Follistatin is an endogenous glycoprotein that binds and inhibits activin and myostatin (TGF-β family), supporting muscle growth, tissue repair, and hair follicle activity. It is abundant as the FS315 isoform and has roles in reproduction, fibrosis reduction, and oncology research.
Follistatin
Overview
Benefits
- Enhanced muscle growth
- Hair regrowth support
- Adjunctive cancer therapy research
- Reduced liver fibrosis
- Optic nerve protection
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Enhance muscle growth and strength by inhibiting myostatin
- Support recovery and tissue regeneration for performance and anti-aging
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:100 mcg
• Frequency:daily
• Duration:2 weeks
• Rest Period:4 weeks
• Time of Day:morning
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:Subcutaneous
Research Findings on Dosage:
• Subcutaneous injection:
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: 100--300 mcg daily
◦ Duration: 1--4 weeks with 1 month rest
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
TGF-β Pathway Modulation:
By blocking transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, Follistatin suppresses fibrotic responses and reduces scar tissue formation in skeletal muscle, liver, and other organs. This modulation attenuates fibrosis progression, making it beneficial for muscle recovery, liver health, and tissue remodeling.
FSH Modulation:
Follistatin inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion by binding to activin, which normally stimulates FSH release in the pituitary gland. This effect influences reproductive health, gonadal function, and hormone balance, particularly in conditions related to infertility or endocrine disorders.
Hair Growth Stimulation:
By reducing activin-mediated suppression of hair follicles, Follistatin promotes follicular regeneration and increases hair growth. This occurs through upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is essential for hair follicle stem cell activation and dermal papilla cell proliferation.
Optic Nerve Development:
Follistatin regulates bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) levels, preventing excessive BMP4 signaling that can impair optic nerve formation. This mechanism supports proper retinal ganglion cell differentiation and axonal growth, reducing the risk of congenital blindness and optic nerve degeneration.
Consider Stacking With
- Any GHRP (Ipamorelin, Hexarelin)
- Any GHRH (CJC-1295, MOD-GRF-129, Tesamorelin)
- BPC-157
- TB-4
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Injection site redness, swelling, or irritation
Cautions
- Long-term safety under investigation; consider cyclic use
Research & References
Research Highlights
Muscular Dystrophy Treatment:
Follistatin gene therapy improved ambulation and strength in Becker muscular dystrophy models.
Hair Regeneration:
A single intradermal injection increased hair density by 20% and thickness by 13%, with effects lasting over one year.
Cancer Applications:
Follistatin's antagonism of TGF-β family proteins reduces metastasis and tumor progression in solid tumors.
Fibrosis Reduction:
Preclinical studies showed significant reductions in liver fibrosis markers and stellate cell activation.
Optic Nerve Development:
Follistatin administration during critical gestational periods minimized optic nerve developmental anomalies in animal models.
References
Follistatin in Muscle Growth and Hair Regeneration: Published: April 2021
Clinical Applications of Follistatin in Solid Tumors: Published: December 2016
Follistatin Gene Therapy for Muscular Dystrophies: Published: September 2015
Follistatin's Role in Optic Nerve Development: Published: 2017 May
Hair Follicle Regeneration with Follistatin: Published: 2020