Use this glossary to:

  • Understand peptide terminology at a glance
  • Decode your protocol or eBook references
  • Build confidence as you explore advanced stacks or new compounds
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A

Amino Acids

The tiny building blocks that form peptides and proteins. Think of them like Legos — when a few are linked together, you get a peptide with a specific message to deliver.

Anabolic

Describes processes that build or grow tissue — often referenced in muscle-building research. Some peptides are studied for their anabolic effects in preclinical settings.

B

Bacteriostatic Water (BAC Water)

Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used to safely reconstitute peptides for research. The alcohol helps preserve the solution when used across multiple days.

Binding Affinity

How strongly a peptide binds to its receptor. A high binding affinity means a more reliable connection — like a magnet that clicks cleanly into place.

Bioregulator Peptides

Peptides studied for their ability to help regulate natural processes in the body — such as tissue repair, inflammation, or hormone release.

C

Carrier Protein

Used to extend a peptide's half-life in research. Example: CJC-1295 with DAC stays active longer.

Cellular Regeneration

The repair or renewal of damaged cells and tissue — common in studies involving BPC-157, TB-500, or GHK-Cu.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

A third-party lab report showing a peptide's identity, purity, and testing results.

Cognitive Peptides

Peptides studied for mood, focus, memory, or dopamine — like Selank, Semax, and Oxytocin.

Cycle (Research Cycle)

A structured timeframe for running a protocol. Example: 5 days on, 2 days off.

D

DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)

A chemical modification that helps peptides bind longer to carrier proteins, extending their half-life.

Dosing Protocol

Research instructions for how much, how often, and how long a peptide is used. All protocols referenced by Lumin are preclinical only.

E

eBook (Lumin Peptides)

Free downloadable guides covering peptide stacks, dosing, reconstitution, and beginner education.

F
G

GH (Growth Hormone)

Involved in muscle growth, fat metabolism, sleep, and recovery. Some peptides stimulate GH release.

GH Axis (Growth Hormone Axis)

Includes hypothalamus, pituitary, and liver. Regulates GH and IGF-1 activity.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

Supports blood sugar control, appetite, and digestion. GLP-1 analogs include Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

H

Half-Life

How long a peptide stays active before breaking down.

Hypothalamus

A brain region controlling hormone signaling, hunger, stress, and growth pathways.

I

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)

A hormone involved in cellular growth and repair. Influenced by GH.

IGF-1 LR3

A modified IGF-1 with longer half-life and higher activity.

Injection (SubQ)

Subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Most common route in peptide protocols.

J
K

Kisspeptin-10

A reproductive signaling peptide studied for stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH).

L

Lipid Metabolism

The process of breaking down or storing fat.

Lyophilized

Freeze-dried peptide powder that must be reconstituted before research use.

M

Metabolic Peptides

Peptides influencing energy balance, appetite, or insulin response.

Microdosing

The practice of using smaller-than-standard doses to observe subtle effects.

N

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

Involved in energy production, mitochondrial health, and aging research.

O
P

Peptides

Short amino acid chains acting as biological messengers.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how substances move through the system.

Preclinical

Research before human trials, typically in lab or animal models.

Protocol

A structured research plan outlining dose, timing, frequency, and duration.

Q
R

Receptor

A protein or molecule that receives signals from peptides.

Reconstitution

Mixing freeze-dried peptide with sterile liquid (usually BAC water).

S

Secretagogue

A compound that signals the system to secrete a hormone — like GH.

Selank / Semax

Cognitive peptides studied for anxiety, dopamine, and neuroprotection.

Stack

A combination of peptides used together for a shared research goal.

SubQ (Subcutaneous Injection)

Injection under the skin using a fine insulin needle.

T

Third-Party Tested

Verified by an independent lab to ensure product quality and purity.

Tissue Regeneration

Repairing or rebuilding cells. Common in BPC-157, TB-500 studies.

U
V
W

Water for Injection (WFI)

Sterile water without preservatives. Safe for one-time use.

X
Y
Z