Understand the source comparison
Best Peptides for Life Extension: Mechanism Comparison
Thymalin Thymic hormone restoration; stimulates T-cell maturation and thymulin production Increased CD4+/CD8+ counts, improved vaccine response, reduced infection rates in elderly subjects (clinical trials, St. Petersburg Institute) 10mg IM every other day for
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- Thymalin
- Thymic hormone restoration; stimulates T-cell maturation and thymulin production
- Increased CD4+/CD8+ counts, improved vaccine response, reduced infection rates in elderly subjects (clinical trials, St. Petersburg Institute)
- 10mg IM every other day for 10 doses; repeat every 6 months
- Most robust evidence for immune function restoration; does not regenerate thymic tissue but restores functional output during treatment cycles
- Epithalon
- Telomerase activation via hTERT upregulation; extends telomeres in somatic cells
- 33% mean telomere lengthening in human PBMCs after 10-day cycle; 20–40% lifespan extension in animal models (Khavinson et al., 2003)
- 10mg SC daily for 10–20 days; repeat annually or biannually
- Only peptide with human telomere extension data; unclear if telomere lengthening translates to healthspan extension or merely delays replicative crisis
- GHK-Cu
- Gene regulation (4000+ genes); upregulates DNA repair, antioxidants, proteasome; suppresses inflammation
- Improved wound healing, reduced oxidative damage, modulated inflammatory cytokines in clinical and preclinical studies
- 1–3mg SC daily for 4–8 weeks
- Broadest gene regulatory profile; plasma levels decline 60% from age 20 to 60, suggesting replacement rationale; evidence strongest for tissue repair rather than lifespan extension
- MK-677
- Growth hormone secretagogue; stimulates pulsatile GH and IGF-1 release
- Increased lean mass, improved bone density, enhanced sleep quality in elderly subjects (Nass et al., 2008)
- 12.5–25mg oral daily; non-peptide but classified with GH peptides
- Not a peptide (small molecule); GH/IGF-1 elevation controversial for longevity. May accelerate cancer risk in susceptible populations
- Cerebrolysin
- Neurotrophic peptide mixture; mimics NGF, BDNF activity; promotes neuronal survival
- Improved cognitive outcomes in stroke and Alzheimer's patients; neuroprotection in preclinical models
- 5–30mL IV over 10–20 days; used clinically in Europe and Asia
- Brain-specific; evidence for neuroprotection and recovery, not systemic aging pathways