Follistatin vs Syn-Ake
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 →Syn-Ake
Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom. It's used in cosmetics for anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Syn-Ake |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Acts as a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, reducing muscle contractions similar to Botox but through a different mechanism. Provides muscle-relaxing effects when applied topically. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Topical: 1-4% concentration in serums or creams. Applied 1-2 times daily to target areas like forehead and crow's feet. |
| 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 combined with other anti-aging peptides for synergistic effects. |
| 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 or sensitivity. |
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