Comparison
DSIP vs. LL-37
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
62568-57-4
597562-32-8
Molecular weight
848.81 g/mol
4493.33 g/mol
Half-life
0.1 h
no data
Sequence
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-GluLLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTESMechanism of action
DSIP
DSIP was described in 1977 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group in Basel as a blood-borne substance reported to induce EEG changes similar to delta sleep in animal models. The exact mechanism remains undefined to this day: no defined receptor, proposed modulation of opioid, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Most mechanistic findings stem from preclinical studies of the 1980s and 1990s and were later subjected to contested replication attempts.
LL-37
LL-37 is a cationic, amphipathic helical peptide and the only member of the cathelicidin family in humans. It is generated by proteolytic cleavage from the C-terminal portion of the precursor protein hCAP18 (CAP-18). Mechanistically it associates with and can permeabilize microbial membranes; in addition it modulates immune cells, influences cytokine release, exerts chemotactic activity, and can bind extracellular self-DNA. Preclinical models have described both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects, depending on concentration and tissue context.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
1
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
0
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between DSIP and LL-37?
- DSIP is classified as "Research other", while LL-37 is classified as "Research other". DSIP: Synthetic nonapeptide isolated in 1977 by Guido Monnier and Marcel Schoenenberger from the blood of rabbits in delta sleep. Despite the name, the role in sleep regulation is contested and not confirmed by Western RCTs in larger populations. LL-37: LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin, a 37-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide generated by cleavage of the precursor protein hCAP18. In research it plays a central role in innate immune defence and wound healing, yet acts in a context-dependent manner as both anti- and pro-inflammatory and has been linked to autoimmune processes. LL-37 is not an approved drug; the evidence base is predominantly basic and preclinical. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, DSIP or LL-37?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for DSIP and "Human trial" for LL-37. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of DSIP and LL-37 in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: DSIP — Unapproved, LL-37 — Research only. United States: DSIP — Unapproved, LL-37 — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.