Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While BPC-157 is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects111, Selank is a peptide developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic; in animal models it reduces anxiety-like behavior and modulates immune parameters under stress39.
While BPC-157 works as a synthetic 15-amino-acid fragment of a gastric cytoprotective protein that promotes angiogenesis and tissue protection primarily by modulating VEGFR2 signaling, Src/caveolin-1–dependent eNOS activation, and nitric oxide production111, Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, that combines a tuftsin fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro motif and is reported to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission and cytokine balance while being resistant to proteolytic degradation39.
BPC-157
VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) on endothelial cells, with downstream eNOS and nitric-oxide–mediated signaling11
Selank
Not clearly established in the current dataset.
BPC-157
Not assigned in the current dataset.
Selank
Not assigned in the current dataset.
The clearest overlap between BPC-157 and Selank is that both converge around Signaling modulator. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: BPC-157 is more often discussed in the realm of Gastroenterology, Musculoskeletal health, and Dermatology and aesthetics, whereas Selank is more often associated with the realm of Neurology and brain health and Immunology and inflammation. Both appear to work through Signaling modulator, but the functional emphasis still separates, with BPC-157 leaning toward Tissue repair and healing, Angiogenesis modulation, and Anti-inflammatory and Selank leaning toward Anxiolytic and sleep modulation and Immune regulation. Both are synthetic in origin with BPC-157 in Preclinical development and Selank approved for Research use only. They share some route overlap through subcutaneous injection, while the remaining routes diverge.