Semaglutide is
- A GLP-1 receptor agonist (single pathway)
- Developed by Novo Nordisk
- Works by:
- reducing appetite
- slowing gastric emptying
- improving insulin response
Cycle length
Same principle again:
Semaglutide is NOT meant to be cycled
How it’s actually used:
- Designed for continuous, long-term use
- Clinical trials:
- Typically 68 weeks+
- Effects build gradually over months
Semaglutide 10 (10 mg/3ml/300units) 30 units = 1mg
Weeks 1–4: 7 units weekly
Weeks 5–8: 15 units weekly
Semaglutide 20 (20mg/3ml/300units) 15 units =1mg
Weeks 9–12: 30 units weekly (This does is not for first time use)
Weeks 13–16: 45 units weekly
Weeks 17 Onwards: 60-75 units weekly (Repeat cycle until research is complete)
Cagrilintide is
is an amylin analogue developed by Novo Nordisk.
- Mimics the hormone amylin (co-secreted with insulin)
- Works differently from GLP-1 drugs:
- increases satiety (you feel full faster)
- slows gastric emptying
- reduces food intake
It’s often studied in combination with semaglutide (called “CagriSema”), which targets multiple appetite pathways.
Cycle length (research / real-world use)
Same key principle as the others:
👉 Cagrilintide is NOT a cycle-based compound
In studies:
- Used as continuous therapy
- Trials typically run:
- 20–68 weeks+
- Effects build gradually over time
Cagrilintide 10 (10 mg/3ml/300units) 30 units = 1mg
Weeks 1–4: 30 units weekly
Weeks 5–8: 45 units weekly (Repeat cycle until research is complete)
Tissue Repair & Longevity
GHK-Cu (short for glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It’s very different from the weight-loss drugs you’ve been asking about.
What GHK-Cu is
- A tripeptide + copper ion
- Known for roles in:
- skin regeneration
- wound healing
- collagen production
- Widely used in cosmetics and dermatology research
What it’s studied for
Research suggests GHK-Cu may:
- Stimulate collagen and elastin
- Improve skin elasticity and wrinkles
- Promote hair growth (early-stage evidence)
- Support wound healing and tissue repair
- Have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Possible Cycle:
- 12 weeks followed by 1-2 months off, or month on month off
GHK-Cu 50 (50 mg/3ml/300units) 6 units = 1mg:
TB-500 is
- A synthetic peptide fragment designed to mimic Tβ4 activity
- Involved in:
- cell migration
- angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
- tissue repair signaling
What it’s studied for
Research areas include:
- muscle and tendon healing
- ligament recovery
- wound healing
- inflammation reduction
- possible cardiac repair effects
Cycle length” (research / anecdotal use)
- “Loading phase”
- ~2–6 weeks
- Higher frequency dosing
- “Maintenance phase”
- Additional weeks or intermittent use
Typical total duration discussed:
TB500 10 (10 mg/3ml/300units) 30 units = 1mg:
- 10 units nightly or 30 units 2–3x weekly
BPC-157 is
- A synthetic fragment derived from a protein found in human gastric juice
- Not an approved medication
- Studied mainly in animal models
It’s often categorized as a gut-derived healing peptide
What it’s studied for
Research suggests potential effects on:
- tendon and ligament healing
- muscle repair
- gut lining protection (ulcers, inflammation)
- nerve healing
- angiogenesis (blood vessel formation)
One unique angle:
- Strong focus on gut repair + systemic healing signaling
Cycle length” (research / anecdotal use)
Like TB-500:
Common informal/research-style use patterns:
- Duration often discussed:
- 2–6 weeks (short protocols)
- sometimes extended to 8–12 weeks
- Used either:
- continuously during that period
- or until an injury “resolves”
BPC-157 10 (10 mg/3ml/300units) 30 units = 1mg:
Wolverine blend is
- A dual peptide formulation:
- BPC-157 → gut-derived, tendon/ligament + localized repair
- TB-500 → systemic repair, cell migration, angiogenesis
The nickname comes from the Wolverine character because of his rapid healing ability.
Why they’re combined
The idea is “synergy”:
- BPC-157:
- targets connective tissue + gut + inflammation
- TB-500:
- enhances systemic healing + cell movement + blood flow
Together they:
- hit multiple repair pathways at once
- may improve:
- muscle recovery
- tendon/ligament healing
- inflammation control
Cycle length
Like the individual peptides:
What’s commonly discussed (non-clinical):
- Typical duration:
- 4–8 weeks
- sometimes 6–12 weeks depending on injury severity
- Often structured as:
- continuous use during that period
- then stop or reassess
Wolverine Blend 20 (10mg BPC 157& 10mg Tb 500) (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
Glow Blend is
The Glow blend isn’t one official drug—it’s a combo peptide mix, almost always made of:
- GHK-Cu → skin regeneration / collagen
- BPC-157 → tissue repair + anti-inflammatory
- TB-500 → systemic healing + cell migration
Most commonly:
- ~50 mg GHK-Cu + 10 mg BPC-157 + 10 mg TB-500
What it’s designed for (research context)
This blend is basically trying to stack three mechanisms at once:
- Skin + cosmetic side (GHK-Cu)
- collagen, elasticity, “glow”
- Localized repair (BPC-157)
- tendons, ligaments, gut
- Systemic repair (TB-500)
- blood flow, cell migration, recovery
In research, it’s explored for:
- tissue regeneration
- wound healing
- inflammation modulation
- skin biology / anti-aging pathways
Cycle length
What’s commonly discussed (non-medical / anecdotal):
- 4–8 weeks most typical
- sometimes up to 12 weeks
From community discussion:
“cycle 4–5 weeks” (example anecdotal protocol)
The “cycle” is completely informal, not based on human trials.
Glow 70 (10mg BPC 157, 50mg GHKCU & 10mg TB500) (70 mg/3ml/300units) 4.28 units = 1 mg
Klow Blend” is
The Klow blend is just a variation of the Glow stack with one extra peptide added:
- GHK-Cu → skin / collagen / regeneration
- BPC-157 → localized tissue repair
- TB-500 → systemic healing
- KPV → anti-inflammatory peptide
What KPV adds
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a small peptide fragment derived from alpha-MSH
It’s mainly studied for:
- strong anti-inflammatory effects
- immune modulation
- gut inflammation (IBD-type models)
- skin inflammation (acne, dermatitis models)
Adding KPV turns Glow into something more inflammation-focused:
- Glow blend:
- regeneration + skin + healing
- Klow blend:
- regeneration + skin + healing + inflammation control
The theoretical benefit:
- better for:
- irritated skin
- chronic inflammation
- gut + skin crossover issues
Cycle length
Common anecdotal ranges:
- 4–8 weeks typical
- sometimes up to 10–12 weeks
KLOW 80 (10mg BPC 157, 50mg GHKCU, KPV 10mg & 10mg TB500) (80 mg/3ml/300units)
3.75 units = 1mg
Performance & Metabolic Regulation
MOTS-c
is a mitochondrial-derived peptide—meaning it’s encoded by mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA.
- Full name: mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c
- Discovered relatively recently in metabolic research
- Plays a role in cellular energy regulation
MOTS-c is mainly researched in the context of metabolism and aging.
Potential effects (mostly animal + early human data):
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Enhanced glucose metabolism
- Increased fat utilization
- Support for exercise performance
- Possible anti-aging / longevity pathways
Mechanistically, it’s linked to:
- activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
- regulation of metabolic stress responses
What makes it interesting
Unlike GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide, tirzepatide):
- Doesn’t suppress appetite directly
- Works more on how your body uses energy
Think:
- GLP-1s → “eat less”
- MOTS-c → “use energy better”
Cycle length
- 2–4 weeks short protocols
- sometimes 4–8 weeks
- Often used:
- daily or several times per week
- sometimes around training periods
MOTS-C 30 (30 mg/3ml/300units) 10 units = 1mg
- 10 units daily or 30–35 units 2x weekly (morning fasted)
CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin is
This is a paired peptide protocol used in research contexts to stimulate natural growth hormone (GH) release.
Components:
- CJC-1295 (no DAC)
- A modified version of **growth hormone-releasing hormone
- Signals the pituitary to release GH
- Ipamorelin
- A ghrelin mimetic (growth hormone secretagogue)
- Triggers GH release without strongly increasing cortisol or prolactin
Together:
They synergistically increase pulsatile GH release
Why they’re combined
Each peptide hits a different pathway:
- CJC-1295 → increases baseline GH signaling
- Ipamorelin → triggers GH pulses
Result:
- more natural GH rhythm vs using either alone
- often described as:
- smoother
- more physiological
Cycle length
But this combo is one of the more “structured” ones in peptide discussions.
Common informal protocols:
- 8–12 weeks typical
- sometimes extended to:
- 12–16 weeks
- Often followed by:
- a break (e.g. 4 weeks)
CJC-1295 no dac + Ipamorelin 20 (10mg Cjc-1295 & 10mg Ipamorelin) (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
Ipamorelin
is a growth hormone secretagogue—a peptide that stimulates your body to release its own growth hormone (GH).
- It mimics the action of ghrelin
- Acts on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR)
- Considered one of the “cleaner” GH-releasing peptides
Key point:
It triggers natural GH pulses rather than replacing GH directly
Ipamorelin is studied for:
- increased growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1
- improved recovery and repair
- better sleep quality
- potential fat loss (indirect)
- mild support for lean mass
Effects are generally:
- subtle
- gradual
- dependent on consistency
Cycle length
Common informal / research-style use:
- 8–12 weeks typical
- sometimes extended to:
- 12–16 weeks
- Often followed by:
- a break period (e.g. a few weeks)
Ipamorelin 20 (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
5-Amino-1MQ
(5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is an experimental small molecule, not a peptide, that’s being studied for fat loss and metabolic regulation.
- It works by inhibiting the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)
- NNMT plays a role in:
- fat storage
- energy metabolism
- cellular methylation balance
It’s designed to shift the body toward burning fat rather than storing it
Potential effects:
- reduced fat accumulation
- increased metabolic rate
- improved insulin sensitivity
- changes in energy utilization
It’s often positioned as:
- a “metabolic enhancer”
- not an appetite suppressant (unlike GLP-1 drugs)
How it’s different from GLP-1 drugs
Compound Main mechanism
Semaglutide Appetite suppression
Tirzepatide Appetite + insulin
MOTS-c Cellular energy regulation
5-Amino-1MQ Fat metabolism via NNMT inhibition
- GLP-1 → eat less
- 5-Amino-1MQ → burn differently
Cycle length
4–8 weeks typical
- sometimes extended to 8–12 weeks
5-Amino-1MQ 50 (50 mg/3ml/300units) 6 units = 1mg
- 10-20 units- morning fasted
Immunity & Longevity
Epithalon
Is (also called Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic peptide derived from a natural peptide called Epithalamin, which comes from the pineal gland.
- Short peptide: 4 amino acids
- Developed in Russia for aging and longevity research
- Often grouped with “anti-aging peptides”
Potential effects studied:
- activation of telomerase
- possible telomere length support
- improved sleep regulation (via melatonin pathways)
- antioxidant effects
- potential lifespan extension (in animals)
Big claim:
It may influence biological aging processes
How it works (simplified)
Epithalon is thought to:
- act on the pineal gland
- influence melatonin production
- regulate genes linked to aging and cell cycles
Cycle length
- 10–20 days per cycle some extend to 30 days.
- repeated:
Why people use it
- anti-aging / longevity
- improved sleep quality
- circadian rhythm support
- general “recovery” feeling
- Epithalon 50 (50 mg/3ml/300units) 6 units= 1mg
- 10-20 units nightly
Thymosin Alpha-1
is a naturally occurring peptide derived from the thymus gland.
- It’s a fragment of prothymosin alpha
- Plays a role in immune system regulation
- Unlike many peptides you’ve asked about, this one actually has clinical use in some countries
What it’s used for (medical + research)
TA-1 has been studied and used for:
- immune system support
- chronic viral infections (e.g. hepatitis B/C)
- adjunct therapy in cancer treatment
- immune recovery in weakened states
It works by:
- enhancing T-cell function
- improving immune signalling and response
How it works (simplified)
Thymosin Alpha-1 helps:
- activate immune cells (especially T lymphocytes)
- regulate cytokines (immune signalling molecules)
- improve the body’s ability to respond to infections
Cycle length
This one is different because it does have real clinical protocols.
In medical use:
- Often used for:
- several weeks to months
- Example patterns:
- 6–12 weeks common
- sometimes longer depending on condition
Thymosin Alpha-1 20 (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
Hormonal Compounds
Testosterone cypionate
is a long-acting ester of testosterone used in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- It’s a form of testosterone
- Designed for slow release after injection
- Commonly prescribed for clinically low testosterone (hypogonadism)
What TRT with testosterone cypionate does
TRT aims to restore testosterone to a normal physiological range.
Potential benefits:
- improved energy
- increased libido
- better mood
- improved muscle mass and strength
- increased bone density
Cycle length
TRT is NOT a cycle
This is the biggest difference from everything else you’ve asked about.
- ❌ Not 8–12 weeks
- ❌ Not on/off
- ✅ Long-term (often lifelong) therapy
TRT = continuous hormone replacement, not cycling
Stopping TRT:
- testosterone levels drop back to baseline (often low again)
- symptoms return
📊 Typical TRT dosing (medical context)
- Usually:
- 100–200 mg per week
- Injection frequency: micro dosed daily or every other day
TRT typically shuts down natural testosterone production
Fertility note
- TRT can significantly reduce sperm production
- Sometimes managed with:
- human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
TRT vs “cycling steroids”
TRT Steroid cycle
Medical Performance use
Stable hormone levels Supraphysiological levels
Long-term Short-term
Health-focused Performance-focused
TRT = replacement, not enhancement
TRT Testosterone Cypionate 750(750 mg/3ml/300units) 0.4 units = 1mg
- 6-9 units daily or 12-18 units alternate days
NAD⁺
Is (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body and is essential for energy production and cellular health.
- Central to cellular respiration
- Required for:
- converting food into energy (ATP)
- DNA repair
- cell signaling
NAD⁺ = fuel system regulator for your cells
What it’s studied for
NAD⁺ has become popular in aging and metabolic research.
Potential roles:
- improved mitochondrial function
- enhanced energy levels
- support for brain function
- DNA repair and longevity pathways
- possible benefits in addiction recovery (studied clinically in some settings)
It interacts with:
- sirtuins (linked to aging and metabolism)
Why NAD⁺ declines
Levels naturally decrease with:
- aging
- stress
- poor metabolic health
Lower NAD⁺ is associated with:
- fatigue
- reduced metabolic efficiency
- impaired cellular repair
Cycle length
NAD⁺ isn’t really a “cycle compound” in the traditional sense
Different forms:
- IV / injectable NAD⁺
- Often used in:
- short protocols
- multiple infusions
- Oral precursors (more common)
- nicotinamide riboside
- nicotinamide mononucleotide
These are typically:
- taken daily, long-term
- not cycled
Expected effects
- mild increase in energy
- improved recovery feeling
- subtle cognitive benefits
Important:
- effects are usually subtle, not dramatic
- NAD⁺ itself is biologically natural
- Precursors (NR, NMN) are generally well tolerated
But:
- long-term high-dose effects still being studied
- IV NAD⁺ clinics vary widely in quality
NAD 1000 (1000 mg/3ml/300units) 0.3 units = 1mg
- 10–15 units daily or 15–30 units alternate days
HGH
Is (Human Growth Hormone) is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
- Scientific name: growth hormone
- It regulates:
- growth
- metabolism
- tissue repair
- body composition
Medical version:
- Somatropin (bioidentical HGH)
What HGH does in the body
HGH works both directly and through another hormone:
- stimulates liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
- IGF-1 drives many of the anabolic and recovery effects
Effects:
- increased protein synthesis
- fat metabolism (lipolysis)
- tissue repair and regeneration
- improved bone density
HGH is prescribed for:
- growth hormone deficiency
- certain genetic conditions
- muscle wasting diseases
In these cases:
- it’s used as long-term therapy, similar to TRT
Cycle length
Medically:
- ❌ not cycled
- ✅ continuous, long-term use
Performance / non-medical use:
People often talk about “cycles,” but:
- common informal durations:
- 3–6 months minimum
- often 6–12+ months
Why longer?
- HGH works slowly
- effects take months, not weeks
HGH 100iu (100iu/3ml/300units) 3 units = 1iu
hCG
Is (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body.
- Naturally produced during pregnancy
- In men, it stimulates the testes to produce:
Think of it as:
a signal to “turn the testes back on”
What hCG is used for
Medical uses:
- male hypogonadism
- fertility treatment
- delayed puberty
Common non-medical contexts:
- alongside TRT
- post-cycle therapy (PCT)
Why it’s used with TRT
When someone uses TRT (like testosterone cypionate):
- natural LH production shuts down
- testes stop producing testosterone
- can lead to:
- testicular shrinkage
- reduced fertility
hCG helps:
- maintain testicular function
- preserve fertility (partially)
- keep some natural testosterone production active
Cycle length (depends on use)
- With TRT (ongoing use)
Not really cycled
- used continuously alongside TRT
- long-term protocol
- Post-cycle therapy (PCT)
Short-term use
- typically 2–4 weeks
- used to restart natural production before
HCG 10000IU (10000iu/3ml/300units) 3 units = 100iu
Cognitive Peptides
Semax
is a synthetic peptide nootropic derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4–10).
- Developed in Russia
- Used there clinically (e.g. stroke recovery, cognitive disorders)
- Typically administered as a nasal spray/Sub q Inj
It’s not a stimulant like caffeine—more of a neuroregulatory peptide
What Semax does
Semax affects several brain pathways:
- increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
- modulates dopamine and serotonin
- supports neuroprotection
In simple terms:
It helps with focus, memory, and brain resilience
What it’s used for
Clinical / research use:
- stroke recovery
- cognitive impairment
- neuroprotection
Nootropic use (informal):
- improved focus
- mental clarity
- learning and memory
- reduced brain fog
Cycle length
No official global standard, but Semax is more structured than most peptides.
Common use patterns:
- 2–4 weeks typical
- sometimes extended to:
- 4–6 weeks
- followed by:
- a break period (e.g. 1–2+ weeks)
Short cycles with breaks are commonly used
Dosing style
Fast-acting:
- effects can be noticed within hours to days
Effects (realistic)
- increased focus and mental energy
- improved memory recall
- smoother cognition (not jittery)
- subtle mood lift
Compared to stimulants:
- less “wired”
- more stable and clean feeling
Semax 20 (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
Selank
is a synthetic peptide developed in Russia, derived from a fragment of an immune peptide called tuftsin.
- Designed primarily as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) peptide
- Typically used as a nasal spray
- Often grouped with nootropic peptides like Semax
Think of it as:
a calming, stabilizing brain peptide (not a sedative)
What Selank does
Selank influences several brain systems:
- modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- affects serotonin and dopamine balance
- may increase BDNF (neuroplasticity support)
In simple terms:
- reduces anxiety
- improves emotional stability
- supports cognition indirectly
What it’s used for
Clinical / research use:
- anxiety disorders
- stress-related conditions
- cognitive support
Nootropic use (informal):
- anxiety reduction without sedation
- improved focus (by lowering mental noise)
- mood stabilization
- social anxiety support
Cycle length
No universal standard, but commonly structured:
Typical use:
- 2–4 weeks
- sometimes extended to:
- 4–6 weeks
- followed by:
- a break period
So:
Short cycles with breaks are standard practice
Dosing style
Effects:
- can be felt within:
- hours to days
- builds gradually with consistent use
Effects (realistic)
- reduced anxiety (without drowsiness)
- calmer mental state
- improved focus (indirectly)
- better stress tolerance
Compared to medications:
- not as strong as prescription anxiolytics
- but fewer side effects and no sedation
Selank vs Semax (key difference)
Peptide Effect
Semax Stimulating / focus
Selank Calming / anti-anxiety
Combined use:
- balances focus + calm
- common in “Know blends”
Selank 20 (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1m
Melanocortin Peptides
Melanotan II (MT-2)
is a synthetic peptide analogue of alpha-MSH.
- Designed to stimulate melanin production
- Also affects other receptors in the body (not just skin)
- This is why it has more side effects than Melanotan I
In simple terms:
It’s a potent tanning peptide with systemic effects
What it does
Primary effect:
- increases skin pigmentation (tanning)
Secondary effects (due to broader receptor activity):
- increased libido
- spontaneous erections (in men)
- appetite suppression (mild)
Cycle length
Common informal structure:
- Loading phase
- ~7–14 days
- frequent dosing
- goal: build baseline pigmentation
- Maintenance phase
- lower frequency dosing
- used to maintain tan
Total duration:
- usually 4–8 weeks
- sometimes longer depending on goals
How fast it works
- initial effects:
- within a few days (flushing, nausea)
- visible tanning:
- 1–3 weeks
- requires:
- some UV exposure for full effect
It enhances tanning, not replaces sunlight completely
Expected results
MT-2 20 (20 mg/3ml/300units) 15 units = 1mg
- Days 1–10 = 5 units daily
- 10 units 2-3 times per week
Research Disclaimer
All information contained in this guide is presented for theoretical research and development purposes only. These compounds are not approved medicines and are not intended for human consumption, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease.