Peptides researched for
Healthy aging / longevity
Aging well
4 peptides · 7 studies
What people research this for
Most of us want more good years, with energy and a clear head. Longevity research looks at why cells age and whether that can be slowed. The peptides here have interesting lab findings and no proof that they extend healthy life in people.
Researched for
- Aging well
- Cell health over time
- Energy with age
What the studies say so far
NAD+ and a family of proteins called sirtuins are a major theme in reviews of aging biology, though the question of longer life in people is unsettled. An Epitalon study reported longer telomeres, the caps on the ends of chromosomes. That was in cell lines, not people. MOTS-c papers on metabolism are often cited in aging discussions, and GHK-Cu papers look at genes tied to skin and nerve aging. No trial has shown that any of these helps people live longer.
Peptides studied
Each peptide below has been studied in this area. The label shows how far that research has gone.
NAD+
Small early studies in peopleResearch review · 2 studies
Study note. NAD+ and sirtuins are central themes in aging-biology reviews; clinical longevity endpoints remain unsettled.
- NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. (opens in a new tab)
Imai S, Guarente L · Trends in cell biology · 2014 · PubMed
- NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing (opens in a new tab)
Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A · Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol · 2021 · PubMed
- NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. (opens in a new tab)
Epitalon
Early lab and animal researchAnimal study · 1 study
Study note. Epitalon cell-line study reports telomere lengthening via telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
- Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity. (opens in a new tab)
Al-Dulaimi S, Thomas R, Matta S · Biogerontology · 2025 · PubMed
- Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity. (opens in a new tab)
MOTS-C
Early lab and animal researchAnimal study · 2 studies
Study note. MOTS-c metabolic papers are often cited in mitochondrial aging discussions.
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. (opens in a new tab)
Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG · Cell metabolism · 2015 · PubMed
- MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. (opens in a new tab)
Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P · Free radical biology & medicine · 2016 · PubMed
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. (opens in a new tab)
GHK-Cu
Small early studies in peopleResearch review · 2 studies
Study note. GHK gene-expression papers include nervous-system and skin-aging related pathways.
- The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. (opens in a new tab)
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A · Brain sciences · 2017 · PubMed
- GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. (opens in a new tab)
Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A · BioMed research international · 2015 · PubMed
- The Effect of the Human Peptide GHK on Gene Expression Relevant to Nervous System Function and Cognitive Decline. (opens in a new tab)
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