What it is

DSIP is the nine amino acid peptide Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu. It is found in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gut and blood, often bound to carrier proteins that protect it. Its full gene has not been found, and Moscow sleep scientist Vladimir Kovalzon suggests a DSIP-like peptide does the work in the body. In Russia a DSIP drug called Deltaran is used for stress, withdrawal and stroke recovery.