Peptides are short chains of amino acids that show promise in therapeutic applications for vascular (e.g., endothelial function, blood flow) and brain health (e.g., neuroprotection, cognition) based on preclinical and clinical studies. Many cross the blood-brain barrier, offering dual potential. Research is ongoing, with evidence from animal models, human trials, and reviews. Always consult a healthcare provider knowledgeable in peptide therapy before use, as these are not FDA-approved for all indications and may have side effects.
Vascular, and more importantly, microvascular health is the biggest contributor to whether a person develops a chronic condition or remains healthy throughout life. Everyone’s microvascular system is damaged as we age for various reasons. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t reverse it and improve our microvascular health.
What is microvascular health? The microvascular system comprises the tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which comprise 99% of the entire vascular system. The only place that nutrient exchange happens is in the capillaries. There is no nutrient exchange to the tissues from arteries or veins.
Everyone’s microvascular system succumbs to the stresses and strains of our modern, polluted, over-stressed, nutritionally inadequate, and sedentary lifestyles. Three things happen to it as we age:
1. The inner protective covering called the glycocalyx breaks down, leaving the epithelial lining exposed to damage.
2. The diameter of the vessels becomes constricted due to damage to mitochondria in their smooth muscle walls. This reduced diameter reduces nutrient & oxygen delivery to the trillions of cells and hundreds of trillions of mitochondria that compose our body.
3. The smallest, most numerous capillaries (4 microns) break down and die. We lose 40-90% of our capillaries as we age unless we do something to counter it.
For this reason, one of the best things a person can do to enhance their health and bulletproof themselves from the effects of aging is to restore good microvascular health. In my opinion, the most important thing to do is EWOT (exercise with oxygen therapy). It is the only thing ever documented to open and reset the microvascular system to youthful levels. There are specific nutrients that can help restore a healthy glycocalyx. Proper nutrition plus peptides are the other primary things that can help to regenerate and restore the entire microvascular system.
Key Peptides for Vascular Health
Several peptides play essential roles in supporting vascular health by promoting vasodilation, angiogenesis, endothelial repair, and overall cardiovascular protection.
Natriuretic Peptides (e.g., ANP, BNP) help preserve endothelial and vascular smooth muscle health. They also reduce inflammation and fibrosis while lowering blood pressure. These peptides are commonly used diagnostically and therapeutically in heart failure, as they interact with key pathways such as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS).
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator that protects against ischemia and enhances cardiac output and vascular tone. Initially discovered in pheochromocytoma, Adrenomedullin has shown promising benefits in models of hypertension and heart disease.
Urocortin (UCN) and Urotensin-II (Uro-II) modulate vascular tone, reduce inflammation, and provide cardioprotection, particularly in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Both peptides have vasoactive roles and potential in managing cardiovascular diseases and heart failure.
BPC-157 accelerates wound healing, promotes angiogenesis, regulates blood pressure, and reduces hemorrhage. This gut-derived peptide has demonstrated effectiveness in vascular repair models and tissue regeneration studies.
Thymosin Beta-4 stimulates new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues. It plays a vital role in tissue repair and supports vascular remodeling following injury.
Cortistatin protects both the heart and blood vessels through its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This endogenous peptide has broad cardiovascular applications and may help reduce vascular inflammation.
Ventfort Bioregulator, known as the “vascular repair peptide,” is designed to enhance vascular function and repair damaged vessels.
Key Peptides for Brain Health:
Just like any other organ, the brain depends heavily on a healthy microvascular system. Supporting cerebral microcirculation is essential for maintaining optimal brain function, neurogenesis, and protection against age-related decline. These peptides enhance neurogenesis, synaptic function, cognition, and neuroprotection, often showing promise in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Semax boosts memory and focus while offering neuroprotective effects during stroke. It upregulates immune and vascular genes that improve brain oxygenation. Developed as a synthetic analog of ACTH, Semax is used in Russia for cognitive enhancement and neurological recovery.
Selank reduces anxiety, balances neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and enhances mental clarity and stress resilience. It functions as an anxiolytic agent and modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways.
Dihexa promotes synaptogenesis, enhances learning and memory, and helps slow Alzheimer’s disease progression through anti-inflammatory actions. It mimics angiogenesis-like effects in the brain and shows potential in combating cognitive decline.
Cerebrolysin mimics neurotrophic factors to repair neurons after traumatic brain injury or stroke. It has been clinically used in Europe to improve recovery in dementia and neurotrauma cases, being derived from porcine brain tissue. Known as Cellex, it is sometimes referred to as the “stroke restoration peptide.”
Epithalon stimulates neurogenesis, acts as an antioxidant in the brain, and enhances melatonin and telomerase production—supporting both longevity and cognitive function. Derived from the pineal gland, it has been shown to extend lifespan in animal models.
Pinealon protects neurons from oxidative stress, improves attention and learning, and aids recovery after brain injury. This synthetic peptide targets DNA stabilization and has been shown to help aging brains maintain cognitive function.
PE-22-28, a Spadin analog, rapidly induces neurogenesis and combats the cognitive deficits seen after depression or stroke. It enhances mood, decision-making, and brain plasticity, helping sustain healthy neural networks.
Peptides with Dual Benefits (Vascular + Brain):
Some peptides provide dual benefits for both vascular and brain health due to their shared mechanisms, such as improved cerebral blood flow, enhanced angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation.
BPC-157 supports angiogenesis, regulates blood pressure, and reduces hemorrhage, while also offering neuroprotective benefits in traumatic brain injury and ischemia. It modulates neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and supports the gut-brain axis, reducing hippocampal damage and improving overall resilience.
Cerebrolysin improves cerebral perfusion and treats vascular dementia by enhancing neurotrophic activity. Clinical trials demonstrate its ability to reduce neuronal death and support recovery after stroke or traumatic injury.
Epithalon has been shown to lower cardiovascular mortality while normalizing lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In the brain, it supports neurogenesis, acts as an antioxidant, and prevents age-related cognitive decline. A long-term study even found a 28% reduction in cardiovascular mortality among Epithalon-treated patients.
Semax upregulates vascular genes that improve brain nourishment and oxygenation. It enhances memory, aids in stroke therapy, and modulates immune functions. Gene expression studies confirm its role in supporting cerebral vasculature.
Collagen Mimetic Peptides repair cerebrovascular collagen, helping maintain vascular integrity during neurodegenerative processes. They also preserve brain structure and function against vascular damage associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, showing potential as novel therapeutics.
For deeper exploration, refer to reviews from Frontiers in Neuroscience, NIH publications, and other clinical journals. Emerging peptide candidates such as PNA5 (for vascular dementia) and VGF/TCAPs (for neuropsychiatric disorders) show promise and warrant ongoing research. Moreover, lifestyle factors—including diet, exercise, and stress management—complement peptide-based therapies and are essential for optimizing both vascular and brain health.