In recent times, a compound known as SLU-PP-332 has drawn attention in bodybuilding and biohacking circles. Some promoters present it as a next-generation “supplement” that can simulate the effects of exercise, boost fat burning, and carry limited side effects. But how much of that is accurate, and what does the scientific evidence really show?
This article will review:
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What SLU-PP-332 is (chemistry, mechanism of action)
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What animal research has found so far
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The gaps in knowledge and risks
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Why calling it a “supplement” is misleading
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What one should keep in mind if they hear about it
What Is SLU-PP-332?
SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic small molecule that acts as an agonist of estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) — particularly ERRα, with activity also at ERRβ and ERRγ. Although it has been described in some places as a “peptide,” structurally it is a small organic molecule with hydrazone and benzamide moieties.
These ERRs are transcription factors (i.e. regulators of gene expression) involved in controlling metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energy balance in tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart, and liver
In simpler terms: when activated, ERRs can drive changes in how cells produce energy, handle fats and glucose, and maintain mitochondrial health.
Because of this, SLU-PP-332 is often termed an “exercise mimetic” — a compound that tries to emulate some of the cellular and metabolic effects of physical training.
One important point: SLU-PP-332 is not approved for human use. All the known data comes from preclinical (animal and cell) studies.
What Has Research in Animals Revealed?
Because SLU-PP-332 is still experimental, most of what we “know” comes from studies in mice and cell cultures. The results are promising in some respects — but must be interpreted with caution.
Here is a summary of key findings:
Metabolic Effects & Fat Burning
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In mice with diet-induced obesity, SLU-PP-332 treatment (for example, 28 days) reduced fat mass, decreased adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, ameliorated hepatic steatosis (fat in the liver), and improved lipid profiles.
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It increased fatty acid oxidation (i.e. the body burning more fat) and decreased reliance on glucose metabolism (lower respiratory exchange ratio) in treated animals.
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Resting energy expenditure was higher in treated mice compared to controls.
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In genetically obese mice (ob/ob model), SLU-PP-332 also led to reductions in fat mass and liver weight—even without changes in food intake.
These results suggest SLU-PP-332 may shift the body’s energy balance toward greater fat burning, independent of changes in diet or activity.
Exercise-Mimicking / Endurance-Like Effects
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In one study, sedentary mice treated with SLU-PP-332 showed improvements in endurance capacity: they ran longer and farther on a treadmill relative to untreated mice
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The treated mice’s skeletal muscles showed molecular signatures that resemble those seen after endurance training: increased mitochondrial gene expression, higher mitochondrial biogenesis, and a shift toward more oxidative muscle fiber types.
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Notably, the mice did not move more or increase their voluntary exercise; the compound essentially “told” tissues to behave as though they were under exercise-induced stress.
Thus, SLU-PP-332 appears able to trigger gene programs and metabolic responses associated with endurance training even in relatively sedentary animals.
Other Potential Effects & Applications
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Some studies suggest benefits for mitochondrial health in aging, inflammation, and tissue maintenance. SLU-PP-332 has been examined in animal models of aging tissues (e.g. kidney) where it reduced markers of mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation.
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Some speculative papers propose possible benefits in viral infections (e.g. COVID-19) via improved mitochondrial function and modulation of inflammation, though this is far from proven.
Why Calling It a “Supplement” Is Misleading
In the images you showed, marketers label SLU-PP-332 as a “supplement” (مکمل) and hint at very low side effects. But this is misleading or inaccurate for several reasons:
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Not approved for human use — SLU-PP-332 is still in preclinical (animal/bench) stages. It has not passed clinical trials in humans to establish safety, dosing, or long-term effects.
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Not a benign over-the-counter ingredient — It acts via nuclear receptors, influences gene expression, and produces systemic metabolic changes. That’s far more potent than what we normally expect from conventional dietary supplements.
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Risk of side effects unknown — Because human data are lacking, we don’t know the full range of side effects, risks, or interactions (with other drugs, hormones, metabolic states, etc.).
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Regulatory, ethical, and quality control issues — Many products marketed online as “SLU-PP-332” might not be pure, correctly dosed, or even contain what they claim. That’s a big risk in the unregulated supplement/peptide market.
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False promises — Marketing language (“mimics full exercise,” “almost no side effects”) exaggerates what we currently know: benefits in animals are real but constrained, and translation to humans is uncertain.
Therefore, promoting it as a safe, tweakable “supplement with few risks” is premature and potentially dangerous.
Risks, Unknowns & Caveats
Because SLU-PP-332 is experimental, there are many unknowns and red flags one should consider carefully:
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No human clinical data — We don’t know whether the effects seen in mice would translate in humans, nor the safe dose ranges, side effects, or long-term safety.
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Off-target effects — At higher concentrations, many small molecules cross-react with other receptors or pathways. The possibility of unintended consequences (e.g. disruption of hormonal axes, liver toxicity, etc.) is real.
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Species differences — Rodents and humans differ in metabolism, receptor expression, pharmacokinetics, etc. What works safely in mice might fail or be dangerous in humans.
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Regulation & purity — Products sold online as “SLU-PP-332” might not be legitimate, could be contaminated, mislabeled, impure, or adulterated.
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Ethical and anti-doping issues — For athletes, using such an agent may violate doping regulations or be considered unsafe or unethical.
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False sense of security — Using this kind of drug might reduce the motivation to maintain healthy exercise, diet, sleep, etc. Real exercise does more than induce mitochondrial programs — it benefits muscles, bones, joints, cardiovascular system, mind, immune system, and more.
What the Future Might Hold & Responsible Approach
SLU-PP-332 is one of several so-called exercise mimetics under investigation. The idea — that we might one day be able to “drug” certain benefits of exercise — is tantalizing. But it’s not a replacement for real physical activity in any foreseeable future.
If someone hears about SLU-PP-332 or similar compounds, here’s a responsible way to think about them:
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Understand that it is experimental, not safe or well tested in humans
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Be very wary of any product marketed as “SLU-PP-332 supplement”
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Do not rely on it to substitute for exercise, healthy diet, sleep, stress control
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Check for sourcing, lab testing, purity, and legality in your jurisdiction
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Consult with medical professionals (ideally in research or endocrinology) before considering use
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Keep watching scientific literature — human trials will eventually tell us more
Conclusion
SLU-PP-332 is a fascinating molecule that, in animal models, can coax the body into behaving as if it is undergoing endurance exercise — increasing fat oxidation, mitochondrial function, and metabolic flexibility. But it's not a safe, proven supplement, and calling it so is misleading.
We are still in the early days of translating this kind of research to humans. The potential is real, but so are the unknowns and risks. Until rigorous clinical trials are done, any use of SLU-PP-332 in humans remains experimental, speculative, and potentially dangerous.
If you like, I can prepare a version of this article simplified for a general audience (non-scientists), or one aimed at fitness enthusiasts. Do you want me to do that?