Follistatin vs Thymalin
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 →Thymalin
Thymalin is a polypeptide preparation derived from calf thymus. Developed in Russia, it has been used for decades to support immune function and has shown potential anti-aging effects in long-term studies.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | Thymalin |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Regulates the ratio of T-cell subpopulations, stimulates cellular immunity, and enhances phagocytosis. Also affects neuroendocrine regulation and may influence melatonin production. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Clinical protocols: 5-20mg daily intramuscularly for 3-10 days. Often cycled 1-2 times per year for maintenance. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Intramuscular injection. Usually administered in short courses rather than continuously. Often combined with Epithalamin for anti-aging protocols. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or temporary flu-like symptoms as immune function is modulated. |
| Best For |