Complete List of Peptides and What They Do

Peptides are the body’s biological messengers - short chains of amino acids that regulate everything from energy production and muscle recovery to mood, skin health, and immunity.

While they occur naturally in the body, different peptides and what they do are now gaining worldwide attention for their use in performance, longevity, and cellular repair.

In this guide, we’ll explore the complete list of peptides and what they do, explain their roles in the body, and highlight how Healthletic’s evidence-backed formulations apply peptide science to enhance brain function, recovery, and long-term vitality.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are sequences of two to fifty amino acids that act as the body’s chemical messengers. They transmit signals between cells, regulate hormones, and trigger biological processes such as healing, metabolism, and growth.

In simple terms:

• Proteins are long chains of amino acids.

• Peptides are smaller, more targeted fragments - precise “keys” that unlock specific biological functions.

There are thousands of naturally occurring peptides in the body, each with unique roles in tissue repair, immune defense, and cell signaling. Scientists have also developed synthetic peptides - often called research peptides - to mimic or enhance these natural functions.

These compounds form the foundation for many peptide-based drugs and performance supplements that support recovery, longevity, and cognitive enhancement.

Types of Peptides and What They Do

Peptides can be grouped according to their biological function - from cellular repair and regeneration to muscle growth, cognitive enhancement, and anti-aging. Each class of peptide works through precise molecular signaling pathways, activating the body’s own mechanisms for renewal and performance.

Below is a comprehensive peptide list of the most studied and effective compounds, including what they do, how they work, and why they matter for optimal health and longevity.

Healing and Recovery Peptides

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

Derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice, BPC-157 is one of the most common peptides used for tissue regeneration. 

It accelerates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), boosts nitric oxide activity, and enhances fibroblast migration - key processes in wound and tendon healing.

Benefits:

• Promotes gut lining repair and supports the microbiome

• Enhances recovery from muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries

• Helps reduce symptoms of IBS, IBD, and SIBO

• Speeds up wound healing and collagen remodeling

• Reduces inflammation at the cellular level

BPC-157 has shown remarkable ability to improve recovery time and gastrointestinal health without hormonal effects, making it a favorite among athletes and longevity enthusiasts alike.

At Healthletic, this science is reflected in our precision-formulated BPC-157, developed for optimal absorption and purity to support both gut integrity and physical recovery.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

A naturally occurring thymic peptide, TB-500 regulates actin, a vital protein involved in cell migration and structure. It’s often used in research for soft tissue and muscle repair.

Benefits:

• Accelerates muscle recovery and tissue regeneration

• Enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to injured areas

• Reduces systemic and localized inflammation

• Improves flexibility and mobility after physical strain

TB-500 is frequently combined with BPC-157 for a synergistic effect on musculoskeletal repair and overall recovery performance.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide Complex)

This naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) binds copper ions, essential for skin repair, anti-inflammatory regulation, and tissue regeneration.

Benefits:

• Stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis

• Enhances hair growth and skin vitality

• Protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation

• Promotes angiogenesis and wound healing

GHK-Cu is widely used in regenerative skincare and dermatology, bridging the gap between cosmetic and therapeutic peptides.

Anti-Aging and Longevity Peptides

Aging is primarily a loss of cellular communication. Anti-aging peptides work by restoring signaling pathways that control DNA repair, mitochondrial efficiency, and inflammation.

Epitalon

Originally discovered by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson, Epitalon (also known as Epithalamin) regulates melatonin production and supports telomere length maintenance - a key marker of biological aging.

Benefits:

• Enhances sleep quality and circadian rhythm balance

• Supports DNA repair and telomere protection

• Improves immune resilience and mitochondrial activity

• May slow age-related cellular decline

Epitalon is one of the most studied peptides in the field of gerontology, representing a major advance in the science of longevity.

FOXO4-DRI

A cutting-edge research peptide that targets senescent (“zombie”) cells - damaged cells that stop dividing but still release inflammatory molecules. By selectively disrupting these cells’ survival pathways, FOXO4-DRI promotes tissue rejuvenation.

Benefits:

• Encourages cellular renewal and detoxification

• Reduces chronic inflammation and tissue stiffness

• Supports organ and joint longevity

FOXO4-DRI is at the frontier of senolytic therapy, a field focused on removing dysfunctional cells to extend healthspan.

NAD+ Precursors & Peptide Synergies

While NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is technically a coenzyme, NAD-activating peptides and related compounds are often studied for their ability to boost mitochondrial function and enhance energy metabolism.

Benefits:

• Supports ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) production and cellular resilience

• Enhances DNA repair and detoxification

• Works synergistically with peptides like Epitalon and GHK-Cu for comprehensive longevity support

NAD+ pathways are central to anti-aging research, linking cellular energy to biological youthfulness.

Muscle Growth and Performance Peptides

Athletes and active individuals turn to performance peptides for enhanced recovery, strength, and lean muscle gain without the side effects of anabolic steroids.

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Long R3)

A modified peptide hormone that improves muscle hypertrophy and protein synthesis by mimicking the effects of growth hormone.

Benefits:

• Stimulates muscle cell proliferation and repair

• Enhances nutrient absorption and recovery post-exercise

• Improves fat metabolism and lean body composition

IGF-1 LR3 extends the half-life of natural IGF-1, making it a potent agent for anabolic recovery and performance optimization.

Follistatin-344

This peptide binds to myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. By inhibiting myostatin, Follistatin-344 allows for accelerated lean mass development and improved strength gains.

Benefits:

• Promotes muscle hypertrophy and performance recovery

• Enhances metabolic rate and body recomposition

• May support tissue regeneration and anti-fibrotic effects

Follistatin-344 has become one of the most popular peptides in performance and aesthetic optimization research due to its dual effect on muscle density and repair.

Skin and Beauty Peptides

Healthy skin begins at the cellular level - where peptides play a vital role in stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation, and supporting elasticity. In the beauty and dermatology world, peptides are often called “signal molecules” because they communicate directly with fibroblasts to trigger regeneration and repair.

Matrixyl & Argireline

Two of the most scientifically validated cosmetic peptides, Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) and Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8), target fine lines and dynamic wrinkles by modulating cellular signaling in the skin.

Benefits:

• Matrixyl stimulates collagen and elastin production, visibly reducing wrinkles over time.

• Argireline acts as a topical peptide alternative to Botox, relaxing facial muscles and smoothing expression lines.

• Both improve skin barrier integrity, resulting in firmer, smoother skin texture.

Together, Matrixyl and Argireline form the backbone of many advanced skincare formulations due to their clinically proven anti-aging properties. They exemplify how small peptide molecules can deliver powerful, targeted results without invasive procedures.

What Are Research Peptides?

Research peptides are synthetic or bioengineered molecules designed to mimic or enhance the activity of naturally occurring peptides in the body. 

These compounds are created by scientists to explore potential therapeutic effects on processes such as tissue repair, metabolism, cognition, immune response, and aging.

Because peptides act as cellular messengers, altering everything from hormone release to inflammation control, they have become a focal point in modern biomedical and longevity research. Studies are exploring how specific peptides could help:

• Accelerate healing and recovery after injury or surgery

• Regenerate tissues and organs through cellular signaling

• Enhance brain function and protect against neurodegeneration

• Support metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and energy regulation

• Reduce chronic inflammation associated with aging

In other words, research peptides allow scientists to study targeted biological effects in controlled conditions before those compounds are approved for clinical or commercial use.

It’s important to distinguish between research-use peptides and FDA- or EMA-approved peptide drugs.

• Approved peptide therapeutics (such as insulin, oxytocin, or GLP-1 analogs) have undergone years of clinical testing for safety and efficacy.

• Research peptides, however, remain experimental - often available only for laboratory use, with limited human data.

While many of these compounds show immense therapeutic promise, their purity, dosage, and formulation vary widely depending on the source. Unverified suppliers may sell peptides that are mislabeled, contaminated, or improperly dosed - creating real safety concerns.

That’s why quality control and scientific validation are essential when considering any peptide-related product or supplement.

At Healthletic, peptide research isn’t just a trend - it’s the foundation of our innovation. Every formulation we produce draws from peer-reviewed studies and clinically tested compounds to ensure optimal bioavailability and reliability.

Conclusion

Peptides represent one of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern health science - small molecules with the power to influence healing, performance, longevity, and resilience at the deepest biological level. 

From gut repair and recovery to focus, beauty, and cellular vitality, understanding this list of peptides and what they do gives you the knowledge to make smarter, evidence-based choices for your well-being.

But as peptide research continues to evolve, one truth remains constant: purity and proven science matter most. Reliable results come only from formulations that are rigorously tested and supported by clinical data - not marketing claims.

That commitment to integrity is what defines Healthletic’s approach to peptide-based innovation. Our advanced BPC-157 formulation exemplifies this standard - a clean, highly bioavailable compound that supports gut health, muscle recovery, and inflammation control with measurable, science-backed results.

Explore Healthletic’s evidence-driven peptide formulations and experience what it means to rebuild, refocus, and perform at your best - every day.

References

• Khavinson, V. K. (2002). Peptides and ageing. Neuro endocrinology letters, 23, 11-144. Link.

• Mylonas, K. J., & Ferenbach, D. A. (2024). Targeting senescent cells as therapy for CKD. Kidney360, 5(1), 142-151. Link.

• Philippou, A., Maridaki, M., Halapas, A., & Koutsilieris, M. (2007). The role of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in skeletal muscle physiology. in vivo, 21(1), 45-54. Link.

• Rodino‐Klapac, L. R., Haidet, A. M., Kota, J., Handy, C., Kaspar, B. K., & Mendell, J. R. (2009). Inhibition of myostatin with emphasis on follistatin as a therapy for muscle disease. Muscle & Nerve: Official Journal of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, 39(3), 283-296. Link.

• Stein, L. R., & Imai, S. I. (2012). The dynamic regulation of NAD metabolism in mitochondria. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 23(9), 420-428. Link.