NAD+
What it is NMN and NR are both biosynthetic precursors to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ levels decline with age in many tissues. Evidence snapshot Category: Longevity. Status: Mixed. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Both NMN and NR are converted to NAD+ through distinct salvage pathways. Elevated NAD+ supports […]
MOTS-c
What it is MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome. Identified in 2015 by Lee et al. as the first known mitochondria-derived peptide with a clear signalling function outside the organelle. Evidence snapshot Category: Mitochondrial. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism MOTS-c activates AMPK — […]
Metformin
What it is Metformin is a biguanide antidiabetic drug derived from galegine. FDA-approved since 1995 for type 2 diabetes. Extensive clinical experience including in non-diabetic populations. Evidence snapshot Category: Longevity. Status: Human Trials. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Primary mechanism is suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis via AMPK activation and […]
Melanotan II
What it is Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide developed alongside Melanotan I. Activates multiple melanocortin receptors, unlike the more selective Melanotan I. Evidence snapshot Category: Melanocortin. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Activates MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R/MC4R (sexual arousal, appetite), and MC5R (exocrine gland function). The MC3R/MC4R […]
Melanotan I
What it is Melanotan I is a synthetic linear heptapeptide analogue of α-MSH with substitutions at positions 4 and 7 to enhance potency and stability. Selective agonist at the MC1R melanocortin receptor. Evidence snapshot Category: Melanocortin. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Activates MC1R on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin […]
LL-37
What it is LL-37 is a 37-amino-acid amphipathic peptide released from its precursor hCAP18 by proteolytic cleavage. The only human cathelicidin identified. Evidence snapshot Category: Immunity. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Exerts antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption and immunomodulatory effects through interactions with TLRs, formyl peptide receptors, […]
Kisspeptin
What it is Kisspeptins are a family of neuropeptides processed from the KISS1 gene product. Kisspeptin-54 and the shorter kisspeptin-10 are the most studied fragments. Evidence snapshot Category: Endocrine. Status: Mixed. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Binds the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor on GnRH neurons, triggering GnRH release. GnRH pulses […]
Ipamorelin
What it is Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide GHS developed by NovoNordisk in the 1990s. Acts at the GHSR-1a receptor — the same receptor targeted by ghrelin. Evidence snapshot Category: Growth Hormone. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Activation of GHSR-1a on pituitary somatotrophs triggers GH release. Unlike […]
Hexarelin
What it is Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide GHS developed in the 1990s. Strong agonist at GHSR-1a, with secondary activity reported at the CD36 scavenger receptor. Evidence snapshot Category: Growth Hormone. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Activates GHSR-1a to produce GH release. The CD36 activity produces cardioprotective […]
GHRP-6
What it is GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide developed as one of the first potent GHS compounds. Acts at GHSR-1a with significant orexigenic effect. Evidence snapshot Category: Growth Hormone. Status: Preclinical. See the references section below for the underlying primary sources. Mechanism Activates GHSR-1a to produce GH release. The orexigenic effect (much more pronounced than […]