The Beginner's Glossary — 25 Peptide Terms You Need to Know

The peptide world has its own language. If you are new to this space, acronyms like GH, GHS, GHRP, HPLC and COA can make even a simple product description feel like reading a foreign language.

This glossary covers 25 of the most common terms you will encounter. Bookmark it and come back whenever something does not make sense.

A

Amino Acid
The individual molecular building blocks of proteins and peptides. There are 20 standard amino acids used by the human body. When amino acids are linked together, they form a peptide chain.

Anabolic
Relating to the building or synthesis of complex molecules in the body, particularly muscle tissue. Anabolic processes are driven by hormones and growth factors, including those influenced by certain peptides.

Autocrine Signalling
A type of cell signalling where a cell releases a chemical messenger (like a peptide) that then binds to receptors on the same cell, triggering a response within itself. Some peptides work through autocrine pathways.

B

BAC Water (Bacteriostatic Water)
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used to reconstitute lyophilised peptides. The benzyl alcohol acts as a preservative that prevents bacterial growth in the vial after it has been opened. Always use BAC water rather than plain sterile water for reconstitution.

Bioavailability
The proportion of a compound that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect. Subcutaneous injection delivers high bioavailability for peptides. Oral administration typically delivers much lower bioavailability because the digestive system breaks down peptide bonds before absorption.

BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157. A synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. Widely researched for its tissue repair, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

C

Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from an independent, accredited laboratory confirming the purity, identity and quality of a specific batch of a compound. Essential for verifying peptide quality before purchase.

CJC-1295
A synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). Used to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Often combined with Ipamorelin.

Concentration
The amount of peptide dissolved in a given volume of liquid after reconstitution, typically expressed in micrograms per millilitre (mcg/ml) or milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). Accurate concentration calculation is essential for correct dosing.

G

GH (Growth Hormone)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in growth, cell reproduction, metabolism and body composition. Many peptides are used to stimulate natural GH release rather than supplementing it directly.

GHK-Cu
Copper peptide GHK-Cu (glycine-histidine-lysine copper). A naturally occurring peptide with significant research supporting its role in wound healing, anti-aging and skin regeneration.

GHS (Growth Hormone Secretagogue)
Any compound that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. This is an umbrella term that includes both GHRH analogues (like CJC-1295) and GHRPs (like Ipamorelin or GHRP-6).

GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)
A hormone produced in the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Peptides like CJC-1295 are synthetic GHRH analogues.

GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide)
A class of peptides that stimulate GH release by acting on ghrelin receptors. Examples include GHRP-6, GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin. Often used in combination with GHRH analogues for a synergistic effect.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
A hormone produced in the gut that regulates blood sugar, slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are among the most clinically significant peptides in current use.

H

Half-Life
The time it takes for half of a peptide to be broken down or cleared from the body. Half-life determines how frequently a compound needs to be dosed to maintain stable levels. For example, Ipamorelin has a short half-life and is typically dosed multiple times daily, while CJC-1295 with DAC has a much longer half-life.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
The gold standard analytical method for testing peptide purity. HPLC separates components of a mixture and quantifies them, allowing a laboratory to determine exactly what percentage of a sample is the target compound.

I

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)
A hormone primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone. IGF-1 is responsible for many of the anabolic effects attributed to GH. IGF-1 LR3 is a modified, longer-acting version used in research contexts.

Ipamorelin
A selective GHRP considered one of the cleanest growth hormone secretagogues available. Unlike GHRP-6, Ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin levels, making it a popular choice for beginners.

L

Lyophilised
Freeze-dried. The process by which most research peptides are preserved in powder form. Lyophilisation removes water from the compound, extending its shelf life and stability significantly compared to liquid storage.

M

Mass Spectrometry (MS)
An analytical technique used to confirm the molecular identity of a compound. Mass spectrometry generates a "fingerprint" of the compound that can be matched to a known reference standard. Often paired with HPLC on a COA.

Mcg / Microgram
One millionth of a gram. Most peptide doses are measured in micrograms rather than milligrams because the active amounts are very small. Understanding this unit is essential for accurate dosing calculations.

P

Peptide
A short chain of amino acids, typically defined as containing fewer than 50 amino acids. Peptides are smaller than proteins but larger than individual amino acids.

Purity
Expressed as a percentage, purity indicates what proportion of the sample is the target compound. A purity of 98% means that 98% of the material is the intended peptide, with 2% being other substances. Anything below 98% is generally considered substandard for research use.

S

Subcutaneous (SubQ)
The layer of tissue just beneath the skin. Subcutaneous injection delivers a compound into this layer, from where it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. Most research peptides are administered subcutaneously using a short, fine needle.

T

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
A naturally occurring peptide found in almost all human and animal cells. Widely researched for its role in tissue repair, reducing inflammation and promoting cell migration to injury sites.

This glossary will be updated as new articles are published. If there is a term you do not see here, reach out to us on WhatsApp and we will add it.

Disclaimer: All information in this glossary is provided for educational purposes. STRIATA peptides are research compounds and are not intended for use as medicines.