SARMs and peptides are both of interest to medical researchers for their potential in various research studies. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to confuse the two.
There are notable differences between them. So, let’s briefly look at SARMs vs. peptides.
How do they work? And how are they being used in research? Keep reading to find out.
What Are SARMs and Peptides?
SARMs
SARMs, known as selective androgen receptor modulators, represent a class of synthetic compounds engineered to mimic the effects of anabolic steroids while circumventing some of their less favorable effects. It’s crucial to emphasize that SARMs are entirely synthetic and do not occur naturally.
These compounds are meticulously crafted within laboratory settings. It’s worth noting that ongoing research is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of SARMs’ properties and effects, as these are research compounds designed for laboratory use only.
Importantly, SARMs currently lack approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption.
Peptides
In contrast, peptides are intricate chains of amino acids. While the human body naturally produces its peptides, they can also be sourced from specific foods. Furthermore, scientists can synthesize peptides in controlled laboratory environments to mimic naturally occurring peptides or create new peptides altogether.
SARMs vs. Peptides: How Do They Work?
SARMs are selective modulators because they target specific androgen receptors. In contrast, anabolic steroids bind to androgen receptors throughout the entire body.
For example, SARMs research states that SARMs focus on stimulating receptors in muscle and bone tissues. At the same time, they have a mild effect on the prostate.
Research indicates that peptides can prompt the body to increase its production of specific components. For instance, research shows that collagen peptides are responsible for increasing collagen production. Increased collagen can make the skin look and feel healthier. Some peptides, like TB-500 and BPC-157, have shown promise in clinical research to heal body tissues; two compounds are still undergoing rigorous research.
Similarly, other data indicates growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRP), like Ipamorelin, can convince the body to release growth hormones. In turn, more growth hormone production can lead to muscle growth. The peptides target the pituitary and hypothalamic receptors.
There are even peptides being studied for their effect on melanin, like Melanotan II, or the lesser-known PT-141.
What’s Their Potential?
The medical community has shown interest in researching SARMs for their effect on muscle wasting disorders like sarcopenia.
Prostate Research
Testosterone treatment for aging males poses a danger to the prostate. Too much testosterone can cause unwanted growth.
That’s why males with enlarged prostates must continually monitor testosterone levels. So, it’s too risky for subjects to use additional testosterone to combat the loss of muscle mass.
SARMs are appealing compounds for investigators to evaluate because of their narrow focus. SARMs are being studied for their ability to target the regrowth of muscle tissue in older males while virtually ignoring the prostate.
Osteoporosis
Recent research evidence indicates a connection between bone health and androgens.
For example, a loss of androgen is not surprising in older males suffering from a hip fracture.
In animal studies, SARMs have shown the ability to increase bone strength. If they prove beneficial in mammals, they could provide an alternative method to fight osteoporosis.
Most SARMs focus on slowing down the body’s ability to reabsorb bone but not on rebuilding it.
SARMs combinations could offer a method for researchers to study how SARMs replace missing bone mass.
Male Contraception
Researchers continue to look for a safe and effective chemical male contraceptive. Current attempts at chemical contraception include the simultaneous combination of testosterone and progestin.
The side effects of testosterone treatment include enlarged male breasts and weight gain. Unfortunately, testosterone also tends to lower HDL cholesterol while increasing hemoglobin.
Research on SARMs like S23 is ongoing to evaluate their potential in replacing traditional testosterone therapies, particularly in the context of oral male contraception. S23 is a selective androgen receptor modulator that can be effectively absorbed when taken orally, making it a promising candidate for development into a pill-based male contraceptive.
Peptides and Medicines
Unlike SARMs, some peptides have the approval of the FDA for human use. So, they appear regularly in various medicines such as insulin.
For example, you can find other FDA-approved peptides in treatments for high blood pressure and diabetes. Peptides may also offer an alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Bacteria have grown resistant to a disturbing number of the antibiotics doctors prescribe throughout the 20th century. So, it has become imperative that modern researchers find replacements.
Living organisms produce peptides that fight bacteria. These peptides have been the inspiration for producing synthetic versions. The goal is to create even more powerful, more versatile peptides.
It is to note that, unlike the peptides just mentioned, the peptides found on Research Chemical are ALL research grade compounds approved only for use in research studies.
Peptides and Growth Hormone
Some synthetic peptides increase the production of the Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). These have been beneficial to science, as research indicates that they are being used to treat children suffering from low levels of GHRH.
In older adults, studies show these same peptides are present and may help slow the aging process related to muscle mass.
Peptides are likely to have few side effects because they have only an indirect impact on muscle growth compared to SARMs. Peptides don’t directly trigger the increase of muscle tissue.
Instead, they signal the body to produce more naturally occurring growth hormones. It’s the body’s natural growth hormone that then directly influences muscle activity.
Peptides are available via several delivery routes suitable for various preferences. Some are available orally, nasally, and sublingually; however, most peptides are destroyed by gastric secretions, and the majority can only be administered via injection.
Where to Purchase Peptides and SARMs
It’s essential to have a trusted source for any research chemical, including SARMs and peptides. Research Chemicals offers research-grade SARMs and peptides, including Epitalon and MK-677.
We offer a convenient ordering process, plus fast shipping to the US. Free shipping is also available for orders over $149.
If you have additional questions about our products, please contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About SARMs vs. Peptides
What are SARMs?
SARMs, are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. They are not naturally occurring and are developed in laboratories. SARMs are not currently FDA-approved for human use.
What are peptides?
Peptides are complex chains of amino acids that can either be naturally produced by the body or synthesized in labs for research purposes only.
How do SARMs work compared to peptides?
SARMs selectively target androgen receptors in specific tissues like muscle and bone, which minimizes their impact on other parts of the body such as the prostate. Peptides, on the other hand, can stimulate the body to produce specific hormones or proteins like collagen and growth hormones, affecting a broader range of biological functions. Both are currently under study for their specific effects.
Are there any FDA-approved peptides?
Yes, unlike SARMs, several peptides have been approved by the FDA for human use, such as insulin.
How are peptides administered compared to SARMs?
While SARMs orally bioavailable, peptides can be administered in various forms including injections, nasal sprays, and sublingual methods. Most peptides are not stable in the gastric environment and are usually administered through injections.
Where can researchers safely purchase peptides and SARMs?
It is important to source research grade forms of these compounds from reputable providers to ensure quality and purity. Some suppliers offer a variety of peptides for research purposes, and they typically provide detailed information on how to purchase and ship these compounds securely.
Scientific Research & References:
1. Zachary J. Solomon, Jorge Rivera Mirabal, M.D., Daniel J. Mazur, M.D., Taylor P. Kohn, Larry I. Lipshultz, M.D., and Alexander W. Pastuszak, M.D. Ph.D. P. (Nov. 30, 2018). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) – Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. National Library of Medicine.
2. S. BHASIN P. (July 10, 2018). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators as Function-Promoting Therapies. National Library of Medicine 2018
3. Katsuhiro Hosoyama, Caitlin Lazurko, Marcelo Muñoz, Christopher D. McTiernan, and Emilio I. Alarcon. P. (Aug. 23, 2019). Peptide-Based Functional Biomaterials for Soft-Tissue Repair. National Library of Medicine. 2019
4. Ayodele, S., Kumar, P., van Eyk, A., & Choonara, Y. E. (2023). Advances in immunomodulatory strategies for host-directed therapies in combating tuberculosis. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 162, 114588.
5. Habbema, L., Halk, A. B., Neumann, M., & Bergman, W. (2017). Risks of unregulated use of alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone analogues: a review. International journal of dermatology, 56(10), 975-980.
6. Cilotti, A., & Falchetti, A. (2009). Male osteoporosis and androgenic therapy: from testosterone to SARMs. Clinical cases in mineral and bone metabolism, 6(3), 229.
7. Zandsalimi, F., Talaei, S., Noormohammad Ahari, M., Aghamiri, S., Raee, P., Roshanzamiri, S., … & Zohrab Zadeh, Z. (2020). Antimicrobial peptides: a promising strategy for lung cancer drug discovery?. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery, 15(11), 1343-1354.
8. Deal, Cheri et al. “Growth hormone treatment of Canadian children: results from the GeNeSIS phase IV prospective observational study.” CMAJ open vol. 6,3 E372-E383. 10 Sep. 2018, doi:10.9778/cmajo.20180020
