Livagen vs Pentapeptide-18
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
LivagenSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
Pentapeptide-18- Summary
- Livagen is a dipeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the liver and thymus. It supports hepatocyte function, promotes liver cell regeneration, and modulates immune function via thymic activity. Research suggests benefits in chronic liver disease, hepatic aging, and immune restoration following liver damage.
- Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the sequence of enkephalin, an endogenous neuropeptide. It acts on neuronal pain receptors in facial muscles to reduce muscle contraction intensity and depth of expression lines, functioning similarly to Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) but via a different receptor mechanism.
- Half-Life
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- Not applicable (topical)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 10 mg per day
- 0.005–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Supports hepatocyte regeneration and liver tissue repair
- Normalizes liver cell protein synthesis
- Immune modulation via thymic activity
- Potential benefits in chronic hepatitis and liver aging
- Anti-aging effects on hepatic tissue
- May support liver recovery after toxic insult or alcohol damage
- Complementary to NAD+ and glutathione in liver health protocols
- Reduces depth of expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, glabellar)
- Inhibits acetylcholine release for muscle-relaxing effect
- Complementary mechanism to Argireline for enhanced anti-wrinkle activity
- Reversible and well-tolerated
- No risk of systemic paralysis at cosmetic concentrations
- Suitable for daily use in serums and creams
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant hepatotoxic effects reported at standard doses
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare skin sensitivity or mild irritation
- Theoretical opioid receptor desensitization with very prolonged high-dose use (not documented cosmetically)
- Stacks With
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