Anti-aging
Umbrella term for interventions against visible and biological aging processes. Endpoints range from skin parameters (wrinkles, hydration) to body composition and surrogate markers like IGF-1. Heterogeneous evidence, many anecdotal claims.
Peptides on this topic
8 peptides researched for this topicSynthetic hexapeptide marketed as a topical anti-wrinkle ingredient (e.g. by Lipotec/Lubrizol). Mechanism modelled on the SNAP-25-blocking action of botulinum toxin, but with substantially lower potency and without intramuscular effect. EU-compliant as a cosmetic ingredient (CosIng), not approved as a medicine.
- Human trialVisual reduction of wrinkle depth in dynamic areas (forehead, periorbital) reported in industry-sponsored cosmetic studies
Long-acting synthetic GHRH analogue modified for albumin binding (DAC). Stimulates endogenous growth-hormone release. Pharmacodynamic effect established in small human studies; clinical endpoint trials are missing.
- Human trialIncrease in growth-hormone level after administration
- Human trialElevated IGF-1 level
Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal extract epithalamin (V. Khavinson, St. Petersburg). Investigated in the Russian research and anti-ageing context; Western controlled trials are largely absent. No medicines approval in EU or US.
- In vitroActivation of telomerase in human somatic cells reported in an in-vitro study by the Khavinson group
- Animal modelLifespan extension and altered tumour incidence in aged mice reported in Russian animal experiments
Synthetic peptide with D-Retro-Inverso structure (all amino acids as D-form, sequence reversed), developed in 2017 as an experimental senolytic candidate. Goal: selective apoptosis of senescent cells via disruption of the FOXO4-p53 interaction. So far evaluated exclusively preclinically.
- Animal modelSelective elimination of senescent cells in multiple tissues of old and chemotherapy-treated mice documented
- Animal modelImprovement of marker endpoints (hair growth, renal function, running endurance) reported in the original mouse study after multi-week treatment
Endogenous tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that chelates copper(II) ions. Studied in skin models and small human trials on collagen synthesis, skin regeneration and wound healing; permitted as a cosmetic ingredient in the EU.
- In vitroPromotion of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures
- Human trialChanges in cutaneous parameters under topical application
Synthetic pentapeptide (KTTKS) with a palmitoyl modification, marketed as a topical anti-aging ingredient (Lipotec/Sederma). Structurally derived from a collagen-I fragment; intended to stimulate fibroblast activity. Cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine.
- In vitroStimulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cultures reproducibly documented
Synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of human GHRH. Stimulates pulsatile growth-hormone secretion from the pituitary. Formerly FDA-approved as Geref Diagnostic, now withdrawn in many markets — compounding and research use dominate.
- Human RCTStimulation of growth-hormone release
- Human trialUse as a diagnostic provocation test for GH deficiency
Synthetic octapeptide marketed as a topical anti-wrinkle ingredient (Centerchem/Lipotec). Structurally related to Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) but with two additional C-terminal amino acids. Manufacturer marketing positions SNAP-8 as an 'improved' Argireline variant.
- Human trialVisual reduction of expression wrinkles documented in manufacturer-sponsored studies on various skin areas