LL-37 vs DSIP
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- LL-37 is the only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting their membranes, while simultaneously modulating immune responses. Used for antimicrobial protection, immune priming, and wound healing.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- Very short (~1–2 hours) in plasma due to protease degradation; topical use bypasses systemic clearance
- ~30–60 minutes; however downstream sleep effects last 4–6 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Intranasal
- SubQ, IV, Intranasal
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 100–400 mcg
- Frequency
- 2–3x per week
- Once nightly
- Key Benefits
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, viruses)
- Promotes wound healing and angiogenesis
- Immune system modulation — enhances innate immunity
- Reduces LPS-mediated endotoxemia
- Anti-biofilm activity against resistant organisms
- Promotes tissue regeneration and keratinocyte migration
- May protect against sepsis
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site redness and irritation
- Mild inflammatory response at injection site
- Potential pro-inflammatory at high doses
- Rare: fever or flu-like symptoms at initiation
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild grogginess next morning at higher doses
- Rare: hypotension
- Potential for altered dream patterns
- Stacks With
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