Anti-Aging Peptides
Targets aging-related mechanisms
Anti-aging peptides target the biological processes that drive aging at the cellular level: DNA damage, telomere shortening, mitochondrial decline, cellular senescence (the buildup of old, damaged cells that stop dividing but refuse to die), and chronic low-grade inflammation. Rather than addressing surface-level symptoms, these compounds aim to slow or partially reverse the mechanisms that cause tissues to deteriorate over time.
The most studied anti-aging peptides include epitalon (which activates telomerase, the enzyme that maintains protective caps on chromosomes), thymalin and thymosin alpha-1 (which restore immune function that declines with age), GHK-Cu (a copper peptide that activates hundreds of genes involved in tissue remodeling), and NAD+ precursors that restore cellular energy production. Evidence ranges from robust animal studies to small human trials, with very few large-scale clinical trials.
This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for anti-aging research. Browse individual profiles for detailed mechanisms, dosing protocols, and safety information.
Peptides (14)
NAD+
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical molecule found in every living cell. It is essential for mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and supplementation is being studied for anti-aging and metabolic health benefits.
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29)
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing compound with a short active window of about 30 minutes. It is being studied for its effects on growth hormone release and body composition.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing compound. It was FDA-approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and is widely used off-label for anti-aging and body composition improvement.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective compound that triggers growth hormone release, originally developed by Novo Nordisk. It stimulates growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. It has been studied in clinical trials for postoperative recovery.
Epitalon (Epithalon)
Epitalon is a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide studied primarily in Russia. Research focuses on activating telomerase (an enzyme that maintains chromosome caps), supporting pineal gland function, and potential anti-aging effects.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a four-amino-acid peptide that targets and concentrates in the inner membrane of mitochondria (the energy centers of cells). It is being developed for mitochondrial diseases, heart failure, and age-related conditions.
Humanin
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide produced by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It was discovered for its ability to protect brain cells from amyloid-beta toxicity, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Research explores its roles in brain protection, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress resistance.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a three-amino-acid peptide made naturally in every cell from glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes damaging molecules, supports mitochondrial energy production, and helps the liver process toxins. Levels fall with age and chronic illness, making it a widely studied target for antioxidant and anti-aging research.
GHK (Tripeptide)
GHK is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide found in human blood, saliva, and urine, with levels that decline with age. Separate from its copper-bound form (GHK-Cu), free GHK is being studied for its ability to influence gene activity patterns linked to tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and regeneration.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide-copper complex found in human blood, saliva, and urine. It is being studied primarily for wound healing, skin regeneration, and anti-aging applications, and is available in topical formulations.
Thymalin
Thymalin is a peptide complex originally extracted from calf thymus glands, developed in Russia. Research focuses on immune system restoration, anti-aging effects, and recovery of thymus gland function, particularly in elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is a 43-amino-acid synthetic peptide that selectively eliminates senescent cells, the aged and damaged cells that accumulate in the body over time. All evidence comes from cell culture and animal studies. No human clinical trials have been conducted.
Pinealon
Pinealon is a synthetic three-amino-acid peptide that may help regulate pineal gland and central nervous system function. Developed in Russia, research focuses on sleep regulation, brain cell protection, and cognitive function in aging.
Cortagen
Cortagen is a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide that may help regulate brain cortex function. Developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, research focuses on supporting cognitive function in aging and protecting brain cells.