Pillar Guide

Peptides for Muscle Growth

Research-backed guide to peptides studied for muscle growth, recovery, and athletic performance. Understand how BPC-157, TB-500, and growth hormone secretagogues work.

Healing Peptides GH Peptides

How Peptides Support Muscle Growth

Peptides researched for muscle building work through several mechanisms: accelerating tissue repair, stimulating growth hormone release, and reducing inflammation that impairs recovery.

Important: Peptides discussed here are for research purposes only. Many are not approved for human use and require proper medical supervision for any application.

Healing Peptides

BPC-157, TB-500 - Focus on tissue repair and recovery acceleration

GH Secretagogues

Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, GHRP-6 - Stimulate natural growth hormone release

Healing & Recovery Peptides

Most Researched

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice. It's one of the most studied peptides for tissue healing in animal models.

Research Findings
  • Accelerates tendon and ligament healing
  • Promotes angiogenesis (blood vessel formation)
  • Reduces inflammation markers
  • Protects and heals gut lining
  • May have neuroprotective effects
Muscle Relevance
  • Faster recovery from injuries
  • Tendon/ligament repair support
  • Reduced downtime from training
  • Joint health maintenance

Research dosing: 200-300mcg, 1-2x daily (animal studies)

Recovery Focus

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide in human and animal cells that plays a role in tissue repair.

Research Findings
  • Promotes cell migration and differentiation
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Supports blood vessel growth
  • Flexibility and range of motion
  • Soft tissue repair acceleration
Muscle Relevance
  • Muscle fiber repair
  • Injury recovery acceleration
  • Reduced scar tissue formation
  • Improved flexibility

Research dosing: 2-2.5mg, 2x weekly (loading), then 2-2.5mg weekly (maintenance)

Growth Hormone Secretagogues

These peptides stimulate the pituitary gland to release natural growth hormone, which supports muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery.

Selective

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that triggers GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels.

Benefits
  • Increases growth hormone release
  • Minimal cortisol/prolactin impact
  • Supports lean muscle development
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Generally well-tolerated
Considerations
  • Best taken on empty stomach
  • Often combined with CJC-1295
  • Effects are gradual, not immediate
Long-Acting

CJC-1295 (with DAC)

CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that extends the half-life of GH pulses. The DAC version provides sustained release.

Benefits
  • Extended GH elevation (days vs hours)
  • Increased IGF-1 levels
  • Supports muscle protein synthesis
  • May improve body composition
Notes
  • DAC version: weekly dosing
  • No-DAC version: more frequent dosing
  • Often stacked with GHRP peptides

Other GH Peptides

GHRP-6

Strong GH release, increases hunger (ghrelin), good for those needing appetite stimulation.

GHRP-2

Similar to GHRP-6 but with less appetite stimulation. Moderate cortisol/prolactin effects.

Hexarelin

Strongest GHRP, but causes cortisol/prolactin elevation. Body builds tolerance over time.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Oral GH secretagogue (not a peptide). 24-hour GH elevation. Water retention common.

Peptide Comparison for Muscle Goals

Peptide Primary Mechanism Best For Onset
BPC-157 Tissue repair, angiogenesis Injury recovery, tendons/joints 1-2 weeks
TB-500 Cell migration, inflammation Soft tissue, flexibility 2-4 weeks
Ipamorelin GH release (selective) Lean mass, recovery, sleep 4-8 weeks
CJC-1295 Sustained GH elevation Body composition, IGF-1 4-12 weeks
GHRP-6 GH release + appetite Mass gain, appetite 2-4 weeks

Common Research Combinations

Research Note: The following combinations are discussed in research literature. They are not recommendations for human use.
Recovery Focus
BPC-157 + TB-500

Synergistic healing - BPC-157 for tendon/gut, TB-500 for soft tissue and flexibility

GH Optimization
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 (no DAC)

GHRP + GHRH combination amplifies GH pulse. Taken pre-bed or fasted morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

For direct muscle growth support, growth hormone secretagogues like Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 are most commonly researched. For recovery and injury healing (which indirectly supports muscle building), BPC-157 and TB-500 are widely studied. The "best" choice depends on your specific research goals.

BPC-157 works primarily through angiogenesis and growth factor modulation, showing particular benefit for tendons, ligaments, and gut healing. TB-500 works through actin regulation and cell migration, showing benefits for soft tissue healing and flexibility. Many researchers use both together for complementary effects.

Legality varies by country and intended use. In many regions, these peptides can be legally purchased for research purposes only. They are not FDA-approved for human use. Some are banned by athletic organizations like WADA. Always verify local regulations before acquiring any peptides.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides discussed are not approved for human use by the FDA. Always consult with qualified medical professionals. Do not use any substance without proper medical supervision.