Glossary
Scientific terms explained simply
A
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels. Important for healing but also potentially problematic in cancer.
Why it matters: Some healing peptides are thought to work partly through angiogenesis, which raises theoretical concerns in people with cancer history.
Example: BPC-157 is thought to promote angiogenesis as part of its healing mechanism.
F
FDA Approved
A drug or treatment that has passed rigorous clinical trials and been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for specific uses.
Why it matters: FDA approval means the benefits have been shown to outweigh risks for a specific condition. It's a significant safety benchmark.
Example: Semaglutide is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
G
GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released after eating that signals fullness to your brain and helps regulate blood sugar.
Why it matters: GLP-1 agonist drugs (like semaglutide) mimic this hormone to help with weight loss and diabetes.
Example: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
H
Half-Life
The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from your body. Affects how often you need to take something.
Why it matters: A short half-life means more frequent dosing; a long half-life means less frequent but longer-lasting effects.
Example: Semaglutide has a long half-life (~7 days), so it's taken weekly.
N
Nootropic
Any substance that may enhance cognitive function, including memory, focus, creativity, or motivation.
Why it matters: The nootropic category is broad—it includes everything from caffeine to prescription drugs to unproven supplements.
Example: Modafinil is a prescription nootropic. Caffeine is a natural nootropic.
O
Off-Label Use
Using an FDA-approved drug for a purpose other than what it was officially approved for.
Why it matters: Many drugs are used off-label when doctors believe they may help. This is legal but means the specific use wasn't part of the approval studies.
Example: Using semaglutide (Ozempic, approved for diabetes) for weight loss before Wegovy was approved was off-label use.
P
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50) linked together. Peptides are like tiny messengers that signal your body to perform specific functions.
Why it matters: Understanding what a peptide is helps you distinguish them from full proteins, hormones, and other compound types.
Example: Insulin is a peptide hormone. BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide.
R
Research Chemical
A compound sold for research purposes only, not approved for human consumption. Safety and purity are not guaranteed.
Why it matters: Many peptides and compounds discussed online are research chemicals with limited human safety data.
Example: BPC-157 is typically sold as a research chemical, not an approved medication.
S
Secretagogue
A substance that causes another substance to be secreted. In the peptide world, this usually means something that stimulates hormone release.
Why it matters: Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate your body to release its own growth hormone rather than injecting synthetic GH.
Example: Ipamorelin is a growth hormone secretagogue—it tells your pituitary to release more GH.
Sirtuin
A family of proteins involved in cellular health, metabolism, and aging. Often discussed in longevity research.
Why it matters: NAD+ supplementation is popular partly because NAD+ activates sirtuins, which may have anti-aging effects.
Example: Resveratrol is sometimes taken because it may activate sirtuins.