Cognitive & Longevity Peptides
Cognitive and longevity compounds span nootropic, neuroprotective, mitochondrial, and aging-research molecules. Some are neuropeptides, others are coenzymes or small molecules grouped here for their research context. Human pharmacokinetic data is thinner in this class than elsewhere, so several entries are marked emerging rather than verified.
10 compounds
Selank
A synthetic analog of the immunopeptide tuftsin, extended for stability, studied for anxiety-related and immunomodulatory effects. Reported mechanisms include modulation of GABAergic signaling, monoamines, and cytokines.
Semax
A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment, studied as a neuroprotective and nootropic compound. Reported mechanisms include upregulation of neurotrophins (BDNF and NGF) and interaction with melanocortin and enkephalin systems.
Epithalon
Epitalon · AEDG
A synthetic pineal tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the peptide complex epithalamin, studied in aging and longevity research for reported effects on telomerase activity and melatonin/circadian regulation. Preclinical / investigational.
DSIP
Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide
An endogenous nonapeptide first isolated for its association with delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep, studied for sleep modulation and neuroendocrine/stress effects. Its precise mechanism remains incompletely characterized.
NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
A ubiquitous redox coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism and a substrate for enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs; it is a coenzyme, not a peptide. Studied in aging, metabolic, and neurological research; cellular levels reportedly decline with age.
5-Amino-1MQ
5A1MQ
A small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), studied in preclinical metabolic research; by inhibiting NNMT it is reported to raise intracellular NAD+ and shift adipocyte metabolism toward oxidation. Not a peptide.
SS-31
Elamipretide
A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that selectively binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, studied for effects on mitochondrial cristae structure, ATP production, and oxidative stress. Evaluated in multiple clinical trials.
IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 IGF-1
A synthetic long-acting analog of insulin-like growth factor 1 with reduced binding to IGF-binding proteins, used as a research reagent. It acts as an IGF-1 receptor agonist, activating anabolic PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling. Not approved for human use.
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide · Aviptadil
A 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon superfamily, widely distributed in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. It binds the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors and is studied for smooth-muscle relaxation, immune modulation, and circadian signaling. The synthetic form is aviptadil.
Dihexa
PNB-0408 · N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide
A small oligopeptide derivative and angiotensin IV analog developed in academic research as a procognitive compound. In preclinical models it is reported to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its c-Met receptor, associated with synaptogenesis. Research material not approved for human use.
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Educational reference only, compiled from public sources. Not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a dosing recommendation, and not a recommendation to use any compound. Many compounds listed are research materials not approved for human use. Consult a qualified professional.