Research Peptide Glossary

Body Protection Compound 157 (BPC-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is a partial sequence of body protection compound (BPC) found in human gastric juice. BPC-157 has been studied extensively in animal models for its potential effects on tissue repair, angiogenesis, and gastrointestinal health.

TB-500 is the synthetic form of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide present in virtually all human and animal cells. TB-500 is a research compound studied for its role in actin regulation, cell migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing in preclinical models.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone produced in the gut in response to food intake. GLP-1 receptor agonists are studied for their effects on insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying, and satiety signalling in metabolic research. Zen Well Labs supplies GLP-1 receptor agonist research compounds under proprietary catalogue designations for in vitro and preclinical research use only.

GLP-1 SM is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist research compound with 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1. It features an extended plasma half-life achieved through albumin-binding chemistry. In preclinical research contexts, GLP-1 SM is studied for its effects on GLP-1 receptor binding kinetics, metabolic signalling pathways, and cardiometabolic biology. For research use only — not approved for human or veterinary use.

GLP-2 TRZ is a dual incretin receptor agonist research compound that activates both GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously. It is a 39-amino acid peptide studied in preclinical models for its dual receptor binding mechanism and downstream metabolic signalling effects. For research use only — not approved for human or veterinary use.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide GHK-Cu) is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. GHK-Cu has been studied for its effects on wound healing, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity, and skin remodeling in research models.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a critical coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a central role in cellular metabolism, serving as an electron carrier in redox reactions and as a substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair, gene expression, and cellular signaling. NAD+ levels decline with age, making it a subject of extensive longevity research.

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the full 44-amino acid sequence of GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Research applications include studies on growth hormone secretion, body composition, and metabolic function.

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist. It is a pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that stimulates growth hormone release with high selectivity and minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. Research focuses on its role in GH secretion pathways.

CJC-1295 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) technology that extends its half-life by binding to albumin. It is studied for its effects on sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 secretion in research models.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. In peptide research, HPLC is the gold standard method for purity testing. It separates peptide molecules by their interaction with a stationary phase, allowing precise measurement of compound purity as a percentage.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) combines the separation capabilities of HPLC with the detection power of mass spectrometry. In peptide testing, LC-MS is used to confirm molecular identity by measuring the exact molecular weight of the compound, providing definitive verification that the correct peptide was synthesized.

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by a quality assurance department or independent laboratory that confirms a product meets its specifications. For research peptides, a COA typically includes: compound name, batch number, molecular formula, molecular weight, purity percentage (from HPLC), identity confirmation (from LC-MS), and the testing laboratory's accreditation details.

Lyophilization (freeze-drying) is a dehydration process used to preserve research compounds. The peptide solution is frozen and then placed under vacuum, causing the ice to sublimate directly from solid to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. Lyophilized peptides have significantly longer shelf life, better stability during shipping, and are reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.

Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water) is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is used to reconstitute lyophilized research peptides. The benzyl alcohol prevents bacterial growth, allowing the reconstituted solution to be stored at 4°C for up to 30 days. BAC Water is the preferred reconstitution medium for most research peptides.

Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) is the standard method for synthesizing research peptides. Amino acids are sequentially added to a growing peptide chain that is anchored to an insoluble resin support. This approach allows precise control over peptide sequence and enables the synthesis of peptides that would be difficult to produce by other methods. After synthesis, the peptide is cleaved from the resin and purified by HPLC.

Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. Several research peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, have been studied for their effects on angiogenic signaling pathways in preclinical models. Angiogenesis is relevant to wound healing, tissue repair, and regenerative research.

In vitro research (Latin: 'in glass') refers to experiments conducted outside of a living organism, typically in cell cultures, test tubes, or laboratory dishes. All research peptides sold by Zen Well Labs are intended exclusively for in vitro research use. This is distinct from in vivo research (conducted in living organisms) or clinical use (in humans).