Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Peptides (e.g., GHRP-6, BPC-157) | SARMs (e.g., Ostarine, LGD-4033) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Biological (Amino Acid Chains) | Synthetic (Non-steroidal chemicals) |
| Mechanism | Signaling (HGH release, healing) | Androgen Receptor Binding |
| Systemic Impact | Broad (depends on peptide type) | Tissue Selective (Muscle/Bone) |
| Research Status | Widely used in mainstream medicine | Investigational / Not FDA Approved |
Defining the Distinct Classes
While often grouped together in “performance research” discussions, Peptides and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) operate on fundamentally different biological pathways.
1. Peptides: The Signaling Messengers
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that naturally occur in the body. When introduced exogenously in a research setting, they act as keys to unlock specific functions. For example, GHRH peptides signal the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. They do not alter DNA or androgen receptors directly; they simply amplify existing biological signals.
2. SARMs: Selective Receptor Binding
SARMs are synthetic ligands designed to mimic the effects of testosterone but with “tissue selectivity.” Unlike anabolic steroids which affect all organs (including the prostate and heart), SARMs attempt to target only skeletal muscle and bone tissue. However, they suppress the natural endocrine axis (HPTA), which peptides generally do not do.
Research Application Differences
- Peptides are typically researched for: Injury repair (BPC-157), anti-aging, and metabolic health.
- SARMs are typically researched for: Muscle wasting diseases (cachexia) and osteoporosis.
Safety Profile in Literature
Current literature suggests that peptides have a higher safety profile due to their biological nature. SARMs, being synthetic compounds, have shown greater strain on liver values (hepatotoxicity) in various clinical trials.
