Use this glossary to:
- Understand peptide terminology at a glance
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Decode your protocol or eBook references
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Build confidence as you explore advanced stacks or new compounds
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 in the system — 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. For example, CJC-1295 with DAC includes a drug affinity complex (DAC) to help the compound stay active longer.
Cellular Regeneration
The repair or renewal of damaged cells and tissue — a major focus in peptide 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. Every Lumin product includes a COA so you can verify what you're working with.
Look for: Peptide name, Purity percentage (typically 98%+), Testing date and lab source<
Cognitive Peptides
Peptides studied for their potential to influence mood, focus, memory, or dopamine — like Selank, Semax, and Oxytocin.
Cycle (Research Cycle)
A structured timeframe for running a protocol. For example: 5 days on, 2 days off, for 8–12 weeks. Cycles allow researchers to track effects, adjust stacks, or implement rest periods between study phases.
D
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
A chemical modification that helps certain peptides (like CJC-1295 with DAC) bind to carrier proteins, extending their half-life in the system.
Dosing Protocol
A set of research instructions for how much, how often, and for how long a peptide is used. All protocols referenced by Lumin are drawn from preclinical research only.
E
eBook (Lumin Peptides)
Free downloadable guides that simplify peptide research. Lumin's eBooks include protocol frameworks, stack ideas, dosing and reconstitution walkthroughs, and beginner education. If you're unsure where to start, this is where.
G
GH (Growth Hormone)
A hormone studied for its role in muscle growth, fat metabolism, sleep, and recovery. Certain peptides stimulate GH release in research models.
GH Axis (Growth Hormone Axis)
The biological pathway that includes your hypothalamus, pituitary, and liver — regulating GH and related signals like IGF-1. Peptides like Sermorelin, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin are studied for how they interact with this axis.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
A hormone that supports blood sugar control, appetite suppression, and digestion. GLP-1 receptor agonists — like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Cagrilintide — are heavily researched for metabolic and weight regulation purposes.
H
Half-Life
How long a peptide stays active before it breaks down. A longer half-life means fewer doses may be needed per research cycle.
Hypothalamus
A brain region that controls hormone signaling. It's where many peptides act to initiate systemic effects — including those related to hunger, stress, and growth.
I
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
A hormone influenced by GH that supports cellular growth and repair. Often studied alongside GH secretagogues.
IGF-1 LR3
A modified version of IGF-1 with a longer half-life and higher activity. Studied in research related to muscle growth and tissue repair.
Injection (SubQ)
Subcutaneous injection (see: SubQ) is the most common route referenced in Lumin's peptide protocols.
K
Kisspeptin-10
A reproductive signaling peptide studied for its potential to stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) and support fertility in lab models.
L
Lipid Metabolism
The process of breaking down or storing fat. Metabolic peptides like Tesamorelin or GLP-1 analogs are often studied in this context.
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried — the form peptides are shipped in. These powders must be reconstituted with sterile water before use in research.
M
Metabolic Peptides
Peptides involved in regulating energy balance, appetite, insulin response, or body composition. GLP-1s, Tesamorelin, and MOTS-c fall under this category.
Microdosing
The practice of using smaller-than-standard doses in research to explore subtler effects or minimize saturation.
N
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
A molecule involved in energy production and mitochondrial health. NAD+ injections are studied for their potential in aging, fatigue, and repair research.
P
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids that act as biological messengers — signaling cells to perform certain functions. They're smaller than proteins but capable of very specific actions, such as promoting recovery, improving metabolic health, or enhancing cognitive performance. Peptides are studied across fields like endocrinology, regenerative medicine, and neurology.
Pharmacokinetics
The study of how substances move through the system — including absorption, distribution, and breakdown. Understanding pharmacokinetics helps researchers time doses, select delivery methods, and compare compounds.
Preclinical
Describes early research that occurs before human testing, typically in lab or animal models. Lumin Peptides is strictly positioned within the preclinical research space — not for human use.
Protocol
A protocol is a structured research plan — outlining dose, timing, frequency, and duration. It's not a prescription, but a standardized rhythm for observing peptide effects.
R
Receptor
A protein or molecule on a cell surface that receives signals. Peptides bind to receptors to initiate biological processes, like GH release or inflammation modulation.
Reconstitution
The act of mixing freeze-dried peptide powder with a sterile liquid (usually BAC Water) to create a research-ready solution. Lumin provides reconstitution calculators to simplify the math.
1.2mL BAC Water into 12mg = 0.1mg per 10 units
S
Secretagogue
A compound that signals your body (or model system) to secrete a hormone — like GH. Sermorelin and Ipamorelin are GH secretagogues.
Selank / Semax
Two cognitive peptides commonly stacked or compared. Studied for anxiety, dopamine, and neuroprotection in preclinical work.
Stack
A combination of peptides used together in a single protocol. Each stack targets a shared goal, such as skin regeneration or fat loss. Lumin's eBooks outline popular research stacks like the Hulk Stack (muscle) or Glow Protocol (skin).
SubQ (Subcutaneous Injection)
SubQ injections go just under the skin using a fine insulin needle. They're the most common administration route in peptide research — typically to the stomach or thigh.
T
Third-Party Tested
Means the product has been verified by an independent lab — not just the manufacturer. This ensures transparency and trust in peptide quality.
Tissue Regeneration
The process of repairing or rebuilding cells. Peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu are widely studied for their regenerative effects.
W
Water for Injection (WFI)
Sterile water without preservatives. It's safe for one-time use but not ideal for multi-dose vials — BAC Water is preferred for longer-term storage.