Anti-aging & longevity peptides

Longevity peptide protocols — NAD+, epitalon, MOTS-c, thymalin. Dose ranges, cycle structure, reconstitution, and the mitochondrial research behind them.

Longevity peptides target cellular and mitochondrial pathways rather than a single tissue. NAD+ supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, epitalon is studied for telomerase activity, and MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation. Most are run in short pulsed cycles rather than continuously.

Category overview

Reverse cellular decline, enhance vitality, and extend healthspan. These peptides target fundamental aging mechanisms: telomeres, mitochondria, immune function, and cellular repair.

Protocols at a glance

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
Epitalon	5 – 20 mg	Daily (PM)	10–20 days on, 4–6 months off (unique cycling pattern)
Thymosin Alpha-1	1.6 – 3.2 mg	2–3×/week to daily	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off; seasonal use pre-flu season
Humanin	0.5 – 4 mg	Daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
SS-31 / Elamipretide	10 – 80 mg	Daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Glutathione	200 – 600 mg	2–3×/week (IV/IM) or daily (SubQ low-dose)	8–12 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

Epitalon — Epithalon / Epithalamin

Synthetic tetrapeptide that activates telomerase to maintain telomere length. Developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson; one of the most researched longevity peptides.

• Dose range: 5 – 20 mg. Frequency: Daily (PM). Cycle: 10–20 days on, 4–6 months off (unique cycling pattern).
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Activates telomerase enzyme to elongate telomeres
• Regulates pineal gland for improved melatonin/sleep
• Upregulates antioxidant enzyme expression
• Supports immune system function with aging
• Effects persist during off-time.
• Stacks: Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune/telomere), GHK-Cu (DNA repair), NAD+ precursors

Thymosin Alpha-1

FDA-approved in some countries for immune support. Produced naturally by the thymus gland; levels decline with age. Key for maintaining immune competence as we age.

• Dose range: 1.6 – 3.2 mg. Frequency: 2–3×/week to daily. Cycle: 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off; seasonal use pre-flu season.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Boosts T-cell function for enhanced infection resistance
• Reduces chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging)
• Supports vaccine efficacy in elderly
• Liver protective properties
• Continuous low-dose acceptable for elderly.
• Stacks: Epitalon (longevity stack), LL-37 (antimicrobial), Zinc + Vitamin D

Humanin

Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) with powerful cytoprotective effects. Protects cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis; emerging longevity compound.

• Dose range: 0.5 – 4 mg. Frequency: Daily. Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Protects neurons from Alzheimer's-related damage
• Anti-apoptotic (prevents premature cell death)
• Improves mitochondrial function and energy
• Cardioprotective properties
• Emerging compound with limited human data.
• Stacks: MOTS-c, SS-31, CoQ10

SS-31 / Elamipretide

Mitochondrial-targeted peptide that concentrates in cardiolipin-rich inner mitochondrial membrane. In clinical trials for heart failure and mitochondrial diseases.

• Dose range: 10 – 80 mg. Frequency: Daily. Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Directly targets and rejuvenates mitochondria
• Reduces reactive oxygen species at the source
• Improves cardiac function in heart failure
• Enhances exercise capacity and muscle function
• Still in clinical development; follow trial protocols.
• Stacks: MOTS-c, Humanin, CoQ10 + PQQ

Glutathione — GSH / L-Glutathione

The principal endogenous antioxidant — a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. Central to detoxification, redox balance, and immune function; cellular levels decline with age and oxidative stress.

• Dose range: 200 – 600 mg. Frequency: 2–3×/week (IV/IM) or daily (SubQ low-dose). Cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off.
• Reconstitution: 2mg → 1ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 5mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Reconstitution: 10mg → 2ml bacteriostatic water
• Neutralizes reactive oxygen species and regenerates other antioxidants
• Supports Phase II liver detoxification pathways
• Modulates immune cell function and inflammation
• Skin brightening and even-tone effects reported in clinical use
• Often paired with NAD+ and Vitamin C for redox support.
• Light- and oxygen-sensitive — keep reconstituted vials refrigerated and shielded.
• Stacks: NAD+ (redox + energy), Vitamin C (regenerates GSH), Epitalon (longevity)

Safety principles

• Start Low, Go Slow: Always begin with the minimum effective dose and titrate gradually over weeks.
• Get Baseline Bloodwork: Before starting, obtain labs including CBC, CMP, lipid panel, hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen, IGF-1, GH), fasting insulin, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers.
• Monitor Regularly: Retest labs every 4–8 weeks. Track subjective markers daily (sleep, energy, mood, appetite, injection site reactions).
• Source Responsibly: Only use peptides from reputable compounding vendors with third-party COA testing. We STRONGLY recommend they also are based out of the USA for quality assurance.
• Recognize Warning Signs: Stop immediately and seek medical attention for severe injection site reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, or allergic reactions.
• Drug Interactions: Many peptides interact with insulin, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and hormonal therapies.
• Contraindications: Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals under 18, those with active cancer, severe liver/kidney disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.

Important

All peptide products referenced are intended solely for research, investigational, or licensed professional use. They are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before any personal or clinical use.