The Peptide Decision Matrix — WellSourced
Free Resource

The Peptide
Decision Matrix

Ten peptides. Evidence tiers. Safety profiles. Legal status. Everything you need to make an informed decision — in one scannable chart.

10 Peptides Covered
3 Evidence Tiers
4 Legal Categories

How to read this chart — Evidence tiers

A
Proven FDA-approved or large-scale human RCTs. High confidence in efficacy and safety.
B
Emerging Human trials exist or approved internationally. Solid science, limited FDA recognition.
C
Frontier Promising animal studies or early-phase research. Not yet confirmed in large human trials.
A
Proven

PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

Melanocortin receptor agonist — also known as Vyleesi®

The only FDA-approved peptide specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Works centrally via the brain's melanocortin system — not through hormones. Also used off-label in men for libido and erectile function.

Sexual Health Mood
Use with Caution
FDA-Approved Rx Full review
A
Proven

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

Glutathione precursor — decades of clinical use

One of the most researched antioxidant compounds in medicine, used since the 1960s as an acetaminophen overdose treatment and mucolytic. Replenishes intracellular glutathione, reduces oxidative stress, and has emerging evidence in OCD, addiction recovery, and liver protection.

Immune Detox Cognitive
Well Established
OTC Supplement
B
Emerging

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex

A naturally occurring copper-binding peptide that declines with age. Topically, it's one of the best-evidenced anti-aging ingredients — stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing inflammation, and improving skin density. Systemic injectable use is emerging but less studied.

Skin Anti-Aging Immune
Well Established
OTC (Topical) Full review

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7 more peptides — including BPC-157, Thymosin Alpha-1, Epithalon, Selank, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, Glutathione, and TB-500. Enter your email to unlock instantly.

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B
Emerging

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1)

Zadaxin® — approved in 35+ countries

A 28-amino-acid thymic peptide that acts as a precision modulator of the immune system — amplifying response when it's suppressed (chronic infection, cancer) and dampening it when overactive (autoimmune flares). Approved as Zadaxin® in over 35 countries; used off-label in the US by functional medicine practitioners.

Immune Longevity
Well Established
Rx — Not FDA-Approved Full review
B
Emerging

Glutathione

The body's master antioxidant tripeptide (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly)

The most abundant intracellular antioxidant, critical for detoxification, immune function, and skin brightness. Oral bioavailability is limited; liposomal oral and IV/IM routes show better efficacy. Widely used in functional medicine for oxidative stress, liver support, and skin-lightening protocols.

Immune Skin Detox Longevity
Well Established
OTC Supplement
C
Frontier

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

15-mer peptide derived from gastric juice protein

Arguably the most researched "biohacking" peptide, with an extraordinary pre-clinical record across tendon repair, gut healing, ligament regeneration, and neuroprotection. The gap: nearly all evidence is rodent studies. No completed Phase II human trials exist. The science is compelling enough to warrant interest — and honest about its limits.

Recovery Gut Health Neuroprotection
Use with Caution
Gray Zone (US) Full review
C
Frontier

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)

Synthetic analog of the actin-binding protein Tβ4

TB-500 is the active fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a protein that promotes cell migration, blood vessel formation, and tissue repair. Often "stacked" with BPC-157 for injury recovery protocols. Small cardiac trials show promise for heart failure; broader human evidence remains limited.

Recovery Cardiac
Use with Caution
Research Only BPC vs TB-500
C
Frontier

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

GHRH analog + GHRP — often combined in one injection

The most popular growth hormone secretagogue combination. CJC-1295 extends the half-life of growth hormone-releasing hormone; Ipamorelin selectively stimulates GH release without major cortisol or appetite spikes. Typically used for body composition, sleep quality, and longevity protocols by functional medicine doctors. No FDA-approved human indication.

Body Composition Sleep Longevity
Use with Caution
Research Only
C
Frontier

Selank

Heptapeptide anxiolytic — registered in Russia as Selank®

A synthetic analog of the immune peptide tuftsin. Developed by the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics, registered as an anxiolytic nasal spray in Russia. Shows anxiolytic and nootropic effects without the dependency or sedation of benzodiazepines. US clinical trial data is sparse; most evidence is from Russian literature and small human studies.

Cognitive Anxiolytic
Low Side-Effect Profile
Research Compound (US) Semax vs Selank
C
Frontier

Epithalon (Epitalon)

Tetrapeptide — Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

A synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland extract Epithalamin. The most intriguing longevity compound on this list — Russian studies report telomerase activation, extended lifespan in animal models, improved melatonin secretion, and cancer-inhibiting effects. The data is genuinely interesting; the source (primarily Russian, 1980s–2000s) requires cautious interpretation until replicated independently.

Longevity Sleep Anti-Aging
Use with Caution
Research Only Full review

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