DSIP vs Pal-AHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- DSIP is an endogenous neuropeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebrospinal fluid that induces delta-wave (deep) sleep. It also modulates stress response, cortisol regulation, and LH secretion, making it valuable for sleep optimization and stress management.
- Pal-AHK is the palmitoylated form of the AHK-Cu copper tripeptide, created by attaching a palmitic acid chain to enhance skin penetration and lipid bilayer affinity. The palmitoyl modification significantly improves dermal bioavailability compared to unmodified AHK, making it particularly effective in anti-aging and hair growth formulations.
- Half-Life
- ~30–60 minutes; however downstream sleep effects last 4–6 hours
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IV, Intranasal
- Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–400 mcg
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Once nightly
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Induces and deepens delta-wave (slow-wave) sleep
- Reduces cortisol and normalizes HPA axis
- Improves sleep quality in insomnia patients
- Anti-stress and anxiolytic effects
- May improve opiate/alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Analgesic properties through opioid modulation
- Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects
- Enhanced skin penetration vs. unmodified AHK-Cu
- Stimulates dermal collagen and elastin production
- Promotes hair follicle anagen phase
- Antioxidant and wound healing activity
- Firming and plumping effect on aging skin
- Improved bioavailability via lipid bilayer incorporation
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild grogginess next morning at higher doses
- Rare: hypotension
- Potential for altered dream patterns
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Stacks With
- —
- —