Research Methodology

How Peptpedia collects, evaluates, and presents research peptide data

Data Sources

Peptpedia compiles data exclusively from primary and secondary scientific sources. We do not incorporate anecdotal community reports, vendor claims, or non-peer-reviewed content. Our primary data sources include:

  • PubMed / NCBI — The central database for peer-reviewed biomedical literature. All PubMed-indexed citations include their PMID for direct verification.
  • PubMed Central (PMC) — Open-access full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.
  • ClinicalTrials.gov — U.S. registry of clinical research studies, used to document human trial status and phase.
  • FDA / EMA regulatory filings — For peptides with approved or investigational drug status, regulatory submissions provide authoritative pharmacokinetic and safety data.
  • PubChem — NCBI's chemistry database, used to verify molecular formulas, CAS numbers, and structural data.
  • UniProt — For sequence data and biological function annotations on naturally occurring peptides.

Research Status Rating System

Each observed effect listed on a peptide page is assigned a Research Status rating. This rating reflects the quantity, quality, and consistency of the supporting evidence in the published literature — not a recommendation or endorsement.

Extensive

Multiple independent, well-designed studies (including human trials where available) consistently demonstrate this effect. Large body of converging evidence across multiple research groups.

Moderate

Several studies document this effect, but the evidence base has limitations — such as small sample sizes, reliance on animal models, or a lack of independent replication.

Preliminary

Early-stage or limited research (typically one to three studies, or primarily in vitro / animal data) suggests this effect. Findings should be considered exploratory.

Limited

Sparse or conflicting evidence. Mechanistic plausibility may exist, but direct experimental support is minimal or absent in the current literature.

Research status ratings are assigned by the editorial team and reviewed by the Medical Review Board. Ratings are updated whenever new significant studies are published.

Molecular and Pharmacokinetic Data

Molecular data on each peptide page — including molecular formula, molecular weight, CAS number, and amino acid sequence — is verified against PubChem and primary research publications.

Pharmacokinetic data (half-life, bioavailability, metabolic pathways) is sourced directly from published pharmacokinetic studies where available. When formal PK studies are not available for a given peptide, we clearly indicate that values are estimated or derived from related compound research.

For peptides with limited human PK data, we present animal model data with explicit notation that these findings may not translate directly to human physiology.

Dosing Information

Dosing information presented on Peptpedia is derived exclusively from published research protocols. All doses, routes of administration, and frequencies are cited from specific studies. We do not provide dosing recommendations.

Where multiple studies used different protocols, we present the range observed across the literature and note the research context (e.g., animal model, phase I human trial). Dosing data is presented in tabular form to support clarity and comparability.

Limitations and Scope

Peptpedia covers research peptides — substances studied in laboratory settings whose regulatory approval status varies by jurisdiction. Users should be aware of the following scope limitations:

  • Most peptides on this site have not completed human clinical trials. The majority of evidence is from in vitro cell studies or animal models.
  • Animal study results frequently do not replicate in humans. We indicate the study model (in vitro, rodent, human) for each cited finding.
  • Research status ratings reflect the current literature and are subject to change as new studies are published.
  • We do not cover underground synthesis, vendor purity claims, or user-reported effects.

Related Policies

Last updated: January 2026