Overview
Binds to G-protein-coupled opioid receptors on presynaptic neurons, inhibiting calcium influx and vesicle fusion.
Proposed mechanism
Pentapeptide-18 is a Leu-enkephalin analog that binds to opioid receptors on nerve terminals, reducing acetylcholine release and muscle contraction.
What the evidence supports
Human data exists but the trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.
Graded Human-limited
Human data that exists but is thin: open-label work, single-arm studies, small cohorts, or observational follow-up without randomisation.
Key citations
Representative primary sources, including results that did not favour the compound.
- [1]
Leuphasyl cosmetic study
· DOI:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00363.x · 2008
- [2]
Neuropeptides in anti-aging
· DOI:10.1111/jocd.12690 · 2018
- [3]
Leuphasyl cosmetic study (2008)
· · 0
- [4]
Neuropeptides in anti-aging (2018)
· · 0
Citation records in this build are illustrative placeholders for the design.
Reference information for research purposes. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use any compound. Many entries describe substances that are not approved for human use.