Condition Guide

Best Peptides for Anti-Aging & Longevity

Peptides researched for their potential effects on aging processes, cellular health, and longevity markers.

PA
PepArchive Research Team
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, PhD
Updated December 13, 2024

Understanding Anti-Aging & Longevity

Anti-aging and longevity represent a frontier of peptide research, targeting fundamental processes of cellular aging. Research focuses on several key areas: maintaining telomere length, protecting mitochondrial function, supporting growth hormone levels that decline with age, and promoting cellular repair mechanisms. While human lifespan studies are inherently limited, research on aging biomarkers and healthspan shows promising results.

How Peptides May Help

Peptides may address aging through multiple mechanisms. Epithalon research suggests it may activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. SS-31 targets mitochondria, protecting the cellular powerhouses from oxidative damage. GH secretagogues may help address the natural decline in growth hormone that occurs with aging. GHK-Cu can modulate gene expression patterns toward more youthful states. MOTS-c supports metabolic function that typically declines with age.

Top Peptides for Anti-Aging & Longevity

Longevity & Anti-Aging
90% Match

Epithalon is researched specifically for telomerase activation and potential effects on cellular lifespan. It may also support pineal gland function and melatonin production.

Typical Protocol
5-10 mg daily for 10-20 days, cycled 2-3 times yearly
Read Full Epithalon Profile →
Longevity & Mitochondria
90% Match

SS-31 (Elamipretide) targets mitochondrial function, addressing one of the hallmarks of aging. It protects the electron transport chain and optimizes energy production.

Typical Protocol
Clinical trial doses: 10-40 mg daily
Read Full SS-31 Profile →
Skin & Hair
85% Match

GHK-Cu levels decline significantly with age. Research shows it can reset gene expression patterns and promote tissue regeneration, with extensive research on skin aging.

Typical Protocol
Topical: 1-2x daily; Injectable: 50-200 mcg, 2-3x weekly
Read Full GHK-Cu Profile →
Longevity & Metabolic
80% Match

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that declines with age. It supports metabolic function and may mimic some benefits of exercise.

Typical Protocol
5-15 mg per week
Read Full MOTS-c Profile →
Growth Hormone
75% Match

Sermorelin addresses age-related GH decline by stimulating natural GH production. It has historical FDA approval and extensive safety data.

Typical Protocol
100-300 mcg before bed
Read Full Sermorelin Profile →

Research Summary

Research on aging peptides targets various hallmarks of aging. Epithalon studies in human cell cultures showed telomerase activation and extension of cellular lifespan. SS-31 has shown benefits in multiple clinical trials for conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction. GHK-Cu research demonstrates significant effects on gene expression, including upregulation of repair genes and downregulation of inflammation genes. Growth hormone research shows that maintaining youthful GH levels correlates with better health outcomes in aging populations. Mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c and Humanin show declining levels with age and supplementation may address this deficit.

Frequently Asked Questions

While no peptide has been proven to extend human lifespan, research suggests some may address key aging mechanisms like telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormone decline. Effects on healthspan may be more achievable than lifespan extension.
Many age-related changes begin in the 30s-40s, including GH decline and telomere shortening. However, the decision depends on individual factors and should involve a healthcare provider.
Long-term safety data varies by peptide. Some like GH secretagogues have decades of research, while others are newer. Concerns include potential effects on cancer risk with telomerase activation.
Many start with GH secretagogues like Sermorelin or Ipamorelin due to their extensive research history. GHK-Cu is popular for topical anti-aging use. Epithalon and SS-31 are more specialized.

References

  1. Khavinson V, et al. "Epithalon and telomerase activation." Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003. PMID: 12937682
  2. Szeto HH. "SS-31 and mitochondrial function." Br J Pharmacol, 2014. PMID: 24117106

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