MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) vs Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)Skin & Cosmetic
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7- Summary
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Rigin) is a cosmetic peptide consisting of palmitic acid linked to the tetrapeptide sequence GQPR (Gly-Gln-Pro-Arg). It was designed to mimic the biological activity of the IgG immunoglobulin C-terminus, which downregulates the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key driver of skin aging and inflammation.
- Half-Life
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Topical penetration-dependent; effects last hours to days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 200–400 mcg
- 2-5 ppm concentration in formulation
- Frequency
- 1–2 times per week
- Twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Reduces IL-6 inflammatory cytokine in skin
- Prevents 'inflammaging' of the skin
- Inhibits MMP collagen-degrading enzymes
- Synergistic with Matrixyl for anti-aging
- Clinically tested for wrinkle and skin texture improvement
- Well-tolerated topically
- Side Effects
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Contact sensitization (rare)
- Well-tolerated at standard concentrations
- Stacks With
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