Longevity Peptides
Research focus on lifespan extension
Longevity peptides focus specifically on extending healthspan (the number of years lived in good health) and potentially lifespan by targeting the root biological mechanisms of aging. This includes telomere maintenance, senescent cell clearance (removing old, damaged cells that accumulate with age and drive inflammation), mitochondrial repair, NAD+ restoration, and thymic regeneration. The field draws from biogerontology research and represents some of the most experimental peptide applications.
Key compounds include epitalon (telomerase activation), FOXO4-DRI (senolytic, meaning it selectively kills senescent cells), SS-31 (targets mitochondrial membranes), MOTS-c (a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolism), and thymalin (restores thymus function). Most have strong mechanistic rationale and animal data, but limited controlled human trials.
This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for longevity research. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety information.
Peptides (8)
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.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide produced by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It was the first mitochondrial peptide to enter clinical trials. Research focuses on metabolic health, exercise performance, and longevity, with natural levels declining with age.
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.
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.