Cognitive Performance

NAD+ is a coenzyme present in all living cells that carries electrons in the redox reactions of energy metabolism and serves as a substrate for enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs that influence DNA repair. It is not a peptide and is not approved as a drug. Cellular NAD+ declines with age, which has driven interest in supplementation and infusion, but human clinical evidence that raising NAD+ improves outcomes remains limited.

How it works: It serves as an electron-carrying coenzyme in metabolism and as a substrate for sirtuins and PARPs involved in DNA repair.

Longevity research; metabolic support; cellular energy research; wellness infusions

Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide composed of beta-alanine and L-histidine, found naturally in muscle and brain tissue and sold as an oral supplement. Laboratory studies describe antioxidant, metal-chelating, anti-glycation, and pH-buffering activities. It has been investigated as a possible protective agent in aging, although human clinical outcomes remain mixed and preliminary.

How it works: It acts in laboratory studies as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, chelates metal ions, buffers pH, and limits glycation.

Antioxidant supplement; geroprotection research; muscle pH buffering; metabolic research

Cortexin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight polypeptides extracted from the cerebral cortex of cattle, developed and marketed in Russia as a neuroprotective drug. It is approved and used in Russia and some neighboring countries but has no FDA approval and is considered investigational in the United States. Published research covers ischemic brain injury and cognitive and developmental disorders, mostly in small Russian studies.

How it works: It is thought to promote neuron survival and modulate glutamate and GABA signaling, though the mechanism is not fully defined.

Ischemic brain injury; cognitive disorders; developmental delay; neuroprotection

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Oveporexton is an investigational oral small molecule that selectively activates the orexin receptor 2. It is being developed for narcolepsy type 1, a disorder caused by loss of orexin-producing neurons. Two pivotal phase 3 trials reported improvements across wakefulness, daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy measures versus placebo. It is not approved; a new drug application is under FDA priority review.

How it works: It is a selective orexin receptor 2 agonist that restores deficient orexin signaling in narcolepsy type 1 to promote wakefulness.

Narcolepsy type 1; excessive daytime sleepiness; cataplexy; disturbed nighttime sleep

Selank, also identified as TP-7, is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia as an analog of the natural immune peptide tuftsin, with an added tripeptide that improves its stability. It is thought to act on the GABA system, monoamine neurotransmitters, and brain derived neurotrophic factor, and it may also modulate immune signaling. It has been studied mainly as an anxiolytic and nootropic, and it is not approved outside of Russia.

How it works: It is thought to modulate GABAergic signaling, monoamine neurotransmitters, and brain derived neurotrophic factor to reduce anxiety.

Anxiety research; cognitive function; stress resilience; immune modulation

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Cerebrolysin is a preparation of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from purified pig brain protein, marketed in Russia, China, and parts of Europe and Asia for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. It is not approved by the FDA and remains investigational in the United States. Many randomized trials exist, but a Cochrane review found the evidence for acute ischemic stroke inconclusive.

How it works: It is believed to mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors and support neuron survival and repair, though the mechanism stays uncertain.

Ischemic stroke; vascular dementia; Alzheimer disease; traumatic brain injury

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Substance P is an endogenous eleven amino acid neuropeptide of the tachykinin family, expressed in the nervous system and immune cells. It signals mainly through the neurokinin-1 receptor and contributes to pain transmission, neurogenic inflammation, vasodilation, and immune modulation. It is used as a research tool; approved drugs in this pathway are neurokinin-1 antagonists rather than Substance P itself.

How it works: It is a tachykinin neuropeptide that activates the neurokinin-1 receptor, driving pain signaling and neurogenic inflammation.

Pain signaling research; neurogenic inflammation; NK1 receptor pharmacology; immune modulation

This entry is an oral or nasal presentation of Humanin, a mitochondrial-derived micropeptide encoded within the MT-RNR2 region. It is the same peptide as the existing Humanin row and is not a distinct compound. Reported cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activity has been studied in models of Alzheimer disease, ischemia, and metabolic stress.

How it works: It acts through cell-surface receptors and interacts with apoptotic regulators to reduce cell death in preclinical models.

Longevity research; neuroprotection; metabolic research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Nemifitide is a synthetic pentapeptide antidepressant candidate structurally related to the neuropeptide melanocyte-inhibiting factor. It was given by subcutaneous injection and evaluated in phase 1 and phase 2 trials for major depression, where early data suggested antidepressant activity. Its precise mechanism is not fully defined, development did not reach approval, and it remains investigational.

How it works: It is a peptide related to melanocyte-inhibiting factor with proposed central antidepressant activity through an incompletely defined mechanism.

Major depressive disorder; treatment-resistant depression; pharmacokinetic research

BPC-157 peptide comprehensive research guide. Covers mechanism of action (VEGF, nitric oxide, tendon healing), gut protection, musculoskeletal repair, oral vs injectable research, 2026 FDA reclassification status, safety profile, and clinical trial evidence for this gastric-derived healing peptide.

How it works: Its mechanism is not established in published research; vendors propose Semax-like effects on neurotrophic signaling.

Nootropic research; neuroprotection research; cognitive research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

N-Acetyl Semax is a chemically modified form of Semax, a synthetic analog of the adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment studied for nootropic and neuroprotective effects. Adding an acetyl group is a common strategy intended to reduce enzymatic degradation and extend duration of action. Direct published research on this specific acetylated variant is minimal, and most available evidence concerns unmodified Semax.

How it works: Parent Semax rapidly raises BDNF and TrkB expression in the hippocampus, while acetylation is intended to improve stability.

Cognitive research; neuroprotection research; focus research; stroke research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Semax Amidate is a chemically modified form of Semax, the synthetic ACTH fragment analog studied for nootropic and neuroprotective effects. Amidation of the peptide terminus is a standard modification intended to reduce enzymatic degradation and improve stability. Published research on this specific amidated variant is minimal, and most available evidence concerns unmodified Semax.

How it works: Parent Semax rapidly raises BDNF and TrkB expression in the hippocampus, while amidation is intended to improve stability.

Cognitive research; neuroprotection research; focus research; stroke research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

FGL is a synthetic peptide derived from a binding region of the neural cell adhesion molecule. In rodent and laboratory studies it has promoted synapse formation, enhanced synaptic plasticity, and facilitated memory, and it has been explored in models of aging, stroke, and cognitive impairment. It remains a preclinical research peptide with no human clinical development.

How it works: It is an NCAM-derived peptide that engages fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling to promote synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival.

Synaptic plasticity research; memory research; neuroprotection; stroke recovery research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Neuropeptide Y is an abundant 36 amino acid neuropeptide widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is among the most potent physiological stimulants of food intake and also contributes to energy balance, stress and anxiety responses, and cardiovascular regulation. As an endogenous molecule it serves as a research and drug-target focus rather than a therapeutic product.

How it works: It is an endogenous agonist at Y-family receptors, modulating appetite, energy homeostasis, and stress and cardiovascular signaling.

Appetite research; stress and mood research; energy metabolism; cardiovascular research

P021 is a small CNTF-derived peptidergic compound developed as a neurotrophic and neurogenic agent for neurodegeneration research. In triple-transgenic Alzheimer mouse models, chronic oral treatment increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and soluble amyloid-beta, and restored deficits in neurogenesis and cognition. Research to date is preclinical, and these effects have not been established in humans.

How it works: It increases BDNF and decreases GSK-3 beta activity, promoting neurogenesis and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation in animal models.

Alzheimer research; neurodegeneration research; neurogenesis research; cognitive research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

TLQP-21 is a peptide derived from the VGF precursor protein, named for its N-terminal residues. In rodent studies it modulates energy metabolism, feeding, lipolysis, stress responses, and pain and inflammatory signaling. It is reported to act mainly through the complement C3a receptor. It is an experimental research peptide with no human clinical data and no approved use.

How it works: It is a VGF-derived peptide acting largely at the complement C3a receptor, influencing metabolic, stress, and immune signaling.

Energy metabolism research; obesity research; stress and depression models; neuroimmune research

Selank Amidate is a chemically modified form of Selank, the synthetic tuftsin-derived heptapeptide investigated for anxiolytic and cognitive activity. Converting the peptide terminus to an amide is an established method intended to resist enzymatic degradation and better mimic native peptides. Published data on this specific amidated variant are minimal, and nearly all reliable evidence describes unmodified Selank.

How it works: Parent Selank modulates GABA receptor binding and raises hippocampal BDNF, while amidation is intended to resist enzymatic breakdown.

Anxiety research; cognitive research; neuroprotection research; stress research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Thymosin beta-4 is a naturally occurring 43 amino acid protein that binds and sequesters actin, influencing cell migration, tissue repair, blood vessel formation, and inflammation. Laboratory and animal studies describe roles in wound healing and tissue regeneration, and a synthetic ophthalmic formulation has been evaluated for dry eye and neurotrophic keratopathy. It is the full-length protein, distinct from the TB-500 fragment, and it is not approved.

How it works: It binds and sequesters actin to regulate the cytoskeleton, supporting cell migration, tissue repair, and blood vessel growth.

Tissue and wound repair; ophthalmic surface healing; tissue regeneration research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide of glutamate, aspartate, and arginine, also called EDR, from the Khavinson family of short peptide bioregulators. Research suggests it may enter cells and bind DNA promoter regions, influencing expression of genes tied to neuronal survival and oxidative stress. It has been studied in cell and animal models mainly for neuroprotection, cognitive function, and cellular aging processes.

How it works: It is thought to enter cells and bind DNA promoter regions, modulating expression of genes involved in neuronal survival and oxidative stress.

Neuroprotection research; cognitive function; oxidative stress; cellular aging

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Klotho, also called alpha-Klotho, is a protein made mainly in the kidney and brain that acts as a co-receptor for FGF23 and circulates in a soluble form linked to aging. In animal studies, higher Klotho extends lifespan and protects the kidneys, blood vessels, and brain, while low levels track with age-related disease. It is an endogenous protein under investigation with no approved therapeutic form, and most human evidence is observational.

How it works: It acts as an FGF23 co-receptor and, in soluble form, regulates phosphate handling and inhibits IGF-1, Wnt, and TGF-beta signaling.

Longevity research; kidney protection; cognitive aging; vascular health

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Dihexa is a small orally active compound derived from angiotensin IV and studied as a candidate for cognitive disorders including Alzheimer disease. In cell and rodent studies it promotes formation of new synaptic connections and improves learning and memory, effects shown to depend on the hepatocyte growth factor and its c-Met receptor system. No human clinical trials have been published, and it remains a research compound.

How it works: It augments the hepatocyte growth factor and c-Met receptor system, promoting formation of new synaptic connections.

Cognitive research; Alzheimer research; synaptogenesis studies

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

PE-22-28 is a synthetic seven amino acid peptide derived from spadin, a fragment of the sortilin propeptide. In rodent and laboratory studies it blocks the TREK-1 potassium channel with high potency and produced antidepressant-like effects along with signs of increased hippocampal neurogenesis. It has not been tested in humans and remains an investigational research compound.

How it works: It inhibits the TREK-1 potassium channel, an action linked in animal models to antidepressant effects and enhanced neurogenesis.

Depression research; neurogenesis research; TREK-1 studies

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Rapastinel is a synthetic tetrapeptide that modulates the NMDA receptor, acting at the glycine co-agonist site, and was developed as a rapid-acting antidepressant. It advanced to phase 3 as an add-on treatment for major depression under Allergan. In 2019 the pivotal phase 3 program failed to separate from placebo, and development for depression was halted.

How it works: It is an NMDA receptor modulator acting as a partial agonist at the glycine co-agonist site, influencing glutamatergic plasticity.

Major depressive disorder; adjunctive antidepressant research; NMDA-based rapid antidepressant research

N-Acetyl Selank is a chemically modified form of Selank, a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immune peptide tuftsin studied mainly for anxiolytic and cognitive effects. Attaching an acetyl group to the peptide is a standard approach intended to slow enzymatic breakdown and prolong activity. Published research on this specific acetylated version is minimal, and almost all reliable evidence describes unmodified Selank.

How it works: Parent Selank modulates GABA receptor binding and raises hippocampal BDNF, while acetylation is intended to slow enzymatic breakdown.

Anxiety research; cognitive research; neuroprotection research; stress research

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.

Conantokin G is a small peptide isolated from the venom of the fish-hunting cone snail Conus geographus. It acts as an NR2B-selective antagonist of NMDA-type glutamate receptors. It has been examined mainly as a research tool and in early development for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and protection against excitotoxic brain injury. It is not an approved therapeutic.

How it works: It is an NR2B-selective antagonist of NMDA-type glutamate receptors, a venom-derived peptide rich in gamma-carboxyglutamate.

NMDA receptor research; epilepsy research; neuropathic pain; neuroprotection

Davunetide is an eight amino acid peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein that is thought to stabilize neuronal microtubules. It has been tested by nasal spray and by injection in progressive supranuclear palsy, schizophrenia, and mild cognitive impairment, and as CP201 in the rare ADNP syndrome, for which it holds orphan-drug designation. A pivotal trial missed its endpoints and it remains investigational.

How it works: It is an ADNP-derived peptide believed to stabilize neuronal microtubules and support neuronal survival.

Progressive supranuclear palsy; schizophrenia cognition; mild cognitive impairment; ADNP syndrome

Humanin G is a synthetic single-substitution analog of humanin in which serine at position 14 is replaced by glycine. It is reported in laboratory assays to be substantially more potent than native humanin, and it has been used as a research tool in models of Alzheimer disease, ischemia, and tissue injury. It is a distinct engineered molecule rather than a route presentation of humanin.

How it works: It is an engineered humanin variant that engages the same cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic pathways with markedly greater reported potency.

Neuroprotection research; Alzheimer models; ischemia research; tissue protection

Real-world figures are community-reported, not medical advice.