Lexicon

Glossary

The essential terms for understanding the guides, dosages and tools — explained simply.

Amino acid

Elementary building block of proteins and peptides. The sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of the peptide.

Bacteriostatic waterBAC

Sterile water containing benzyl alcohol (0.9%) that inhibits bacterial growth. The solvent of choice for reconstituting a peptide intended for multiple injections.

Bioavailability

The fraction of an administered dose that actually reaches the circulation and becomes active in the body.

Blend

A mixture of several peptides combined in the same vial, dosed to be administered together in a single injection.

Concentration

Amount of peptide per unit of volume after reconstitution, expressed in mg/ml or mcg/ml. Calculated by dividing the mass of peptide by the volume of water added.

Cycle

The duration of a phase of use ("on" weeks), possibly followed by a break ("off" weeks) to preserve sensitivity and tolerance.

GHRH

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone: a hypothalamic hormone that stimulates the natural secretion of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary. Several research peptides are GHRH analogues (e.g. CJC-1295, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin).

GHRP

Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide: a family of secretagogue peptides that stimulate GH release through a mechanism distinct from GHRH (the ghrelin receptor). Often combined with a GHRH for a complementary effect (e.g. Ipamorelin, GHRP-6).

GIP

Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide: the second major incretin, secreted by the small intestine, which potentiates insulin secretion in response to glucose. Often studied in combination with GLP-1 (dual agonists).

GLP-1

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: an incretin secreted by the intestine that stimulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying and increases satiety. Many research peptides target its receptor.

Half-life

The time needed for the concentration of a substance in the body to fall by half. It determines the dosing frequency required to maintain a stable level.

Incretin

A gastrointestinal hormone secreted in response to food intake that stimulates insulin secretion and helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 and GIP are the two main ones.

Insulin unitIU

The graduation of an insulin syringe. On a U-100, 1 IU = 0.01 ml. Used to measure small volumes precisely.

Lyophilizate

A stable powder obtained by freeze-drying, to be kept dry and cold until reconstitution. Not to be confused with the "Lyophilization" process itself.

Lyophilization

A vacuum-drying process that turns the peptide into a stable powder, to be reconstituted with a solvent before use.

Mcg (microgram)µg

A unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a milligram (1 mg = 1000 mcg). Many peptides are dosed in micrograms.

Reconstitution

The act of dissolving the lyophilized peptide in a solvent (bacteriostatic water) to obtain an injectable solution.

SubcutaneousSC

Route of administration where the injection is made into the fatty tissue just under the skin (abdomen, thigh, upper arm).

Synergy

The combined effect of several peptides greater than the sum of their individual effects. Some combinations are studied for this reason.

Titration

Gradual adjustment of the dose: you start low and increase in stable steps in order to assess tolerance and limit adverse effects.

U-100 / U-50 / U-30

Insulin syringe formats (1 ml / 0.5 ml / 0.3 ml). The smaller the volume, the more precise the reading of small doses.

Vial

Container holding the lyophilized peptide (powder). Its capacity is expressed in milligrams (mg), for example 5 mg or 10 mg.