Overview
Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin to stimulate pulsatile GH release from the pituitary. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol, prolactin, or appetite, making it one of the cleanest GH secretagogues available. It is frequently paired with CJC-1295 to amplify and extend GH pulses.
Mechanism of action
Ipamorelin binds the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering GH release via the phospholipase C/IP3 intracellular signaling pathway. Its selectivity comes from its inability to activate cortisol-releasing pathways that GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 engage. The resulting GH pulses stimulate IGF-1 production in the liver, driving downstream anabolic and regenerative effects.
Selected literature
- [01]
Ipamorelin: a selective growth hormone secretagogue
Raun K. et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology · 1998
Ipamorelin produced robust GH release comparable to GHRP-6 without the cortisol or prolactin elevation observed with other GHRPs.
- [02]
Growth hormone secretagogues and body composition
Nass R. et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2008
GH secretagogue administration in healthy older adults increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass over 6 months.
- [03]
Ghrelin receptor agonists and sleep architecture
Frieboes R.M. et al. · Journal of Sleep Research · 1999
GH secretagogue administration enhanced slow-wave sleep duration and GH pulse amplitude in healthy male subjects.
The information on this page is summarized from the published research literature and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to guide treatment decisions. Our peptides are sold for in-vitro research and laboratory use only.