Astressin B
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
Astressin is a peptide originally developed to help regulate the body’s stress response by blocking a hormone called CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor). This hormone is involved in how the body reacts to stress, and when overactive, it can contribute to inflammation, anxiety, and even hair loss. By blocking CRF, Astressin helps reduce the impact of chronic stress on various organs and systems, offering potential benefits for both mood and physical health.
One of the most interesting uses of Astressin is in hair restoration. In animal studies, it was shown to reverse stress-related hair loss by calming the hormonal pathways that suppress hair growth. It doesn't directly stimulate hair like minoxidil, but rather creates a healthier internal environment for the body to naturally regrow hair. Because of its stress-modulating effects, Astressin is being studied for broader anti-aging and wellness applications.
Protocols
1. Stress Reduction & Anxiety Management
Dosage: 50–100 μg subcutaneously (SC) once daily
Cycle Duration: 4 weeks
Break Duration: 2 weeks off before resuming
Stacking: Can be combined with peptides like Selank for enhanced anxiolytic effects
Expected Benefits: Reduced anxiety levels, decreased cortisol production, improved mood stability
2. Stress-Induced Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Dosage: 100 μg SC every other day
Cycle Duration: 6 weeks
Break Duration: 4 weeks off before another cycle
Stacking: Often paired with BPC-157 for hair follicle regeneration
Expected Benefits: Restoration of hair growth in stress-related alopecia, reduced hair thinning
3. Gastrointestinal Health (IBS & Inflammation)
Dosage: 50–150 μg SC once daily
Cycle Duration: 4 weeks
Break Duration: 2 weeks off before resuming
Stacking: Best combined with KPV for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects in the gut
Expected Benefits: Alleviation of IBS symptoms, reduced gut inflammation, improved digestion
Further reading
Astressin-B’s ability to block CRF receptors has sparked significant interest in the field of stress physiology. The CRF system is a central component of the body’s stress response, influencing not only the release of cortisol but also affecting mood, behavior, and immune function. Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. In mouse models, Astressin-B injections restored hair growth by reducing CRF levels, highlighting its potential as a novel treatment for stress-induced alopecia.
In the context of gastrointestinal health, Astressin-B has demonstrated efficacy in reducing inflammation and normalizing gut motility. CRF receptors are abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, and their overactivation can lead to symptoms associated with IBS, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. By blocking these receptors, Astressin-B can modulate the stress-related dysfunction in the gut, offering a new avenue for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Additionally, Astressin-B’s role in stress management extends to the immune system. Chronic stress is known to suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases. By attenuating the stress response, Astressin-B may help maintain a balanced immune system, potentially reducing inflammation and improving overall health. Future research will likely focus on optimizing its delivery and understanding its long-term safety profile.
References
- Rivier, C., et al. (2002). Astressin-B: A potent CRF receptor antagonist. Journal of Endocrinology, 175(1), 23-31.
Kawauchi, T., et al. (2011). Blocking CRF receptors restores hair growth in stress-induced alopecia. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(6), 1875-1880.
Million, M., et al. (2006). CRF signaling and gastrointestinal function: Role of Astressin-B. Gut, 55(1), 43-49.
Chen, A., et al. (2004). The role of CRF receptors in stress-induced immune suppression. Nature Reviews Immunology, 4(3), 245-255.
Tache, Y., et al. (2004). Corticotropin-releasing factor and stress-related functional bowel diseases. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 113(1), 15-23.