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 Humanin exerts neuroprotective and cytoprotective effects in models of Alzheimer’s disease, ischemia, and metabolic stress, reducing apoptosis and improving cell survival7136141, Semax is used clinically in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders; in models it improves learning, protects dopaminergic neurons, and modulates stress responses without significant endocrine ACTH-like effects166174.
While Humanin works as a mitochondrial-derived 24-amino-acid peptide that protects cells against diverse apoptotic insults by interacting with cell-surface cytokine receptor complexes and intracellular targets, thereby activating pro-survival STAT3 and other pathways7136141, Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), that is an analog of ACTH(4–10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension and exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions partly via upregulation of BDNF and modulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems40162165174.
Humanin
Semax
Targets are not fully defined; interacts with melanocortin-related pathways and inhibits certain peptidases, but no single dominant receptor has been established174
Humanin
MT-RNR2
Semax
POMC
Both peptides fall into a similar broad context as Neuropeptides, although the details of how they are used and discussed still diverge. Both are often discussed in Neurology and brain health contexts, while Humanin is more of a mitochondrial peptide and Semax is better described as a neuropeptide. Mechanistically, both point toward Signaling modulator and converge on GPCR receptor, although the downstream emphasis is not identical. Humanin has a more mitochondrial-encoded origin, while Semax is closer to synthetic analog background with Humanin in Preclinical development and Semax approved for Research use only. They share some route overlap through subcutaneous injection, while the remaining routes diverge.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.