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 Kisspeptin is a key regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, controlling puberty and fertility; kisspeptin-10 also inhibits trophoblast invasion and tumor metastasis in experimental models339199, 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 Kisspeptin works as a family of peptides (eg, kisspeptin-10, -13, -14, -54) derived from the KISS1 precursor that activate G-protein–coupled receptor KISS1R (GPR54), triggering GnRH release and regulating pubertal onset and reproductive axis activity339199, 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.
Kisspeptin
KISS1
Semax
POMC
Both peptides fall into a similar broad context as Neuropeptides, although the details of how they are used and discussed still diverge. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: Kisspeptin is more often discussed in the realm of Reproductive health, whereas Semax is more often associated with the realm of Neurology and brain health and Ophthalmology. Their biological logic is quite different: Kisspeptin is a receptor agonist, whereas Semax is a neurotransmitter modulator and a signaling modulator. Kisspeptin has a more natural endogenous origin, while Semax is closer to synthetic analog background with Kisspeptin in Preclinical development and Semax approved for Research use only. Kisspeptin incorporates amidation features that are not part of Semax.