Biohacking means trying to improve how your own body works and measuring the result. People use sleep, food, fasting, heat and cold, exercise and sometimes research compounds. Two things set it apart from general wellness. It runs on data, such as blood markers and wearables, checked against a baseline. And it treats the body as linked systems, each of which responds to specific inputs. Bioactive Index covers one part of that picture: the research on peptides and related compounds. Everything here carries an evidence label and lists its sources. We do not set protocols, suggest doses or make health claims. We describe what the studies show and where they stop.
Sections
- Peptide research Short chains of amino acids studied for tissue repair, growth hormone release, immune function and brain health. Section
- Longevity and metabolism Research on aging, blood sugar control and how well cells make energy. Section
Compound guides
- Ipamorelin A five-amino-acid peptide that switches on the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a). It released growth hormone with little effect on cortisol, ACTH or prolactin. Preclinical
- CJC-1295 No DAC A 29-amino-acid copy of GHRH with four swaps that slow its breakdown. It lacks the DAC linker that binds albumin, so it acts for hours, not days. Preclinical
- Semax Semax is a seven amino acid peptide made from a piece of ACTH. Russia approves it for stroke and thinking problems. Animal studies link it to higher BDNF. Approved Pharma
- Selank Selank is a lab-made copy of the immune peptide tuftsin with a stabilizing tail. Russia approves it as a nasal spray for anxiety. Most studies used animals. Approved Pharma
- MOTS-c A 16-amino-acid peptide coded in mitochondrial DNA. Tested in mice and small human groups for AMPK signaling, blood sugar control and exercise-like effects. Preclinical / Early Clinical
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) A lab-made peptide (elamipretide) that binds cardiolipin in mitochondria. Tested in animals and human trials for how well mitochondria make energy. Early Clinical
- GHK-Cu A three-amino-acid peptide that carries copper. Hundreds of cell and animal studies tested it for collagen, wound healing and gene activity. Preclinical
- NAD+ A coenzyme that cells need for energy, DNA repair and sirtuin enzymes. Evidence runs from basic chemistry to small human trials with mixed results. Mixed Evidence
- Epithalon Epithalon is a four amino acid peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). Scientists have tested it in cells and rodents for effects on telomerase, the pineal gland and lifespan. Preclinical
- Kisspeptin A small brain protein from the KISS1 gene that tells the body to release GnRH. Tested in early human trials on fertility, IVF and late puberty. Early Clinical