Research guides · 10 min read
How to read research literature on peptides
PubMed search strategy, distinguishing in-vitro from in-vivo from clinical work, sample-size and conflict-of-interest checks, and how to spot weak evidence.
Start on PubMed with the sequence name plus the endpoint you care about, and filter by study type. Most peptide literature is preclinical; treat anything else with care.
Check the model before the conclusion. A result in a cultured cell line does not transfer to an animal model, and an animal model does not transfer to a clinical claim.
Look at the sample size, the control arm and the funding statement. Small, uncontrolled, industry-funded studies dominate the low-quality end of this field.