Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) (200mg)

Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) Peptide

Pentapeptide-18 is the synthetic equivalent of enkephalin, consisting of five amino acids (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu). Research suggests that it may penetrate the skin and prevent the prevalence of lines and wrinkles stemming from extended muscular contractions.^[1] In animal models and in vitro studies, Leuphasyl appears to exhibit similar effects to those seen with paralytic agents such as botulinum toxin. Pentapeptide-18 is the synthetic equivalent of enkephalins—an endorphin peptide responsible for the regulation of nociception.

Specifications

Sequence: Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu

Molecular Formula: C₂₉H₃₉N₅O₇

Molecular Weight: 569.65 g/mol

PubChem: CID 44568

Synonyms: Leuphasyl; NSC-374895

Pentapeptide-18 Research

Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) Experimental Studies
Pentapeptide-18 research in animal models suggest that it may inhibit electrical impulses at the neuromuscular junction—the synaptic space which connects the terminal end of a motor nerve and a muscle. Due to this, Pentapeptide-18 may cause a decrease in muscle tone and contraction in the exact manner as botulinum toxin,^[2] thereby potentially preventing an increase in wrinkle development, depth, and length. Pentapeptide-18 appears to differ from botulinum toxins in that, Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) may reconstituted in a cream formulation.  Studies report that Pentapeptide-18 appeared to decrease wrinkles by a range of 28% – 34.7%.^[3] The researchers “evaluated the regression of the wrinkles between the eyebrows using an imagistic method: pro-derm Analyser.”

Pentapeptide-18 a synthetic equivalent of Enkephali, and appears to mimic the action of enkephalin. Enkephalins are endorphin peptides present in animals and are responsible for regulating the movement, perception of pain, mood, behavior, and neuroendocrine functions.^[4] Scientists explain that also “The enkephalins are one of the three peptide systems that also include beta-endorphins and dynorphins.”
Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) appears to connect enkephalin receptors to nerve cells, causing acetylcholine to be released into the synaptic gap. Leuphasyl appears to cause ACH release by directly modulating synaptic vesicle fusion. After ACH release, Leuphasyl appears to bind to ACH receptors and induce muscle cramps, after which Pentapeptide-18 may immediately inhibit the reaction. There is no concrete explanation as to how Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) does this, but it does appear to function to reduce the prevalence of wrinkles and fine lines on the epidermis while it interferes with neuromuscular signaling.

Scientific research in animal models reported that Pentapeptide-18 appeared to reduce the prevalence of wrinkles by a range of 28% – 34.7%, comparative to botulinum toxin which appears to only reduces wrinkles by 2% to 9%.^[5] Experiments by Dr. Howard Maibach, Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, reported that after presenting Leuphasyl for 28 days, 5% of Pentapeptide-18 alone appeared to reduce wrinkles by about 11%,^[6] while 5% of Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) in combination with 5% of Argireline appeared to reduce wrinkles on average to about 25%, at maximum values of about 47%. The mean wrinkle reductions were 11.64% vs. 16.26% vs. 24.62% for Pentapeptide-18, Argireline, and their combination respectively. In this context, Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) may potentially prevent the development of wrinkles in the skin barrier, while the attached molecule—GHK-cu and Argireline may as an ancillary to reduce any lines formed. Pentapeptide-18 is generally considered by researchers to be preferable to paralytic compounds as it may be incorporated into cream form. Pentapeptide-18 may be incorporated into cream form due to its apparent ability to penetrate skin cells, as posited by in vitro experiments. Its potential may also include the reduction of muscle spasms which contribute to migraines.

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