Research Peptide Glossary — 50+ Terms Explained

This glossary covers the terminology most commonly encountered when researching peptides, interpreting lab documentation, and evaluating vendors in the research compound space. Terms are organized alphabetically within categories: analytical testing, compound types, regulatory concepts, formulation, and storage.

Where a term corresponds to a compound that Bastion stocks, the entry links to the product page. For verification methodology terms, the Lab Results page shows real examples of the documentation practices described here.

Analytical Testing

Area Under the Curve (AUC)

In HPLC analysis, the integrated signal area under each peak in the chromatogram. Purity is calculated by dividing the main compound peak’s AUC by the total of all peak AUCs and expressing as a percentage. The ratio method is the standard approach in peptide purity reporting.

Batch Release Testing

A quality control process where a representative sample from each production lot is tested before that lot is released for distribution. In the research peptide context, vendors who practice batch release testing generate a new COA for each lot rather than relying on a single reference document across all stock.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A laboratory document reporting the analytical test results for a specific batch or lot of compound. A legitimate COA from a third-party lab includes identity confirmation (typically by mass spectrometry), purity measurement (typically by HPLC), the lot number tested, the test date, and the analytical method. See also: How to Verify a Peptide COA.

Certificate of Conformance (CoC)

A vendor-issued statement that a product meets specified requirements. Unlike a COA, a CoC doesn’t include raw analytical data. It’s a declaration by the seller rather than an analytical report from a testing laboratory. For research verification purposes, a COA is more substantive than a CoC.

Chromatogram

The graphical output of an HPLC run, showing detector response (y-axis) over time (x-axis). Each peak represents a detected compound or impurity. The retention time (position on the x-axis) and peak area are used to identify and quantify each component in the sample.

Column Chromatography

A separation technique in which a sample mixture is passed through a column packed with a stationary phase material. Different compounds travel through the column at different rates based on their chemical interactions with the stationary phase, allowing them to be separated and individually detected. HPLC is a pressurized, high-resolution form of column chromatography.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

The primary method used to measure purity in research peptide COAs. A sample is dissolved in liquid and pumped under pressure through a column filled with small particles. The detector measures what comes out over time, generating a chromatogram. The percentage of the main compound peak area relative to total detected peaks is the reported purity figure.

Janoshik Analytical

An independent analytical laboratory based in the Czech Republic that performs third-party testing for research compound vendors worldwide. Janoshik is the most commonly cited testing lab in the research peptide space and uses HPLC and LC-MS methodology. Their task number system assigns a traceable identifier to each submission. See: match-batch COA verification.

LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)

An analytical method combining liquid chromatography separation with mass spectrometry detection. Where HPLC identifies what proportion of a sample is the target compound, mass spectrometry confirms molecular identity by measuring molecular mass. Together they confirm both purity and identity. LC-MS is more definitive for identity verification than HPLC alone.

Lyophilization

Freeze-drying. The process of removing water from a compound by first freezing it and then sublimating the ice under reduced pressure. Lyophilized peptides are dry powders that are more stable at room temperature and during shipping than solutions. Reconstitution in an appropriate solvent (typically bacteriostatic water) is required before use in research applications.

Match-Batch Verification

A COA documentation practice in which every production lot receives its own third-party test, and the batch identifier on the COA matches the batch identifier on the product. This is in contrast to single-batch COA reuse, where one COA is applied to multiple subsequent lots without new testing. For a detailed explanation, see the dedicated match-batch verification page.

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. For peptides, it’s used to confirm molecular identity by detecting the molecular mass. Each compound has a specific theoretical molecular weight that serves as a reference. A measured mass that matches the theoretical value (within 1-2 Da) confirms the compound is what it’s labeled to be.

Method Validation

The process of confirming that an analytical method consistently measures what it’s intended to measure. A validated HPLC method has documented accuracy, precision, linearity, and specificity parameters. Method validation matters for COA interpretation because results from an unvalidated or poorly documented method are harder to interpret reliably.

Purity

In the context of research peptides, HPLC purity refers to the percentage of the detected material that is the target compound. A purity of 99.1% by HPLC means that, of the compounds detected by the column and detector, 99.1% of the total peak area is the stated peptide. The remaining percentage represents impurities, degradation products, or related compounds.

Retention Time

The time it takes for a compound to pass through an HPLC column and reach the detector, measured in minutes. Each compound has a characteristic retention time for a given set of column and mobile phase conditions. Consistency in retention time between samples confirms the compound is behaving as expected under those conditions.

Task Number (Janoshik)

A unique identifier assigned to each analytical submission at Janoshik Analytical. The task number appears on the COA and traces back to a specific sample submission in Janoshik’s records. While not independently accessible through a public portal, the number allows Janoshik to confirm the submission’s authenticity directly. A task number appearing on multiple different products or lots from the same vendor is anomalous.

Peptide Compounds

AOD-9604

A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically amino acids 176-191 at the C-terminus. Also called hGH Frag 176-191. The fragment was initially developed by Monash University researchers studying the metabolic effects of growth hormone without the anabolic effects of the full molecule. Research use only. AOD-9604 5mg is available in lyophilized form.

BPC-157

Body Protective Compound 157, a synthetic pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids. Derived from a protein found in human gastric juice, BPC-157 has been studied extensively in animal models for its effects on tissue repair mechanisms. It is available in two concentrations: BPC-157 5mg and BPC-157 10mg. Research use only.

CJC-1295

A synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with extended half-life relative to native GHRH. Available in two forms: CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), which extends half-life further through albumin binding, and CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29). The two variants have different dosing implications in research applications. Research use only.

DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

A neuropeptide originally isolated from rabbit brains and studied for its role in sleep regulation. DSIP is a nonapeptide (9 amino acids) and has been investigated in research contexts related to sleep architecture and stress responses. Research use only. DSIP is available in lyophilized form.

Epithalon

A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from Epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. Developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Epithalon has been studied in the context of telomere biology and cellular aging in laboratory research. Research use only. Available as Epithalon 10mg.

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

A naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. GHK-Cu is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine and has been studied in research contexts related to wound healing and skin biology. The copper chelation is structural to the molecule and is distinct from inorganic copper supplementation. Research use only. Available as GHK-Cu.

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2)

A synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a growth hormone secretagogue, stimulating pituitary release of growth hormone. GHRP-2 also has activity at ghrelin receptors. It is often studied alongside GHRH analogues (like CJC-1295) in research contexts where combined GH secretagogue activity is relevant. Research use only. Available as GHRP-2.

Glutathione

A tripeptide (Glu-Cys-Gly) that functions as the primary intracellular antioxidant in most organisms. Glutathione plays a central role in cellular redox balance, xenobiotic detoxification, and immune function. It is widely studied in research contexts from oxidative stress to liver biology. Research grade glutathione is available in 600mg vials.

Hexarelin

A synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with high affinity for the GHS-R1a receptor. Hexarelin is among the most potent GH-releasing peptides in terms of peak GH stimulation per unit dose in animal studies. Research use only. Available as Hexarelin.

IGF-1 LR3

Long R3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, a synthetic analogue of IGF-1 with an N-terminal 13-amino acid extension and Arg-to-Arg3 substitution, which extends half-life relative to native IGF-1 by reducing IGF-binding protein affinity. Widely used in cell biology research and tissue culture applications. Research use only. Available as IGF-1 LR3.

Ipamorelin

A selective growth hormone secretagogue peptide that stimulates GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin in research models, contrasting with some other GHRP-class compounds. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide and is often studied in GH axis research. Research use only. Available as Ipamorelin.

KPV

A tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminus of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). KPV has been studied in preclinical models for its effects on gut epithelial biology and has appeared in inflammation-related research in animal models. Research use only. Available as KPV.

Melanotan II

A synthetic analogue of alpha-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) with activity at melanocortin receptors including MC1R (pigmentation) and MC4R (central melanocortin signaling). Melanotan II is a cyclic heptapeptide and is distinct from Melanotan I (afamelanotide). Research use only. Available as Melanotan II 10mg.

MOTS-c

A mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome, specifically the 12S rRNA gene. MOTS-c has been studied in the context of metabolic regulation and has been called an “exercise mimetic” in some research contexts due to effects observed in mouse models. Research use only. Available as MOTS-c.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

A coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism and serves as a substrate for several enzyme classes including sirtuins and PARPs. NAD+ levels decline with age in most tissues, and this observation has driven research into NAD+ biology and precursor supplementation. Research grade NAD+ 500mg is available in lyophilized form.

Pinealon

A synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, where it was studied in the context of neuroprotection and brain tissue biology in animal models. Part of the same research lineage as Epithalon and Semax. Research use only. Available as Pinealon.

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist derived from Melanotan II. PT-141 acts primarily at MC3R and MC4R receptors. It was developed by Palatin Technologies and received FDA approval as Vyleesi in 2019 for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Research grade PT-141 is available for laboratory use only.

Retatrutide

A triagonist peptide acting at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Developed by Eli Lilly as LY3437943, retatrutide has advanced through Phase 2 clinical trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. Research grade retatrutide is available in multiple concentrations: 5mg, 10mg, and 30mg vials. Research use only.

Selank

A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the endogenous tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Selank has been studied in anxiety and cognitive function research, and a nasal spray formulation was approved in Russia. Research use only. Available as Selank.

Semaglutide

A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The marketed forms (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for obesity) are among the highest-revenue pharmaceuticals globally. Research grade semaglutide is a lyophilized compound for laboratory and in-vitro research use only, not the pharmaceutical product.

Semax

A synthetic heptapeptide analogue of ACTH(4-7) developed in Russia, where an intranasal formulation is registered as a medication. Semax has been studied in research contexts related to BDNF expression and cognitive models in rodents. Available as Semax for research use only.

Sermorelin

A synthetic analogue of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone), representing the biologically active portion. Sermorelin was FDA-approved as a diagnostic agent and for GH deficiency treatment before being discontinued from the US market in 2008. Research grade Sermorelin is used in GH axis research. Research use only.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)

A synthetic peptide representing a key portion of Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4), specifically the actin-binding domain that is believed to be responsible for many of TB4’s biological activities in cell migration and differentiation research. TB-500 and TB4 are distinct compounds; TB-500 is the shortened research form. Available as TB-500. Research use only.

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Ta1)

A 28-amino acid peptide derived from thymosin fraction 5, originally isolated from bovine thymus. A synthetic version (thymalfasin) is approved in several countries for hepatitis B and C treatment and as an adjunct to cancer therapy. Research grade Thymosin Alpha-1 is used in immunology research. Research use only.

Tirzepatide

A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly and marketed as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (obesity). Tirzepatide combines agonism at both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. Research grade tirzepatide is available in multiple concentrations: 5mg, 10mg, and 30mg. Research use only.

Regulatory and Classification Terms

IND (Investigational New Drug)

A US FDA designation that allows a compound to be studied in human clinical trials. An IND application must be approved before clinical trials can begin. Compounds in the research peptide space are typically not sold under IND authorization; they’re sold for in-vitro and laboratory research use only, not clinical investigation.

Not for Human Consumption

A label designation used by research compound vendors to specify that a product is intended for laboratory research only, not for human or veterinary use. This designation reflects the regulatory status of the product and the intended application. Purchasing and possessing a research compound labeled this way for laboratory use is legal in most Western jurisdictions.

RUO (Research Use Only)

A regulatory designation indicating that a product is intended for scientific investigation in laboratory or research settings, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. RUO labeling is required by the FDA for research reagents that don’t meet the standards for clinical diagnostic products. All compounds sold by Bastion carry RUO designation.

Schedule III / Controlled Substance (context-dependent)

Research peptides as a category are generally not controlled substances in the US, Canada, or most EU jurisdictions. However, some compounds in adjacent categories (anabolic steroids, certain GH variants) are scheduled. Specific peptides should be checked against applicable local regulations before purchase or research use. Peptide vendors and buyers are responsible for compliance with local law.

Formulation and Storage

Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water)

Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The benzyl alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the solution to be used multiple times without contamination from a single vial. Bacteriostatic water is the standard diluent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides intended for research applications. Available as Bacteriostatic Water 10ml.

Cold Chain

A temperature-controlled supply chain maintaining product within a specified temperature range from production through delivery. Lyophilized peptides do not require cold chain for short-term shipping but benefit from refrigerated or frozen storage for longer-term stability. Reconstituted peptide solutions in bacteriostatic water generally require refrigeration.

Lyophilized Powder

A compound in its freeze-dried (lyophilized) solid form, produced by removing water through freeze-drying. Lyophilized peptides are more stable than solutions during storage and shipping, have longer shelf lives, and are easier to transport without cold chain requirements. They must be reconstituted in an appropriate solvent before use.

Reconstitution

The process of dissolving a lyophilized powder in a solvent to create a solution for use. For research peptides, bacteriostatic water is the standard reconstitution solvent. The volume of diluent added determines the resulting concentration. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions are stored refrigerated and used within a defined window depending on the compound’s stability characteristics.

Solubility

The maximum amount of a compound that can dissolve in a given volume of solvent at a specified temperature and pH. Peptide solubility varies by compound and is influenced by the amino acid composition and sequence. Some peptides dissolve readily in bacteriostatic water; others may require acetic acid (for basic peptides) or a small amount of DMSO for initial wetting before aqueous dilution.

Stability

The degree to which a compound maintains its chemical identity and potency under specified storage conditions over time. Lyophilized peptides generally have multi-year stability at -20°C and one to two years at 4°C when stored dry. Reconstituted solutions are less stable and should be used within weeks to months depending on the compound and storage conditions.

Vial Kit

A packaging unit that contains multiple vials of lyophilized compound. Bastion packages most research compounds in 10-vial kits, providing a standardized quantity per order. Each vial contains a specified amount of lyophilized compound (e.g., 10mg/vial for BPC-157 10mg) and represents one lot of material that has been batch-release tested.