Research compounds
Galanin
GAL
Galanin is a 29- to 30-amino-acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the nervous system, with roles in feeding, mood, seizure regulation and nerve regeneration.
Also known as: galanin peptide
- Status
- Galanin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established.
- Half-life
- Short; degraded rapidly in plasma.
- How it's taken
- Not used therapeutically; research administration only
- Mechanism
- Cognitive / mood
How Galanin works
Galanin signals through GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 receptors with substantially different and sometimes opposing effects. GalR1 and GalR3 activation is broadly inhibitory and associated with depressive-like effects, while GalR2 activation is associated with antidepressant and neuroprotective effects. Galanin is notably anticonvulsant in the hippocampus and is upregulated after nerve injury.
What research has looked at
- Its anticonvulsant activity in animal models of epilepsy is robust and has driven interest in GalR2 agonists as antiseizure agents.
- Galanin expression rises dramatically after peripheral nerve injury and supports regeneration, making it a nerve-repair target.
- The opposing roles of its receptor subtypes make it an instructive example of why subtype-selective drugs matter more than ligand availability.
Evidence level: Preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- The opposing receptor subtype effects mean non-selective galanin administration has unpredictable net consequences — this is the central obstacle to developing it. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy.
- It does not meaningfully cross the blood-brain barrier, so peripheral administration cannot reproduce the central effects that make it interesting.
- No galanin-based therapy has been approved for any indication.
- Galanin stimulates food intake, particularly of fat, which runs opposite to metabolic goals.
Sources
- PubMed research on galanin receptor subtypes seizure nerve regeneration · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for galanin · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for galanin · U.S. National Library of Medicine
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Related compounds
Galanin FAQ
What is Galanin?
Galanin is a 29- to 30-amino-acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the nervous system, with roles in feeding, mood, seizure regulation and nerve regeneration.
How does Galanin work?
Galanin signals through GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3 receptors with substantially different and sometimes opposing effects. GalR1 and GalR3 activation is broadly inhibitory and associated with depressive-like effects, while GalR2 activation is associated with antidepressant and neuroprotective effects. Galanin is notably anticonvulsant in the hippocampus and is upregulated after nerve injury.
Is Galanin FDA approved?
No. Galanin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: preclinical. Evidence comes from animal or lab studies; effects in people are not established.
What is the half-life of Galanin?
Reported half-life: Short; degraded rapidly in plasma.
How is Galanin taken?
Not used therapeutically; research administration only.
What side effects have been reported with Galanin?
Reported in the sources: The opposing receptor subtype effects mean non-selective galanin administration has unpredictable net consequences — this is the central obstacle to developing it. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy; It does not meaningfully cross the blood-brain barrier, so peripheral administration cannot reproduce the central effects that make it interesting; No galanin-based therapy has been approved for any indication; Galanin stimulates food intake, particularly of fat, which runs opposite to metabolic goals.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.