Ghrelin
Acylated ghrelin · Lenomorelin · Growth hormone secretagogue endogenous
The endogenous "hunger hormone" and natural GH secretagogue produced primarily in the stomach, with broad roles in appetite, energy balance, GH release, and metabolic regulation.
Half-Life
~30 minutes (IV); ~60-90 minutes (subcutaneous)
MW
3314.9 Da (acylated form)
Amino Acids
28 AA
Evidence
High Evidence
Regulatory Status
Lenomorelin (synthetic ghrelin) has been studied in Phase II/III trials for GH deficiency and cachexia. Not FDA-approved for clinical use in most indications. Research chemical form available for preclinical and clinical studies.
In Plain English
The "hunger hormone" your stomach makes when it's empty — it tells your brain you're hungry AND triggers growth hormone release. Ghrelin is the natural molecule that all the GHRPs (GHRP-2, ipamorelin, MK-677) were designed to mimic. Beyond hunger, it has protective effects on the heart and gut. Studied for muscle wasting and GH deficiency.
Overview
Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid acylated peptide hormone synthesized primarily by X/A-like cells in the gastric fundus, with smaller amounts produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and other tissues. It is the only known orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) circulating hormone. Beyond appetite, ghrelin is a potent stimulator of growth hormone release, acting via the GHSR-1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor), and plays major roles in glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, cardiovascular function, and stress response. Circulating ghrelin rises before meals and falls postprandially. Acyl ghrelin (octanoylated at Ser3) is the active form; des-acyl ghrelin is more abundant but was considered inactive though now recognized to have independent signaling. Research interest covers cachexia, obesity, GH deficiency, cardiac function, and muscle wasting.
Common Formats
- Synthetic acylated ghrelin (injectable, research)
- Lenomorelin (IV, subcutaneous)
Storage Notes
Lyophilized powder: -20°C long-term, protected from light. Reconstituted solution: stable 1-2 weeks at 4°C. Acyl group is susceptible to hydrolysis — minimize freeze-thaw cycles and acidic/alkaline pH exposure.
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Related Compounds
GHRP-2
A potent GH secretagogue with strong ghrelin receptor activity, producing significant GH pulses with some cortisol and prolactin elevation.
GHRP-6
One of the original GH secretagogue peptides, notable for strong hunger stimulation alongside robust GH release.
Ipamorelin
A highly selective GH secretagogue and ghrelin receptor agonist known for clean GH release without significant cortisol or prolactin stimulation.
MK-677
An orally active, non-peptide GH secretagogue that produces sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation, suitable for daily oral administration.
CJC-1295
A long-acting GHRH analogue with a Drug Affinity Complex that extends its half-life dramatically, allowing weekly dosing for sustained GH elevation.
Educational Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.