These are the rules we follow when we write and update a guide.
Evidence labels
Every compound guide carries a label that shows how far the research has gone. There are three:
- Preclinical: The compound has been tested only in cells in a dish, in animals, or both. No human trial has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Most research peptides sit here.
- Human Trials: At least one peer-reviewed trial in people has been published. This does not mean the compound is approved or recommended. It only means human data exists.
- Mixed: There is both animal research and early human research, but the results are thin, narrow or do not agree. More research is needed before anyone can draw a conclusion.
We review the labels as new studies come out. A label describes the published research. It is not our opinion on whether a compound works.
Sources
Every factual claim in a guide must be backed by published, peer-reviewed research.
- Our main sources are journal articles listed in PubMed, Google Scholar or a similar database.
- We do not use supplier data sheets, marketing material, blog posts, forums or social media as evidence.
- When we cite a review or a pooled analysis instead of an original study, we say so, and we point to the original studies where we can.
- Each source is linked in the text and listed again in the References section at the end of the guide.
- We may mention a preprint, a study that has not yet been peer reviewed. When we do, we label it clearly.