Uses, Dosages, and Evidence Classification
January 2026 | ExcelMale.com
Many of these peptides are experimental, not FDA-approved for human use, or require medical supervision. The Evidence column indicates the level of human clinical data available. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide therapy.
| Symbol | Evidence Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ FDA | FDA Approved | Rigorous Phase 1-3 clinical trials; FDA approved for specific indication |
| ✅ Strong | Strong Human Data | Multiple well-designed human studies with consistent results |
| Foreign | Foreign Approval | Approved in other countries (Russia, Europe, etc.); human clinical data exists |
| ⚠️ Limited | Limited Human Data | Small human studies, pilot trials, or case reports exist |
| Phase 1-2 | Phase Trials | Phase 1-2 trials completed or ongoing; human safety/PK data available |
| ❌ Animal | Animal Data Only | Evidence limited to animal studies; no rigorous human trials |
| ❌ Experimental | Highly Experimental | Minimal data of any kind; significant unknowns |
Peptides targeting fat metabolism, energy expenditure, and body composition.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adipotide (FTPP) | Targets blood vessels in fat tissue to promote fat loss | No established dosing | SC | ❌ Experimental | No human trials; significant safety concerns |
| AICAR | Activates AMPK to enhance endurance and fat burning | 150-500mg (research) | SC/IV | ❌ Animal | Primarily animal studies |
| AOD9604 | GH fragment for fat loss without muscle-building effects | 250-500mcg daily | SC | Phase 1-2 | Failed to show efficacy in human obesity trials |
| hGH Fragment 176-191 | GH fragment for fat loss without other GH effects | 250-500mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | Limited human data |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Oral GH secretagogue; stimulates GH and IGF-1 | 10-25mg daily | Oral | ⚠️ Limited | Multiple human studies; not FDA approved |
| MOTS-c | Mitochondrial peptide for metabolism and insulin sensitivity | 200-1,000mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | No completed human clinical trials |
GLP-1 receptor agonists and related compounds for weight loss and diabetes. Many FDA-approved.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Diabetes management and significant weight loss | 0.25-2.4mg weekly | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved 2017 (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for diabetes and weight loss | 2.5-15mg weekly | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved 2022-2023 (Mounjaro, Zepbound) |
| Liraglutide | GLP-1 agonist for diabetes and weight loss | 0.6-3mg daily | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved (Victoza, Saxenda) |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) for weight loss | 2-12mg weekly | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 2 showed ~24% weight loss; Phase 3 ongoing |
| Cagrilintide | Amylin analog for satiety and weight loss | 0.3-4.5mg weekly | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 3 REDEFINE trials ongoing |
| Cagrisema | Combination (cagrilintide + semaglutide) | Clinical trials | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 3 trials show ~20% weight loss |
| Survodutide | Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist | Clinical development | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 2-3 trials ongoing |
Peptides that stimulate natural GH release from the pituitary gland.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Selective GH secretagogue; no effect on cortisol/ACTH | 100-300mcg 2-3x daily | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 2 for post-op ileus; serious AEs in IV studies |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog for natural GH production | 200-500mcg daily (bedtime) | SC | ✅ FDA | Was FDA approved (Geref); discontinued but data exists |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog; reduces visceral fat | 2mg daily | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy |
| CJC-1295 DAC | Long-acting GHRH for sustained GH production | 1-2mg weekly | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 1-2 human PK studies exist |
| CJC-1295 No DAC (ModGRF 1-29) | Shorter-acting GHRH; often combined with Ipamorelin | 100-300mcg 2-3x daily | SC | ⚠️ Limited | Human pharmacokinetic data available |
| GHRP-2 | GH releasing peptide for muscle growth and recovery | 100-300mcg 2-3x daily | SC | ⚠️ Limited | Human studies exist; not FDA approved |
| GHRP-6 | GH releasing peptide; also stimulates appetite | 100-300mcg 2-3x daily | SC | ⚠️ Limited | Human studies exist; not FDA approved |
| Hexarelin | Potent GH releasing peptide with cardioprotective effects | 100mcg 2-3x daily | SC | ⚠️ Limited | Some human cardiac studies |
Peptides for healing tendons, muscles, gut, and other tissues.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Healing of tendons, muscles, gut, digestive tract | 200-500mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | ⚠️ RED FLAG: Only 3 tiny pilot studies (n=16, n=12); Phase 1 trial CANCELLED 2015; FDA Category 2 |
| TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) | Healing of muscles, tendons, soft tissues | 2-10mg weekly | SC | ❌ Animal | ⚠️ RED FLAG: ZERO human trials; parent protein Phase 2 results NEVER PUBLISHED |
| GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Skin healing, wound repair, collagen synthesis | 1-2mg 3-5x weekly | SC/Topical | ⚠️ Limited | Human data for TOPICAL use; injectable lacks trials |
| GHK Basic | Tissue repair without copper | 1-3mg daily | SC/Topical | ❌ Animal | Limited data |
| ARA-290 | Tissue protection via EPO receptor activation | 2-8mg daily | SC | Phase 1-2 | Phase 2 trials for neuropathy |
| KPV | Anti-inflammatory tripeptide; gut health | 200-500mcg daily | SC/Oral | ❌ Animal | No human trials to date |
| LL-37 | Antimicrobial peptide; immune support | Varies | Topical/SC | ⚠️ Limited | Some human topical studies for rosacea |
Peptides for memory, focus, and neuroprotective effects.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semax | Cognitive enhancement, memory, neuroprotection | 300-600mcg daily | Intranasal/SC | Foreign | Approved in Russia/Ukraine for stroke; limited Western RCTs |
| Selank | Anxiolytic; reduces anxiety while improving cognition | 250-750mcg daily | Intranasal/SC | Foreign | Approved in Russia for anxiety; clinical trials exist |
| N-Acetyl Semax Amidate | Enhanced stability Semax for cognition | 300-600mcg daily | Intranasal/SC | ❌ Animal | Modified version; less data than parent |
| N-Acetyl Selank Amidate | Enhanced stability Selank for anxiety | 250-750mcg daily | Intranasal/SC | ❌ Animal | Modified version; less data than parent |
| PE-22-28 | TREK-1 inhibitor for mood and neuroprotection | 50-200mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | Preclinical studies only |
| P21 | Cognitive enhancer for memory and learning | Research varies | SC | ❌ Animal | Animal studies |
| Dihexa | Cognitive enhancer; may promote neurogenesis | Research stage | SC/Oral | ❌ Animal | FDA states "no human exposure data" |
| Cerebrolysin | Brain peptide mixture for neurological conditions | 10-30ml IV | IV | Foreign | Approved in Europe/Asia for stroke/dementia |
| Cortagen | Brain and nervous system support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Pinealon | Brain health and cognitive function | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
Peptides targeting fundamental aging processes.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epithalon (Epitalon) | Anti-aging via telomerase activity | 5-10mg daily for 10-20 days | SC | ❌ Animal | Rodent telomerase studies; no rigorous human trials |
| N-Acetyl Epithalon Amidate | Modified Epithalon with enhanced stability | Similar to Epithalon | SC | ❌ Animal | Modified version; even less data |
| FOXO4-DRI | Senolytic; eliminates senescent cells | Highly experimental | SC | ❌ Experimental | Cell/animal studies only |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial peptide for cellular energy | 5-20mg daily | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved 2025 for Barth syndrome (Forzinity) |
| Humanin | Cell protection, anti-aging, neuroprotection | Research stage | SC | ❌ Animal | Mitochondrial-derived; preclinical |
| NAD+ | Cellular energy and DNA repair | 250-750mg | IV/Sublingual | ⚠️ Limited | Human studies for NAD+ precursors; IV less studied |
Peptides for libido and sexual function via CNS pathways.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) | Enhances libido in men and women | 750-1750mcg as needed | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved 2019 (Vyleesi) for female HSDD |
| Melanotan 2 | Tanning; may affect libido | 250-1000mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | ⚠️ RED FLAG: No approved trials; linked to melanoma concerns |
| Kisspeptin-10 | Regulates reproductive hormones; may enhance libido | Research varies | SC | ⚠️ Limited | Human studies in reproductive endocrinology |
Peptides for reproductive hormones and endocrine balance.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadorelin (GnRH) | Restores natural testosterone production | 75-150mcg daily | SC | ✅ FDA | FDA approved for diagnostic and therapeutic use |
| Triptorelin | GnRH agonist for hormone therapy | Varies by indication | IM | ✅ FDA | FDA approved for prostate cancer, endometriosis |
| Thyrotropin-TRH | Regulates thyroid function | Medical supervision | SC/IV | ✅ FDA | FDA approved for diagnostic use |
Peptides for muscle hypertrophy and myostatin inhibition.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Follistatin-315 | Blocks myostatin for muscle growth | 100mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | Preclinical studies |
| Follistatin-344 | Inhibits myostatin for muscle development | 100mcg daily | SC | ❌ Animal | Preclinical studies |
| MGF (C-terminal) | Muscle repair and growth post-exercise | 200mcg post-workout | SC (local) | ❌ Animal | Animal studies |
| PEG-MGF | Pegylated MGF for sustained effects | 200mcg 2-3x weekly | SC | ❌ Animal | Animal studies |
Peptides for sleep quality and recovery.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSIP | Delta sleep-inducing peptide for deep sleep | 25-100mcg before bed | SC | ❌ Animal | Old Soviet-era studies; no modern RCTs |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant for detox and cellular protection | 500-2000mg daily | IV/Oral/SC | ✅ Strong | Extensive human data as antioxidant |
| VIP | Regulates digestion, circulation, immune response | Varies | Nasal/SC | ⚠️ Limited | Human studies for specific conditions |
| Oxytocin | Bonding, relaxation, recovery | 10-40 IU nasal | Nasal | ✅ FDA | FDA approved (Pitocin) for labor induction |
Short peptides (bioregulators) for organ system support and immune function.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immune support, T-cell activity | 1.6-6.4mg 2-3x weekly | SC | Foreign | Approved in 35+ countries (not US) for hepatitis |
| Thymagen | Immune and thymus gland support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Vilon | Immune support with anti-aging properties | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Cardiogen | Cardiovascular and heart muscle support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Cartalax | Cartilage health and joint support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Chonluten | Respiratory system and lung support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Livagen | Liver health support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Pancragen | Pancreatic health support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Ovagen | Ovarian and female reproductive support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Prostamax | Prostate health support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Testagen | Natural testosterone and male support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Vesigen | Blood vessel and circulation support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Vesilute | Bladder and urinary system support | 10-20 drops | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
| Bronchogen | Respiratory bronchodilator | Varies | Oral/SC | ❌ Animal | Russian bioregulator; limited Western validation |
Investigational peptides with limited data.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Dosage | Route | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B7-33 | Relaxin derivative for heart failure/fibrosis | Experimental | SC | ❌ Experimental | Early preclinical |
| PNC-27 | Experimental anti-cancer peptide | Highly experimental | SC | ❌ Experimental | Cancer research; highly experimental |
Most peptides come as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Reconstitute with 2-3 mL bacteriostatic water per vial. Inject water slowly down the vial wall to minimize foaming, then gently swirl (do not shake) until dissolved.
This document is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Evidence classifications are based on publicly available clinical trial data as of January 2026 and may change. Many peptides listed are experimental, not FDA-approved, or have limited safety data. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before starting any peptide therapy.
Peptide dosage calculator: ExcelMale Peptide Dosage Calculator
Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone
This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.
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Results will appear here after calculation
A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.
Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.
The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.
Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038