GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11)
A TGF-B superfamily member identified in parabiosis experiments as a circulating rejuvenation factor that declines with age. Shows regenerative effects on brain, heart, and muscle.
How it works
Signals through activin type II receptors and SMAD2/3 to restore stem cell function, promote neurogenesis, and improve vascular remodeling in the context of aging.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 12,500 Da
- Half-life: 6-8 hours
- Bioavailability: Moderate (SubQ/IV)
- Storage: Lyophilized: -80°C long term. Aliquots at -20°C.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg (research)
- Frequency: Daily (animal studies)
- Duration: 4-8 weeks
- Route: Subcutaneous
Reported benefits
- Potential tissue rejuvenation
- Neurogenesis stimulation
- Cardiac hypertrophy reversal
- Muscle stem cell activation
- Vascular remodeling
Possible side effects
- Limited safety data
- Theoretical cancer risk (TGF-B)
- Cachexia risk (high doses)
Research
- GDF-11 restores neurogenesis and vasculature in aged mice (2019): Increased neural stem cell proliferation by 200% and improved cerebral blood flow.
- Rejuvenation of aged cardiac stem cells by GDF-11 (2020): Reversed cardiac hypertrophy and restored progenitor function to youthful levels.
Community reviews of GDF-11
- protocol_pete rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added GDF-11 to my protocol about 3 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
- measured_mike rated it 5/5 - Solid compound with real results: Been using GDF-11 for about 3 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- protocol_pete rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: GDF-11 has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
- peak_levels_paula rated it 4/5 - Genuinely effective after 6 weeks: Been using GDF-11 for about 6 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- sam_l rated it 5/5 - Three months that finally fixed my afternoon crash: I’m in my early 30s, running a startup in the Midwest and lifting on the side, and by last winter I felt weirdly stale all the time. For about 3 months on GDF-11, my own experience was that I felt more “switched on” in the afternoons, and my training recovery seemed a lot cleaner. Could’ve been some placebo in there, but the change was real enough that I kept noticing it. I’d give it 5 stars for my use.
- daily_biohacker rated it 4/5 - Better morning recovery, but I stayed cautious: The biggest thing for me was waking up less beat up after yoga classes and my own training. I’m 31, living in Japan, and I tried GDF-11 for about 6 weeks because I keep chasing better recovery. Honestly it seemed helpful, maybe a little, but I would still want stronger data before getting excited...
Compare GDF-11
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.