Ghrelin (Native)
Overview
Ghrelin is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily in the stomach with an essential octanoyl modification at serine-3 required for biological activity. It functions as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), stimulating growth hormone release, appetite, and gastric motility. Ghrelin plays a central role in energy homeostasis, feeding behavior, and metabolic regulation.
Key Research Findings
Native ghrelin has been studied in clinical research settings for cachexia, gastroparesis, and anorexia, with small trials demonstrating increased food intake and gastric emptying. Rapid enzymatic degradation and short half-life limit therapeutic utility, leading to development of synthetic analogues with improved stability. No formulation of native ghrelin has achieved regulatory approval for clinical use.
Intravenous
Research Phase
Interested in Ghrelin (Native)?
Find a verified provider experienced with Ghrelin (Native) protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.
Find a Ghrelin (Native) ProviderRelated Peptides
CJC-1295
In Clinical TrialsA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) that binds to albumin, extending its half-life from minutes to approximately 6-8 days. CJC-1295 stimulates pulsatile GH release from the anterior pituitary by binding to GHRH receptors while preserving the natural GH secretory pattern and negative feedback mechanisms.
Ipamorelin
In Clinical TrialsA highly selective growth hormone secretagogue that acts on ghrelin/GHS receptors in the pituitary gland to stimulate GH release. Unlike other GH secretagogues, ipamorelin does not significantly affect ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin levels, making it one of the most specific GH-releasing peptides. It works synergistically with GHRH analogs like CJC-1295.
Sermorelin
FDA ApprovedA synthetic 29-amino acid analog of GHRH representing the shortest fully functional fragment of the native 44-amino acid hormone. Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary to produce and release growth hormone through the natural GHRH receptor pathway, preserving the hypothalamic-pituitary feedback axis. It maintains physiological pulsatile GH secretion patterns.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta)
FDA ApprovedA synthetic GHRH analog consisting of the 44-amino acid sequence of human GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus to improve stability. Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral adipose tissue reduction by stimulating lipolysis through GH-mediated pathways. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.