15 terms, acronyms, and shorthand used across the database.
- AAS
- Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid — class of synthetic testosterone derivatives. Distinct from peptides but adjacent in performance-enhancement protocols.
- Bacteriostatic Water
- Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol that prevents bacterial growth. Required for multi-use peptide vials.
- Bioregulator
- A class of short peptides developed primarily by the Khavinson group in Russia, claimed to regulate organ-specific gene expression. Epithalon is the best known. Evidence outside Russian literature is sparse.
- GHRH
- Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone — hypothalamic peptide that triggers pituitary GH release. Synthetic analogs include CJC-1295 and tesamorelin.
- GHRP
- Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide — ghrelin receptor agonists that amplify endogenous GH pulses. Examples: ipamorelin, hexarelin, GHRP-2/6.
- GIP
- Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide — incretin hormone whose receptor is co-activated by tirzepatide alongside GLP-1.
- GLP-1
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 — incretin hormone produced by intestinal L-cells. Class includes semaglutide, liraglutide; mimetics drive insulin secretion and appetite suppression.
- HPTA
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis — the feedback loop regulating endogenous testosterone production. Suppressed by exogenous androgens; restored with HCG, gonadotropins, or SERM-based PCT.
- IM
- Intramuscular — injection directly into muscle tissue. Used for oil-based esters and some peptides where slower absorption or higher bioavailability is desired.
- mTOR
- Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin — central kinase regulating cell growth and protein synthesis. Inhibited by rapamycin; central to longevity pharmacology.
- NAD+
- Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — central metabolic cofactor that declines with age. NMN and NR are the most-used precursor supplements.
- PCT
- Post-Cycle Therapy — protocol following AAS or SARM cycles to restore HPTA function. Typically SERMs (clomiphene, tamoxifen) ± HCG.
- Reconstitution
- Adding bacteriostatic water to a lyophilized peptide vial to make it injectable. Concentration math is the most common source of dosing errors.
- SARM
- Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator — non-steroidal compounds that bind the androgen receptor with tissue selectivity. Research chemicals; many have liver and HPTA side effects despite marketing claims.
- SC
- Subcutaneous — injection into the fat layer just under the skin. The default route for most peptides; uses short insulin syringes.
Missing a term you want defined? Use the Feedback link in the footer.