Research peptides come with their own vocabulary — from COA to lyophilisation to GHRH. This glossary puts the most important terms side by side, briefly and clearly, with a link to the full guide where you can dive deeper.
This glossary briefly explains the recurring technical terms in peptide research — not a product overview (see the peptide A-Z for that), but a reference for terms like COA, HPLC, GHRH and lyophilisation. For research context only.
Basic terms
Peptide — a short chain of 2 to roughly 50 amino acids, linked by peptide bonds. See what are peptides and the origin of the word.
Peptide bond — the covalent amide bond between two amino acids, formed by condensation. See what is a peptide bond.
Amino acid — the individual molecular building block from which peptides and proteins are constructed.
Research-only — intended solely for laboratory and research purposes, not for consumption or medical use. See are peptides legal and are peptides safe.
Purity and analysis
COA (Certificate of Analysis) — an independent lab report confirming the purity and identity of one specific batch. See how to read a COA.
HPLC — High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, the technique that separates a sample and determines the purity percentage. See what is HPLC.
Mass spectrometry — a technique that measures molecular weight, confirming a peptide's molecular identity. See what is mass spectrometry.
Lot number / batch number — the unique number on the label that links a vial to its corresponding COA, essential for traceability.
Form and storage
Lyophilisation — freeze-drying: water is removed by sublimation, allowing a peptide to be stored and shipped as a stable powder. See what is lyophilisation.
Reconstitution — dissolving lyophilised powder in bacteriostatic water to a workable concentration. See how to reconstitute peptides.
Bacteriostatic water — water for injection with 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative, suitable for repeated puncturing. See bacteriostatic water.
Cold chain — the storage and transport chain that stays within a temperature range; mainly matters for peptides in solution, not for dry powder. See cold chain and peptides.
Half-life — the time it takes for a substance's concentration to fall by half, always measured within a specific system. See peptide half-lives.
Synthesis and naming
SPPS (solid-phase peptide synthesis) — the standard method for chemically building a peptide on a resin bead, one amino acid at a time. See solid-phase peptide synthesis.
Peptide nomenclature — the logic behind peptide names: sometimes the amino acid sequence itself (such as GHK), sometimes a programme code (such as BPC-157). See peptide nomenclature explained.
Growth-hormone terminology
GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) — the hormone that prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone; GHRH analogues such as CJC-1295 mimic this. See growth-hormone peptides.
GHRP (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide) — a ghrelin-mimetic peptide, such as ipamorelin, that influences growth-hormone release via a different point of action than GHRH.
Secretagogue — an umbrella term for substances (such as GHRH analogues and GHRPs) that stimulate the release of growth hormone, as opposed to HGH itself, which is the end product.
This glossary is general and educational. Peptide Lab supplies research peptides for laboratory and research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption, not a medicine and not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions about this glossary
What is the difference between this glossary and the peptide A-Z?
The peptide A-Z (/peptiden) is an alphabetical overview of every product in the catalogue. This glossary explains general terminology — terms like COA, lyophilisation or GHRH — that come up across almost every research peptide.
What is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis: a lab report from an independent laboratory that confirms the purity and identity of one specific batch. See the full explanation in how to read a COA.
What does 'research-only' mean?
It indicates that a product is intended and permitted solely for laboratory and research purposes — not for human or animal consumption, and without health or usage claims.
Why doesn't this list include chemical units or dosing?
Because this glossary explains terms only, not usage advice. For purity and batch verification, see the guide on COAs; for reconstitution, see the calculator.
