naturally by the pituitary).
GHRPs (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides)
Peptides that stimulate GH release by activating the ghrelin receptor (distinct from the GHRH receptor). Includes GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ipamorelin. Often stacked with GHRH analogues for synergistic GH release.
GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)
The endogenous hormone that signals the pituitary to release GH. CJC-1295 and sermorelin are synthetic GHRH analogues.
GLP-1 agonist
Compounds that activate the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. GLP-1 receptors regulate glucose metabolism, gastric emptying, and appetite. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide are GLP-1 agonists.
Half-life
The time it takes for the concentration of a compound in the body to reduce by half. Determines dosing frequency. A compound with a 1-hour half-life needs more frequent dosing than one with a 7-day half-life.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
The standard analytical technique used to verify peptide purity. A COA showing HPLC purity confirms the proportion of the sample that is the desired compound.
HPTA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis)
The hormonal feedback loop controlling testosterone and sperm production. Anabolic steroids suppress the HPTA; most research peptides do not.
IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)
A hormone produced primarily in the liver in response to GH stimulation. IGF-1 is the main downstream mediator of GH's anabolic effects. Bloodwork measurement of IGF-1 is the standard way to confirm GH secretagogue effectiveness.
IM (Intramuscular)
Route of administration — injection directly into muscle tissue. Faster absorption than sub-Q. Used for some peptide protocols, but sub-Q is more common.
Ipamorelin
A selective GHRP that releases GH with minimal effect on cortisol, prolactin, and hunger hormones. Considered the cleanest GHRP with the lowest side-effect profile. Often stacked with CJC-1295.
Lipohypertrophy
Hardened, thickened subcutaneous fat tissue that forms from repeatedly injecting the same spot. Impairs peptide absorption. Prevented by consistent site rotation.
Lyophilised
Freeze-dried. Research peptides are typically shipped as lyophilised powder — water has been removed under vacuum. This dramatically extends shelf life compared to liquid. Must be reconstituted before use.
mcg (microgram)
One millionth of a gram (0.000001 g). Standard unit for peptide dosing. 1000 mcg = 1 mg. Peptide vials are typically labelled in mg (e.g., 5 mg); doses are typically expressed in mcg (e.g., 500 mcg).
mg (milligram)
One thousandth of a gram. Peptide vials are labelled in mg. To convert to mcg for dosing: multiply by 1000. A 5 mg vial contains 5000 mcg of peptide.
mL (millilitre)
One thousandth of a litre. Volume unit used for BAC water and reconstituted solutions. On an insulin syringe, 1 mL = 100 units.
MOA (Mechanism of Action)
How a compound produces its biological effects at the molecular level — which receptor it binds, what cascade it activates, etc.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Typically 2–50 amino acids. Longer chains are called proteins. Peptides act as signalling molecules, binding specific receptors to produce biological effects.
Pituitary gland
A small endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces and releases growth hormone, among other hormones. GH secretagogues act on the pituitary to stimulate GH release.
Reconstitution
The process of dissolving lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide powder in bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution.
Research use only
A regulatory designation indicating a compound is not approved for human administration. In most jurisdictions, this means the product may be sold for laboratory research purposes but not as a medical treatment.
Sub-Q (Subcutaneous)
Route of administration — injection into the fatty tissue just below the skin. The standard route for most research peptides. Requires short, fine-gauge insulin syringes.
U-100
The standard concentration calibration for insulin syringes — 100 units per mL. All standard insulin syringes are U-100. This means 100 units on the syringe scale = exactly 1 mL of liquid.
Units
The measurement scale on insulin syringes. 100 units = 1 mL. Each small line on a standard 0.5 mL syringe = 1 unit. The number of units to draw for a peptide dose depends on the concentration of your reconstituted vial.
WADA
World Anti-Doping Agency. Maintains the prohibited list for competitive sport. WADA-banned status does not directly indicate safety risk — it indicates performance advantage. Check wada-ama.org for current status of specific peptides.