Neuroprotective Research Peptides
Overview
18 research peptides demonstrate neuroprotective properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
BPC-157
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Healing & Recovery
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide (sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, MW ~1419.5 g/mol) derived from a protein found in human gastric juice.
Mechanism: BPC-157 acts through multiple overlapping pathways. It promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression, and activates nitric oxide synthesis via the Src kinase-caveolin-1 pathway and...
GHRP-6
Preclinical | Growth Hormone Secretagogue
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 6) is a synthetic hexapeptide that functions as a potent growth hormone secretagogue by binding to the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a).
Mechanism: GHRP-6 functions as a synthetic ghrelin mimetic by binding to GHS-R1a in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile GH release and raising IGF-1 levels.
Selank
Preclinical | Nootropic / Anxiolytic
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~751.89 g/mol) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Mechanism: Selank (C33H57N11O9, half-life ~2-10 minutes) crosses the blood-brain barrier. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, increasing GABA binding affinity without directly...
Semax
Preclinical | Nootropic / Neuroprotective
Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for metabolic stability. Molecular weight is approximately 813.
Mechanism: Semax is a brain-selective heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro, MW ~813.88 g/mol) that crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal absorption.
Dihexa
No Regulatory Activity | Nootropic / Cognitive
Dihexa (PNB-0408) is a synthetic small molecule derived from angiotensin IV, developed at Washington State University by the Harding lab.
Mechanism: Dihexa activates the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) by binding to HGF molecules and dimerizing with endogenous HGF to form a functional ligand, producing more physiological signaling than...
DSIP
Preclinical | Sleep / Neuropeptide
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is a naturally occurring nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu, C35H48N10O15) first isolated from rabbit brain in 1977 by Schoenenberger and Monnier.
Mechanism: DSIP (C35H48N10O15) modulates the central nervous system through interactions with GABA and NMDA receptors, reducing excitatory neuronal activity to facilitate onset and maintenance of deep sleep.
SS-31
FDA Approved | Metabolic / Mitochondrial
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binding to cardiolipin and stabilizing cristae structure.
Mechanism: SS-31 is a cell-permeable peptide with an alternating aromatic-cationic motif (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that allows it to cross membranes without a carrier.
Humanin
Preclinical | Metabolic / Mitochondrial
Humanin is a 21-24 amino acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded by the MT-RNR2 gene in mitochondrial DNA. It was originally discovered in 2001 for its ability to protect neurons from Alzheimer's disease-related toxicity.
Mechanism: Humanin operates through both intracellular and extracellular mechanisms. Intracellularly, it binds pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, Bim, and tBid to inhibit caspase activation and cell death.
Cerebrolysin
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Nootropic / Neuroprotective
Cerebrolysin is a brain-derived peptide complex consisting of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides (25%) and free amino acids (75%), produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of purified porcine brain proteins.
Mechanism: Cerebrolysin provides multimodal neuroprotection through several pathways: it enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity via activation of PI3K/AKT and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling, promotes...
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Tissue Repair / Neuropathic Pain
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide (MW ~1257 g/mol) derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin (EPO).
Mechanism: ARA-290 selectively binds the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heteromeric complex of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and β-common receptor (CD131/βcR).
Adamax
Animal/Preclinical Only | Cognitive / Nootropic
Adamax is a synthetic derivative of Semax featuring an adamantane moiety that enhances blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and extends its half-life.
Mechanism: Adamax retains the ACTH(4-7) core pharmacophore (Met-Glu-His-Phe) responsible for neurotrophin modulation while the adamantane group increases lipophilicity and BBB penetration.
Neuroxelin
Animal/Preclinical Only | Cognitive / Neuroprotection
Neuroxelin is a synthetic neuroprotective peptide proposed to modulate NMDA receptor activity and downregulate excessive microglial activation. It is theorized to protect neurons from excitotoxic damage while promoting synaptic plasticity.
Mechanism: Neuroxelin is proposed to act as a partial NMDA receptor modulator, reducing excessive glutamatergic excitotoxicity without completely blocking receptor function (preserving physiological signaling...
FGL(S)
Preclinical Only | Neuroprotection / Research
FGL(S) is a synthetic peptide derived from the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) that directly activates the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). It promotes neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, and synaptic plasticity in preclinical models.
Mechanism: FGL(S) activates FGFR independent of FGF ligands, promoting neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival. It enhances synaptic plasticity and provides anti-apoptotic signaling in neurons via downstream...
N-Acetyl Selank Amidate
Early Human / Mixed Evidence | Nootropic / Anxiolytic
N-Acetyl Selank Amidate is a modified version of Selank with N-acetylation and C-amidation for increased metabolic stability. Base Selank is approved in Russia for anxiety and cognitive disorders.
Mechanism: Upregulates BDNF and NGF expression. Modulates GABAergic neurotransmission. Inhibits enkephalin degradation. Regulates IL-6 levels.
P21
Preclinical | Nootropic / Neurogenesis
P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from the active region of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) that promotes hippocampal neurogenesis without the immunogenic side effects of full-length CNTF.
Mechanism: P21 is a modified tetrapeptide (Ac-DGGL-OH) linked to adamantane to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration.
Related Products
Related Research News
Boost Focus and Clarity with Selank and Semax Duo
Selank and Semax, synthetic peptides from Russian research labs, offer complementary cognitive benefits. Selank reduces anxiety and sharpens attention by balancing neurotransmitters and upregulating BDNF. Semax sustains focus through neuroprotection and neurotrophin enhancement, with studies showing improved memory under stress when used together.
BPC-157 Gut Health: Gastric Cytoprotection Studies
Research on BPC-157 began with gastric cytoprotection in the early 1990s, led by Sikiric and colleagues at the University of Zagreb. Studies show it protects against ethanol-induced lesions and NSAID damage in rat models, with effects linked to angiogenesis, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and gut-brain signaling. This body of work highlights its stability for oral use and broad preclinical applications in GI models.
BPC-157 Shelf Life: Lyophilized vs Reconstituted Stability Guide
BPC-157 has a finite shelf life that varies by form and storage. Lyophilized powder lasts 12-18 months refrigerated or 24+ months frozen, while reconstituted solution holds for about 28 days under refrigeration. Factors like temperature, light, and handling influence stability, and researchers should watch for signs of degradation to ensure reliable results.