A comprehensive reference for the five most-researched longevity and anti-aging peptides — mechanisms of action, molecular aging targets, stacking protocols, and clinical evidence summaries.
The biology of aging is no longer a black box. Since López-Otín et al. published their landmark "Hallmarks of Aging" framework in 2013 (updated in 2023 to 12 hallmarks), researchers have identified the specific molecular mechanisms that drive cellular senescence, tissue dysfunction, and organismal aging. Longevity peptides are research compounds designed to intervene at one or more of these hallmarks — not by suppressing symptoms, but by targeting the upstream molecular drivers.
The five compounds covered in this hub — Epithalon, MOTS-c, SS-31, NAD+, and GHK-Cu — collectively address eight distinct aging hallmarks: telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, NAD+ decline, epigenetic drift, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, circadian disruption, and extracellular matrix degradation. No single compound addresses all hallmarks; the rationale for multi-compound stacking is precisely this mechanistic complementarity.
Research context: All compounds on this page are research-grade peptides for laboratory and preclinical research purposes only. None are FDA-approved for anti-aging indications. This content does not constitute medical advice.
Each compound profile includes the molecular target, mechanism, primary research applications, key study reference, and links to the full guide and dosage reference.
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH₂
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺
Which longevity peptide addresses which aging hallmark — with evidence strength ratings.
| Aging Hallmark | Lead Compound(s) | Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telomere Shortening | Epithalon | hTERT activation | Strong (in vitro + animal) |
| Mitochondrial Dysfunction | SS-31, MOTS-c | Cardiolipin stabilization, AMPK | Strong (Phase II human) |
| NAD+ Decline | NAD+ / NMN / NR | Sirtuin activation, PARP | Strong (multiple RCTs) |
| Epigenetic Drift | NAD+, GHK-Cu | SIRT1/DNMT regulation | Moderate (preclinical) |
| Chronic Inflammation | GHK-Cu, BPC-157 | NF-κB suppression | Moderate (preclinical) |
| Insulin Resistance | MOTS-c | AMPK/AICAR pathway | Moderate (Phase I human) |
| Circadian Disruption | Epithalon | Pineal melatonin restoration | Moderate (animal + observational) |
| Collagen/ECM Loss | GHK-Cu | Collagen/elastin gene upregulation | Strong (in vitro + clinical) |
Because each longevity peptide targets a distinct molecular pathway, combining compounds from this family produces additive coverage of aging hallmarks without pharmacological interference.
Addresses the three most clinically validated aging hallmarks: telomere shortening (Epithalon), mitochondrial dysfunction (MOTS-c), and NAD+ decline. Each compound acts on an independent pathway with no known negative interactions.
Epithalon: 5–10 mg SC/day × 10 days, 2×/year. MOTS-c: 5–10 mg SC 3×/week. NAD+: IV 500 mg 1–2×/week or NMN 500 mg oral daily.
Triple mitochondrial intervention: SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin structure, MOTS-c activates AMPK for metabolic efficiency, and NAD+ restores sirtuin-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis. Particularly relevant for age-related cardiovascular and metabolic research.
SS-31: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg SC daily. MOTS-c: 5–10 mg SC 3×/week. NAD+: IV 500 mg weekly.
Combines topical/systemic tissue remodeling (GHK-Cu), telomere maintenance (Epithalon), and cellular energy restoration (NAD+). GHK-Cu's 4,000-gene regulatory effect complements Epithalon's telomerase activation for broad epigenetic coverage.
GHK-Cu: Topical 1–2% cream daily or SC 1–2 mg 3×/week. Epithalon: 5–10 mg SC/day × 10 days, 2×/year. NAD+: NMN 500 mg oral daily.
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Longevity peptides are research compounds that target the molecular hallmarks of aging — including telomere shortening, mitochondrial dysfunction, NAD+ decline, epigenetic drift, and chronic inflammation. Unlike GHRH/GHRP peptides that target the GH axis, longevity peptides act on cellular aging pathways directly. Key examples include Epithalon (telomerase activation), MOTS-c (mitochondrial AMPK), SS-31 (cardiolipin stabilization), NAD+ (sirtuin activation), and GHK-Cu (gene regulatory remodeling).
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. It activates telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the enzyme responsible for elongating telomeres, which shorten with each cell division and are a primary marker of cellular aging. Epithalon also restores pineal melatonin secretion, which declines with age. It has over 40 years of research history from Russian longevity research programs.
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA, discovered in 2015. It activates AMPK via the AICAR pathway — the same metabolic pathway activated by exercise — improving insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial efficiency without physical activity. This 'exercise in a syringe' effect makes it particularly relevant for metabolic aging research.
SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31) is unique in targeting cardiolipin, a phospholipid found exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin stabilizes the cristae structure required for efficient ATP production and declines with age. By binding and stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 reduces mitochondrial ROS production and restores membrane potential. It has the most advanced clinical development of any longevity peptide, with Phase II human trial data in heart failure (SPARCL trial).
Yes — longevity peptides and GH axis peptides (GHRH analogues, GHRPs) operate on entirely separate receptor systems and are frequently combined in research protocols. GH axis peptides address body composition, recovery, and metabolic function via the pituitary-IGF-1 axis, while longevity peptides address cellular aging at the mitochondrial, telomeric, and epigenetic level. There are no known pharmacological interactions between these families.
Medical Disclaimer: All content on this site is for educational and research purposes only. Research peptides are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement protocol. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.