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 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, SS-31 improves mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduces oxidative stress, and shows protective effects in models of ischemia-reperfusion, neurodegeneration, and other mitochondrial disorders4637137.
While Semax works as 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, SS-31 is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide, d-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2, that selectively binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure, improving electron transport, and reducing ROS production4637137143.
Semax
Targets are not fully defined; interacts with melanocortin-related pathways and inhibits certain peptidases, but no single dominant receptor has been established174
SS-31
Semax
POMC
SS-31
Not assigned in the current dataset.
The clearest overlap between Semax and SS-31 is that both converge around Signaling modulator. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: Semax is more often discussed in the realm of Neurology and brain health and Ophthalmology, whereas SS-31 is more often associated with the realm of Aging and longevity and Cardiovascular health. Both appear to work through Signaling modulator, but the functional emphasis still separates, with Semax leaning toward Neuroprotection and cognition and SS-31 leaning toward Mitochondrial function modulation and Antioxidant activity. Semax has a more synthetic analog origin, while SS-31 is closer to synthetic design background with Semax approved for Research use only and SS-31 in Clinical phase 2. SS-31 incorporates d-amino acid substitution and amidation features that are not part of Semax.
No related articles are linked to these peptides yet.