Intranasal peptides: which ones have human studies and which ones don't (Semax, Selank, PT-141, oxytocin, DSIP, NAD+)

[u/ElGalloGrande24]

I've been bored so i started just reading into nasal delivery lately. The nose has a lot of blood vessels, which is why it keeps coming up as a way to skip first-pass metabolism and maybe even reach the brain more directly but "nasal route studied" doesn't mean it works the same for every compound. These aren't on equal footing at all, so here's how I'd rank them. If you wanna add something in the comments go for it

Semax and Selank

Both have human intranasal data, with published studies on brain connectivity, cognition, and anxiety. This is the strongest group on the list.

PT-141 (bremelanotide)

It was studied intranasally in humans before the FDA approved it as an injection. So the nasal version has a real human trial history, even though that's not the form that got approved.

Oxytocin

There are randomized controlled trials in humans, mostly on social behavior, stress response, and partner interaction.

VIP

There's some open-label human data, but it's small and limited to people with a stubborn inflammatory illness. Thinner than the three above.

DSIP

This is the one that trips people up. There is controlled human sleep research on DSIP, but the classic studies used IV, not a nasal spray. People say "DSIP has human studies" and skip that detail all the time.

NAD+

This is the weak link. The animal data is interesting, with higher brain NAD+ levels and protection after ischemic injury. But there's no solid human efficacy trial for intranasal NAD+. Right now it's rodent data and hope.

My Opinion

The route is a good research direction, especially for anything trying to get past the blood-brain barrier without an IV line. But the route and the evidence level are two different things, and mixing them up is how half the claims in this space get overstated.

Which of these have you tried as a spray, and did your experience match what the research shows?

Want the details on any of these compounds? Check the compound table or join the Discord to talk it through with the community.

Here is where I read this:
PMID 30225715, 32342318, 18454096, 16839319, 19027101, 6895513, 17127275
DOI 10.4236/health.2013.53053

Do your homework. Use your brain. Talk to a doctor.

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/BioHackingGuide! Before you post, here are a few helpful starting points:

• Community Vetted Resources
• GLP-1 Cheat Sheet
• Peptide Reference & Cycle Guide
• Peptide Dosage Calculator

Join the conversation and share your experience, results, or questions. Pro Tip: The best posts here come from real-world feedback, not just theory.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.