Follistatin vs Syn-Ake
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anabolic & IGF
FollistatinSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Syn-Ake- Summary
- Follistatin is an endogenous glycoprotein that acts as a potent inhibitor of myostatin and activin, two proteins that limit muscle growth. By binding and neutralizing myostatin, follistatin removes the primary brake on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, enabling significant muscle growth beyond normal physiological limits. It is distinct from its isoforms Follistatin 315 and Follistatin 344 in tissue distribution and binding affinity.
- Syn-Ake is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics waglerin-1, a peptide found in the venom of the Temple viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). It acts as a reversible antagonist of muscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, temporarily reducing facial muscle contraction and smoothing dynamic wrinkles. Often called a 'synthetic Botox' in cosmetic marketing.
- Half-Life
- ~3–5 hours (endogenous form)
- Not applicable (topical; effect duration hours)
- Admin Route
- IM, SubQ
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 50–100 mcg per injection site
- 0.01–0.1% (4–8 mg/g in clinical studies)
- Frequency
- Every other day or 2–3x per week
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent myostatin inhibition enabling supraphysiological muscle growth
- Increases skeletal muscle mass and fiber size
- May accelerate recovery from muscle injury
- Potential benefits in muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia
- Synergistic with IGF-1 and growth hormone in anabolic protocols
- Animal studies show dramatic increases in muscle mass
- Reduces muscle fibrosis in dystrophic models
- Reduces depth of dynamic wrinkles and expression lines
- Reversible muscle-relaxing effect on facial muscles
- Smooths forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines
- Non-invasive alternative to injectable neurotoxins
- Rapid onset relative to collagen-stimulating peptides
- Well-studied in in vitro and clinical cosmetic trials
- Side Effects
- Potential for excessive muscle growth if doses are not controlled
- FSH suppression with implications for fertility in women
- Theoretical risk of cardiac hypertrophy with prolonged high-dose use
- Limited human safety data available
- +1 more
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or contact dermatitis
- Theoretical neuromuscular effects at systemic doses (not relevant topically)
- Stacks With
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