Peptides for Anti-Aging
Research overview of peptides studied for longevity, aging, and healthspan. Epithalon, MOTS-c, humanin, and bioregulator research evidence.
Research Overview
Anti-aging peptide research spans multiple mechanisms including telomerase activation, mitochondrial function, and tissue-specific bioregulation. This field includes both well-studied compounds with growing evidence bases and emerging peptides with primarily preclinical data.
Epithalon (epithalamin) is among the most discussed longevity peptides, based primarily on work by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. While intriguing preclinical data exists for telomerase activation, human clinical evidence remains limited and largely from non-Western literature.
Mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c, humanin, and SHLPs represent newer research directions with potential implications for metabolic health and cellular aging. These peptides are endogenously produced and their research is still evolving.
Research Categories
Telomerase Activators
| Peptide | Proposed Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Epithalon | Telomerase activation | Low (mostly preclinical) |
| Pinealon | Pineal gland regulation | Very Low |
Mitochondrial Peptides
| Peptide | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | mtDNA-encoded | Low-Moderate (emerging) |
| Humanin | mtDNA-encoded | Low-Moderate |
| SHLP-2, SHLP-6 | mtDNA-encoded | Very Low |
Bioregulators (Khavinson Peptides)
Short synthetic peptides from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Research primarily from Russian/CIS literature with limited Western replication.
Important Considerations
Anti-aging research has unique challenges:
- Long timeframes required to measure lifespan effects
- Surrogate biomarkers may not predict longevity
- Much research in model organisms, not humans
- Bioregulator literature requires careful evaluation
GH Secretagogues in Aging
Tesamorelin’s FDA-approved indication is reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV lipodystrophy. An older-adult 20-week trial and 10-week pilot studied cognitive measures, but neither establishes a longevity or general anti-aging benefit.
Peptides Studied for Anti-Aging
CJC-1295
ModerateA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with extended half-life. Limited clinical development; not approved for any indication.
Ipamorelin
ModerateA growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significant effects on cortisol or prolactin. Developed by Novo Nordisk (Denmark); limited clinical development despite promising early data.
Sermorelin
ModerateA GHRH analog that was FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency. Now discontinued commercially but established safety and efficacy profile exists.
Epithalon
LowEpitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, AEDG) has produced telomere-related changes in cultured human cells, including a 2025 independent laboratory report. Those experiments do not show longer human life or safe clinical use; controlled human efficacy and exposure data remain unavailable.
Livagen
LowA synthetic tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to support liver function and modulate hepatic gene expression. Minimal Western validation exists; all research originates from Russian institutions with no controlled human clinical trials.
MK-677
LowMK-677 (ibutamoren, now also studied as LUM-201) is an investigational oral, non-peptide growth-hormone secretagogue. Human studies establish GH and IGF-1 effects, but clinical benefits for strength, function, cognition, or general anti-aging are not established; pediatric growth-hormone-deficiency trials remain an active research program.
Important Disclaimer
This page summarizes research findings and does not constitute medical advice. The peptides listed may or may not have regulatory approval. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decisions.