Introduction to Peptides: A Beginner's Guide

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically containing between 2 and 50 amino acids. They're essentially smaller versions of proteins. While proteins can contain hundreds or thousands of amino acids, peptides are much shorter chains.

Your body naturally produces many peptides that serve as signaling molecules, hormones, and other important biological functions. Insulin, for example, is a peptide hormone that regulates blood sugar.

How Do Peptides Work?

Peptides work by binding to specific receptors on cells, triggering various biological responses. Think of them like keys that fit into specific locks (receptors) on your cells.

Different peptides bind to different receptors, which is why various peptides are studied for different purposes in research settings.

Common Categories of Research Peptides

Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs)

These peptides are studied for their ability to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Examples include:

• GHRP-6 - One of the earliest studied GHRPs
• GHRP-2 - Similar to GHRP-6 with some differences in receptor binding
• Ipamorelin - A more selective GHRP studied in research

Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones (GHRHs)

These work differently than GHRPs, acting on different receptors:

• CJC-1295 - A modified GHRH analog
• Sermorelin - A truncated form of natural GHRH

Healing/Recovery Peptides

Some peptides are researched for their potential effects on tissue repair:

• BPC-157 - Body Protection Compound, studied in numerous animal models
• TB-500 - Thymosin Beta-4 fragment, researched for tissue repair

Understanding Reconstitution Basics

Most research peptides come as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.

The basic formula is:

For example, if you add 2mL of water to a 5mg vial:

• 5mg ÷ 2mL = 2.5mg/mL (or 2,500mcg/mL)
• Each 0.1mL (10 units on insulin syringe) = 250mcg

Storage Considerations

Proper storage is critical for peptide stability:

• Unreconstituted: Store in freezer (-20°C) for long-term storage, or refrigerator for short-term
• Reconstituted: Always refrigerate (2-8°C). Most reconstituted peptides are stable for 2-4 weeks
• Avoid: Heat, light, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Important Safety Considerations

If you're considering peptide research, keep these points in mind:

• Peptides are research chemicals, not FDA-approved medications
• Quality varies significantly between sources
• There are potential risks and side effects
• Individual responses vary widely
• Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions

Next Steps

This guide covers the basics, but there's much more to learn about specific peptides, proper protocols, and research methodologies.