The Peptide Reference
The Peptide Reference
References
Reference/Categories

Cognitive

19 compounds
Sorted by evidence heldOpen in browse →
Adamax
1032.24 Da · 9 aa

Synthetic nootropic peptide with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal adamantane modification for superior stability and blood-brain barrier penetration, researched for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and neuroplasticity.

Full monograph
Ara 290
1257 Da · 11 aa

Ara 290 is an engineered 11-amino acid peptide activating the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) to provide tissue-protective effects without red blood cell stimulation. Has FDA Orphan Drug status.

Full monograph
Cyclic Glycine-Proline
154.17 Da · 2 aa

Endogenous cyclic dipeptide found in plasma, breast milk, and cerebrospinal fluid. Functions as metabolite of IGF-1, regulating its bioavailability through competitive binding to IGFBP-3. Demonstrates neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, and cardioprotective properties supported by clinical trials.

Full monograph
Dihexa
504.7 Da

Dihexa is a synthetic oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that potently enhances cognitive function by promoting synaptogenesis. It is 10 million times more potent than BDNF at promoting synapse formation through HGF/c-Met receptor activation.

Full monograph
DNSP-11
1200 Da · 11 aa

DNSP-11 is an 11-amino acid peptide derived from the pro-domain of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). It was designed to capture the neuroprotective properties of GDNF while avoiding the limitations of the full-length protein, including poor blood-brain barrier penetration, off-target effects, and manufacturing complexity. Preclinical research demonstrates that DNSP-11 protects and stimulates dopaminergic neurons, making it a compound of significant interest for Parkinson's disease research and biohacking communities focused on dopamine system health.

Full monograph
DSIP
848.81 Da · 9 aa

DSIP is a naturally occurring nonapeptide discovered in 1974 in rabbit brain. Originally isolated for sleep-promoting properties, it has diverse neuromodulatory effects including stress reduction, pain modulation, and endocrine regulation without traditional sedative effects.

Full monograph
FGL
1500 Da

FGL is a synthetic peptide derived from the second fibronectin type III module of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). It mimics the interaction between NCAM and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), activating downstream signaling cascades that promote synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. Research has primarily been conducted in animal models, where FGL has shown promise for cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, and neurodegenerative disease models.

Full monograph
NA Semax Amidate
1007.16 Da · 7 aa

Enhanced and stabilized version of Russian nootropic Semax with superior stability, extended half-life, and enhanced bioavailability through acetylation and amidation modifications.

Full monograph
Selank
751.89 Da · 7 aa

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the naturally occurring immune peptide tuftsin, developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It provides anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, amnesia, tolerance, or withdrawal.

Full monograph
Semax
813.93 Da · 7 aa

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragment 4-10, originally developed in Russia for stroke recovery. It achieves enhanced CNS penetration through direct transport via olfactory epithelium and trigeminal nerves, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.

Full monograph
Adalank
792.93 Da · 7 aa

Enhanced derivative of Selank with improved stability, blood-brain barrier penetration, and extended half-life compared to parent compound. Parent compound Selank approved in Russia since early 2000s.

Partial
Cortagen
416 Da · 4 aa

Cortagen is a Khavinson bioregulator tetrapeptide (AEDP) with primary effects on the brain and central nervous system. Developed at Russia's St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it regulates inflammatory responses in the nervous system, restores balance between pro- and anti-oxidative processes, and stimulates interleukin-2 expression. Research shows potential benefits for ischemic brain injury recovery, nerve regeneration, and reducing autoimmune reactions affecting the CNS.

Partial
Humanin
2687 Da · 24 aa

Humanin was the first mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) discovered, originally cloned from the occipital lobe of an Alzheimer's patient. It is a 24-amino acid peptide encoded from the 16S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA with potent neuroprotective, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic properties. Research shows humanin levels decline with age but remain stable in long-lived species like naked mole-rats, and offspring of centenarians have significantly higher humanin levels.

Partial
NA-Selank Amidate
864 Da · 7 aa

NA-Selank Amidate is an enhanced version of Selank, the anxiolytic nootropic peptide developed at Russia's Institute of Molecular Genetics. The N-acetyl group improves blood-brain barrier penetration and creates more stable metabolites, while the C-terminal amidation further enhances metabolic stability and receptor binding. Unlike benzodiazepines, it provides anxiety relief without sedation, dependency, or cognitive impairment.

Partial
Oxytocin
1007.19 Da · 9 aa

Nine-amino-acid peptide hormone produced in hypothalamus, released by posterior pituitary. Functions in social bonding, trust, empathy, reproduction, childbirth, lactation. FDA-approved synthetically for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage.

Partial
P21
1100 Da

P21 is a nootropic peptide derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) that enhances neurogenesis and cognitive function. It contains an adamantane moiety that enables blood-brain barrier penetration. Research shows it increases BDNF expression, inhibits LIF signaling to promote neurogenesis, and reduces tau and amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease models. Remarkably, P21 can boost neurogenesis in diseased brains above levels seen in healthy untreated brains.

Partial
PE-22-28
773.89 Da · 7 aa

Synthetic heptapeptide derived from Spadin positions 22-28, functioning as potent TREK-1 antagonist with enhanced selectivity and duration versus parent compound. Primary research focus on rapid antidepressant effects.

Partial
Pinealon
418.4 Da · 3 aa

Developed in Russia, Pinealon demonstrates unique DNA-interaction for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Benefits traumatic brain injury recovery and age-related cognitive decline with excellent safety profile.

Partial
VIP
3326 Da · 28 aa

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the glucagon/secretin superfamily. It is produced in many tissues including the gut, pancreas, and brain. VIP has potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, triggering cAMP-mediated signaling cascades. Research shows therapeutic potential for pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.

Partial