Comparison
LL-37 vs. Oxytocin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
597562-32-8
50-56-6
Molecular weight
4493.33 g/mol
1007.19 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.05 h
Sequence
LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTESCys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2Mechanism of action
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.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is synthesised in the hypothalamus and released via the posterior pituitary. Peripherally it binds the oxytocin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor, and through the phospholipase-C cascade and calcium release triggers contraction of uterine smooth muscle and milk ejection — the pharmacological basis of the obstetric approval. Centrally, oxytocin acts as a neuromodulator and has been linked to social bonding, trust and modulation of stress and anxiety circuits. Its central effects in humans are mechanistically incompletely understood, particularly because it is unclear to what extent peripherally or intranasally administered oxytocin crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
0
0
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between LL-37 and Oxytocin?
- LL-37 is classified as "Research other", while Oxytocin is classified as "Research other". 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. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide hormone of the posterior pituitary. In synthetic form (Pitocin, Syntocinon) it has been approved for decades to induce and augment labour and to control postpartum uterine bleeding. Strictly separate from this is intranasal use to influence social behaviour, trust, anxiety or autism symptoms: this use is unapproved, purely experimental, and yields inconsistent and often negative results in controlled trials. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, LL-37 or Oxytocin?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for LL-37 and "Human RCT" for Oxytocin. 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 LL-37 and Oxytocin in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: LL-37 — Research only, Oxytocin — Prescription. United States: LL-37 — Research only, Oxytocin — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.