Peptide Database
265 therapeutic peptides with research summaries, clinical findings, and regulatory status.
Semax
A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) with nootropic and neuroprotective properties. Semax modulates BDNF and NGF expression, enhances monoaminergic neurotransmission, and provides neuroprotection through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal administration.
Selank
A synthetic analog of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for stability. Selank exhibits anxiolytic activity comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal effects. It modulates the expression of BDNF, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and influences IL-6 and GABA receptor expression.
Cerebrolysin
A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation consisting of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids that mimic the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors. Cerebrolysin exhibits neurotrophic activity similar to BDNF, GDNF, and CNTF, promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. It modulates GSK-3beta, CDK5, and calcineurin-NFAT signaling cascades involved in neurodegeneration.
P21 (Peptide)
A small synthetic peptide derived from the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) designed to promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. P21 is a tetrapeptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances dentate gyrus neurogenesis by increasing BDNF expression. Unlike full-length CNTF, P21 does not activate the JAK-STAT pathway or produce the anorectic and immunogenic effects of the parent protein.
Dihexa
Dihexa is a small synthetic hexapeptide derived from angiotensin IV, designed to bind and potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the c-Met receptor. This action is hypothesized to promote synaptogenesis, dendritic spine formation, and neuronal survival in models of cognitive impairment. Dihexa exhibits high oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration due to its small size and lipophilic character.
NAP (Davunetide)
NAP, also known as davunetide, is an eight-amino acid peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). It is thought to stabilize microtubules by interacting with tubulin and promoting cytoskeletal integrity, thereby protecting neurons from oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and tauopathies. Intranasal delivery was pursued to achieve direct central nervous system access while minimizing systemic exposure.
Nemifitide
Nemifitide is a synthetic pentapeptide analog of the endogenous neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It acts on melanocortin receptors, particularly MC4, to modulate inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and neuronal excitability. The peptide has been investigated for neuroprotection in settings of acute brain injury and neurodegenerative disease.
Intranasal Insulin
Intranasal insulin involves the administration of regular human insulin via nasal spray to target central nervous system insulin receptors without causing systemic hypoglycemia. Insulin signaling in the brain is implicated in synaptic plasticity, glucose metabolism, and amyloid clearance, providing a rationale for cognitive enhancement in insulin-resistant states and Alzheimer disease. Intranasal delivery bypasses the blood-brain barrier via olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways.
Spadin
Spadin is a 17-amino acid peptide derived from the propeptide released during maturation of sortilin, a neurotensin receptor. It functions as an antagonist of the TREK-1 potassium channel, which is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. By blocking TREK-1, spadin increases neuronal excitability and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, providing a novel antidepressant mechanism distinct from monoaminergic pathways.
Cortexin
Cortexin is a complex polypeptide mixture extracted from bovine cerebral cortex, containing a range of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors with combined molecular weights below 10 kDa. The preparation is proposed to exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects by modulating glutamatergic transmission, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting synaptic function. It has been used primarily in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive and neurological indications.
Pinealon
Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed as part of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator series, designed to mimic endogenous short peptides that regulate gene expression in neural tissues. It is hypothesized to interact with chromatin and influence transcription of genes involved in neuronal survival and plasticity. Pinealon has been studied primarily in the context of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative models.
N-acetyl Semax Amidate
N-acetyl Semax Amidate is a modified heptapeptide derivative of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragments, engineered with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation to enhance metabolic stability and blood-brain barrier penetration. It is believed to modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, enhance dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, and improve cognitive performance and stress resilience. This analog exhibits prolonged activity compared to the parent Semax peptide.
N-acetyl Selank Amidate
N-acetyl Selank Amidate is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, modified with acetylation and amidation to increase half-life and central nervous system activity. It is reported to exert anxiolytic and nootropic effects through modulation of enkephalin metabolism and influencing monoamine neurotransmitter systems without sedation or dependency. The peptide has been explored for anxiety, cognitive enhancement, and stress adaptation.
Bromantane-adjacent Peptides
Bromantane-adjacent peptides refer to a theoretical class of compounds that may share structural or functional motifs with bromantane, a synthetic adaptogen that influences dopamine synthesis and has mild psychostimulant properties. While bromantane itself is not a peptide, peptide analogs designed to mimic its dopaminergic or anti-asthenic effects are an area of early exploration. Such peptides would aim to enhance cognitive performance and reduce fatigue through modulation of catecholamine pathways.
ACTH (4-10) Analogs
ACTH (4-10) analogs are synthetic peptides derived from the 4 to 10 amino acid sequence of adrenocorticotropic hormone, engineered to preserve neurotrophic and cognitive-enhancing properties while eliminating steroidogenic activity. These fragments are thought to influence attention, memory consolidation, and synaptic plasticity through melanocortin receptor interactions and modulation of neurotransmitter systems. They represent a class of nootropic peptides explored since the 1970s.
Orexin A
Orexin A is a 33-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus that plays a critical role in the regulation of wakefulness, arousal, and energy homeostasis. It binds with high affinity to both orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX2R), promoting cortical activation and stabilizing the wake state. Deficiency of orexin signaling is the hallmark of narcolepsy type 1, making orexin replacement a rational therapeutic strategy.
Orexin B
Orexin B is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide closely related to orexin A, also synthesized in hypothalamic neurons and involved in promoting wakefulness and regulating feeding behavior. It exhibits preferential binding to orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) compared to OX1R. Orexin B contributes to the maintenance of arousal and the integration of metabolic and circadian signals.
Neurotensin
Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, where it modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission, nociception, and intestinal function. It acts primarily through the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), influencing mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways implicated in motivation, reward, and motor control. Neurotensin has been studied for its potential roles in schizophrenia, pain modulation, and cognitive function.
Galanin
Galanin is a 29 or 30 amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. It acts through three G protein-coupled receptor subtypes (GAL1, GAL2, and GAL3) to modulate neurotransmission, particularly in cholinergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic pathways. The peptide has been implicated in cognitive processes, mood regulation, feeding behavior, and neuroprotection, making it a target of interest for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.