LL-37
Limited human dataAlso known as: Cathelicidin LL-37 · hCAP-18 C-terminal peptide
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, naturally released at wound margins during healing. Studied as a synthetic topical treatment for hard-to-heal chronic wounds, giving it more human RCT support than most "recovery peptide" research chemicals.
Mechanism (plain language)
A cationic, amphipathic peptide with direct antimicrobial activity plus separate roles in immune modulation, angiogenesis, and keratinocyte/fibroblast signaling that drive re-epithelialization during wound healing.
What research suggests
A first-in-man randomized, placebo-controlled trial in hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers found faster healing at low-to-moderate topical doses versus placebo; a separate diabetic foot ulcer RCT also reported improved healing markers. Effects were dose-dependent and did not hold at the highest tested dose.
Uncertainties & risks
Human evidence is specific to topical treatment of chronic wounds in patients with impaired healing—not systemic or injectable use, and not evidence for general "recovery" claims in healthy athletes. Not an approved drug; trial sizes remain modest.
Primary sources
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
- Treatment with LL-37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
2014 · human
First-in-man RCT found 6- and 3-fold faster healing rate constants at the two lower LL-37 doses versus placebo.
- Wound healing activity of the human antimicrobial peptide LL37
2011 · animal
Preclinical study describing LL-37's role in angiogenesis and re-epithelialization during wound regeneration.