Experimental Peptides, Psychedelics, and Supplements: Key Takeaways

This article explores various protocols and substances that, while lacking full scientific proof in humans, have shown intriguing personal results or strong animal data.

Peptides: BPC-157

The speaker recounts a personal experience with BPC-157, a peptide often discussed in the context of healing and recovery. After three months of heavy pressing exercises, the speaker developed shoulder pain that external rotation work couldn't resolve. Two small injections of BPC-157 (100-200 micrograms each) directly into the affected area completely alleviated the pain. While acknowledging the possibility of a placebo effect, the speaker notes the impressive animal data supporting BPC-157's efficacy.

Further anecdotal evidence comes from pet owners, particularly those with aging dogs. Many have injected their dogs with BPC-157 to address issues like spinal strokes or general age-related limping. These owners report significant improvements in their pets' mobility and well-being, making a placebo argument harder to sustain given the animals' inability to anticipate treatment effects. The speaker emphasizes that much of the existing data on BPC-157 is derived from animal studies.

Peptides: Pinealon

Pinealon is another peptide discussed, which, despite its name, is derived from brain tissue, not the pineal gland (Epithalamin comes from the pineal gland). The speaker experimented with pinealon, taking about a tenth of an International Unit (IU) every third or fourth night. On these nights, the speaker consistently achieved 2.5 to 3 hours of REM sleep within a 6-7 hour sleep cycle. This is a significant amount, as REM-enriched phases typically occur in the later stages of an 8-hour sleep.

Remarkably, the speaker observed that this massive REM increase also occurred on subsequent nights, even without taking pinealon. This led to reducing the frequency of use to once a week or every 10 days, while still maintaining the effect. The only noted downside is a feeling of reduced alertness the following day, though focus remains intact. Some individuals reportedly use pinealon during the day for cognitive work, seeking a "shallow plane of sleep-wake" state, though this is not the speaker's preference. There are also rumors of tech company employees using it for extended, laborious work sessions.

Growth Hormone Secretagogues and Exogenous Growth Hormone

The speaker expresses skepticism about growth hormone secretagogues like Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, and CJC, stating that they consistently disrupted REM sleep and spiked PSA levels.

However, the speaker is intrigued by low-dose exogenous growth hormone, particularly for older individuals. While acknowledging that clinical trial data exists for this, the speaker, at 51, feels it's not yet necessary for personal use, as current well-being is good. The distinction is made between secretagogues (which stimulate the body's own growth hormone production) and exogenous growth hormone (which is directly administered).

Psychedelics: MDMA and Psilocybin Combination Therapy

The discussion shifts to psychedelics, specifically MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and psilocybin for depression and PTSD, both of which have clinical trial data. The speaker highlights a personal experience with combining MDMA and psilocybin in a legal clinical setting, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive therapeutic support before, during, and after the experience.

While psilocybin alone was helpful, it didn't fully resolve certain issues. MDMA was beneficial for processing emotions. The combination, however, was described as "incredible," allowing for the processing of negative feelings and their replacement with positive ones. The speaker notes the lack of extensive data on polypharmacology (combining different psychedelics) and the ongoing challenges in obtaining FDA approval for single-ingredient psychedelic therapies, which often leads people to seek these treatments outside their home countries.

Ibogaine and DMT

The conversation touches on ibogaine, with its intriguing data and anecdotal reports of positive outcomes. The speaker mentions being encouraged to try ibogaine in Mexico but expresses caution, particularly regarding the need for proper clinical settings with heart rate monitoring.

A greater concern is expressed about DMT (dimethyltryptamine). While acknowledging that many people have used DMT without negative consequences, the speaker notes that some individuals who have used it have become "genuinely weird" afterward, suggesting a potential for adverse psychological effects. The speaker references DJ, who has openly discussed his positive experience with DMT, particularly in the context of severe depression and suicidal ideation, where the potential for a worse outcome was minimal.

The speaker also humorously recounts a past experience of waking up in Utah after being with friends, highlighting the unexpected nature of some experiences.

Momentous Supplements

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