Huberman Lab Podcast: Peptides

Introduction

• Focus on science-based tools for everyday life.
• Host: Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.
• Today's topic: Peptides (excluding GLP-1 analogues).

Peptides Overview

• Peptides are small proteins made up of amino acids.
• Examples include insulin and oxytocin.
• Peptides have pleotropic effects, meaning they affect multiple body systems.
• Uses include tissue healing, metabolism, growth, longevity, and vitality.

Therapeutic Peptides

• Peptides are used in three main areas:
  1. Prescription peptides approved by FDA.
  2. Gray market peptides with questionable safety and efficacy.
  3. Black market peptides, often contaminated and unsafe.

Peptides for Rejuvenation and Repair

• BPC-157
  • Promotes tissue repair, especially muscle and connective tissue.
  • Encourages angiogenesis and fiberblast migration.
  • Safety concerns regarding tumor growth due to angiogenesis.
  • Typically dosed 300-500 micrograms, 2-3 times per week.
• Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)
  • Promotes cell proliferation and wound repair.
  • Used alone or with BPC-157 for injury repair.

Peptides for Metabolism and Growth

• Focus on growth hormone (GH) release.
• Type 1 Peptides:
  • Sermorelin and Tesamorelin: Stimulate GH release, FDA approved for specific conditions.
  • CJC-1295: Long-lasting effect on GH, safety concerns noted.
• Type 2 Peptides:
  • Ipamorelin: Increases GH by removing somatostatin break.
  • Hexarelin: Strong GH stimulant but with risks like receptor desensitization.

Peptides for Longevity

• Epitalon
  • Mimics naturally occurring epithalamion, secreted by the pineal gland.
  • Potential effects on telomere length and anti-inflammatory actions.
  • Mostly supported by animal studies.

Peptides for Vitality (Mood and Libido)

• Melanotan Peptides
  • Melanotan 1-5 for skin pigmentation and mood/libido enhancement.
  • PT-141 (FDA approved for women's sexual desire issues).
• Kisspeptin
  • Stimulates hormone pathways for reproduction and vitality.
  • Used in hypothalamic amenorrhea treatments.

Safety and Risks

• Peptides, while therapeutically potent, carry significant risks including tumor growth.
• Importance of sourcing from reliable, FDA-regulated entities and under physician guidance.
• Risks of combining peptides and potential side effects.

Conclusion

• Excitement and caution in peptide therapeutics.
• Need for further research and clinical trials.
• Personal anecdotes and experiences shared by Andrew Huberman.
• Invitation for feedback and suggestions on topics.