Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
Research profile · How we handle evidence
Neuropeptide Y is an endogenous 36-amino-acid neuropeptide, first sequenced from porcine brain in 1982, and one of the most abundant peptides in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous system. It is a central driver of feeding behavior and is heavily studied in stress-resilience and anxiety research.
Evidence Score
Preclinical signal
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
Research context only
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Subcutaneous
Safety Tier
Limited data
Overview
NPY is a natural brain-and-body signaling peptide, not a marketed drug. It's best known in research for two roles that seem opposite but aren't: it's one of the strongest known appetite-stimulating signals, and it's also a major focus of stress-resilience research (including PTSD studies) because higher NPY signaling is associated with better coping under acute stress. It's sold as a research reagent, not something with an established self-administration protocol.
Mechanism of Action
NPY is a natural brain-and-body signaling peptide, not a marketed drug. It's best known in research for two roles that seem opposite but aren't: it's one of the strongest known appetite-stimulating signals, and it's also a major focus of stress-resilience research (including PTSD studies) because higher NPY signaling is associated with better coping under acute stress. It's sold as a research reagent, not something with an established self-administration protocol.
Benefits
- Central appetite/feeding-behavior stimulant in animal models
- Studied for a role in stress resilience and anxiety modulation
- Studied in cardiovascular and circadian-rhythm research contexts
Side Effects
- No established human dosing safety profile outside of research settings
- Potent appetite stimulation is itself a notable effect, not a side effect to be dismissed
- Effects are highly context- and route-dependent (central vs. peripheral administration) in the animal literature
Contraindications
- No established human therapeutic use - research reagent only
- Not evaluated for pregnancy, pediatric, or long-term safety
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
Illustration uses the catalog amino acid sequence because no exact external registry match was confirmed.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- YPSKPDNPGEDAPAEDMARYYSALRHYINLITRQRY-NH2
- Molecular Weight
- 4,271.76 Da
- CAS Number
- 90880-35-6
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
No entries listed.
Administration
Subcutaneous
Research Status
Extensively studied endogenous neuropeptide with decades of preclinical (rodent, primate) literature. No human clinical development as a standalone therapeutic; research use is almost entirely in vitro or in animal models.
Approval Status
Preclinical
Sports Legal
Permitted
References
- 1View source
Neuropeptide Y: complete amino acid sequence of the brain peptide
1982
- 2View source
Neuropeptide Y: complete amino acid sequence of the brain peptide (PMC)
1982
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.