Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A synthetic five-amino-acid growth hormone secretagogue.
- Class
- Growth hormone secretagogues
- Status
- Not approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- About 2 hours
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Activates the ghrelin receptor to release growth hormone; in animal studies it had little effect on cortisol or prolactin.
What makes it different
Releases growth hormone through the ghrelin receptor rather than the GHRH receptor; in animal studies it had little effect on cortisol or prolactin.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Ghrelin receptor
in the pituitary
Receptor for ghrelin, often called the hunger hormone. In the pituitary, activating it also releases growth hormone.
Leads to Growth hormone & GH receptor IGF-1
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Animal studies plus a small number of human trials, including mid-stage trials for postoperative ileus.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Used to raise growth hormone release, often in research-chemical blends with CJC-1295.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Human side-effect data are limited
Risks and warnings
- Long-term safety unknown
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Ipamorelin?
A synthetic five-amino-acid growth hormone secretagogue.
How does Ipamorelin work?
Activates the ghrelin receptor to release growth hormone; in animal studies it had little effect on cortisol or prolactin.
What receptors or pathways does Ipamorelin act on?
ghrelin receptor (agonist; in the pituitary). Downstream, that leads to growth hormone & GH receptor and IGF-1.
How is Ipamorelin different from similar compounds?
Releases growth hormone through the ghrelin receptor rather than the GHRH receptor; in animal studies it had little effect on cortisol or prolactin.
What is the half-life of Ipamorelin?
About 2 hours.
Is Ipamorelin approved?
Not approved. Trials for recovery of bowel function after surgery did not lead to approval.
What has Ipamorelin been studied for?
Used to raise growth hormone release, often in research-chemical blends with CJC-1295.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Animal studies plus a small number of human trials, including mid-stage trials for postoperative ileus.
What are the main risks?
Long-term safety unknown. Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
Sources
- Beck DE et al. Ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients: a randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2014.
- Raun K et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol 1998.