Follistatin vs SNAP-8
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →SNAP-8
SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by modulating muscle contraction. It is often called 'topical Botox' though it works through a different mechanism.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | SNAP-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Mimics the N-terminal end of SNAP-25, competing with native SNAP-25 for position in the SNARE complex. This reduces neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction, decreasing muscle contraction. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Topical: 3-10% concentration in serums or creams, applied 1-2 times daily to target areas (forehead, crow's feet, etc.). |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Topical application only. Should be applied to clean skin. Often formulated with penetration enhancers for better absorption. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Generally well-tolerated topically. Rare reports of mild skin irritation. No systemic effects at cosmetic doses. |
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