Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides
Research peptides that stimulate natural growth hormone release through GHRH receptor and ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) pathways.
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides
This category covers peptides that stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH) through two complementary receptor pathways: GHRH receptors (activated by GHRH analogues) and ghrelin/GHS receptors (activated by growth hormone secretagogue peptides). Many are studied in combination for synergistic GH amplification.
Complete Peptide Directory
GHRH Analogues
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | GHRH(1-29) analogue that stimulates natural pulsatile GH release | GHRH receptor agonist; studied for cardiac repair, sleep, bone density |
| CJC-1295 | Modified GHRH analogue with enhanced protease resistance | GHRH receptor agonist with extended half-life |
| CJC-1295 DAC | CJC-1295 with Drug Affinity Complex for albumin binding | Ultra-long half-life GHRH agonist for sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation |
| CJC-1295 No DAC | CJC-1295 without the DAC modification (Mod GRF 1-29) | Shorter-acting GHRH agonist preserving pulsatile GH release |
| GHRH | Native growth hormone-releasing hormone (1-44) | Endogenous GHRH receptor agonist; reference compound |
| GRF 1-29 | First 29 amino acids of GHRH retaining full biological activity | Truncated GHRH with equivalent receptor binding |
| Tesamorelin | Modified GHRH(1-44) with trans-3-hexenoic acid; FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy | GHRH agonist; reduces visceral adipose tissue |
Ghrelin Receptor Agonists (GHS-R)
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Ipamorelin | Highly selective GH secretagogue with the cleanest side-effect profile | GHS-R agonist; does not affect cortisol, ACTH, or prolactin |
| GHRP-2 | Potent GH secretagogue with immune and sleep-promoting effects | GHS-R agonist; also studied for muscle preservation |
| GHRP-6 | Strong GH secretagogue with notable appetite stimulation | GHS-R agonist with neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects |
| GHRP-1 | Early-generation growth hormone-releasing peptide | GHS-R agonist; moderate GH release potency |
| GHRP-4 | Research-grade GH secretagogue peptide | GHS-R agonist with distinct receptor binding profile |
| GHRP-7 | Later-generation growth hormone-releasing peptide | GHS-R agonist; studied for GH release kinetics |
| Hexarelin | Potent GH secretagogue with notable cardioprotective properties | GHS-R agonist; improves cholesterol and triglyceride profiles |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Non-peptide oral ghrelin receptor agonist | GHS-R agonist; orally bioavailable; long-acting |
IGF-1 & Downstream Mediators
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 | Insulin-like growth factor-1, the primary downstream mediator of GH | Anabolic signaling; cell proliferation; neuroprotection |
| IGF-1 DES | Truncated IGF-1 lacking the first 3 amino acids | Reduced IGFBP binding; more potent local tissue effects |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Modified IGF-1 with Arg3 substitution and N-terminal extension | Greatly reduced IGFBP binding; extended half-life; enhanced potency |
| Long R3 IGF-1 | Full-length modified IGF-1 with extended activity | Prolonged IGF-1 receptor activation with minimal IGFBP sequestration |
| HGH Fragment 176-191 | C-terminal fragment of growth hormone with lipolytic activity | Fat metabolism without GH's growth-promoting or insulin effects |
Combination Blends
| Blend | Components | Research Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin / GHRP-2 Blend | Sermorelin + GHRP-2 | Dual-pathway GH stimulation through GHRH + ghrelin receptors |
| Sermorelin / GHRP-6 Blend | Sermorelin + GHRP-6 | GHRH + ghrelin agonist with appetite-stimulating co-effects |
| Sermorelin / GHRP-6 / GHRP-2 Blend | Sermorelin + GHRP-6 + GHRP-2 | Triple blend for maximum synergistic GH stimulation |
| Sermorelin / Ipamorelin Blend | Sermorelin + Ipamorelin | Clean pairing with complementary cardiovascular and metabolic effects |
| CJC-1295 / GHRP-2 Blend | CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 | Higher GH peak with added appetite and immune modulation |
| CJC-1295 / GHRP-6 Blend | CJC-1295 + GHRP-6 | Strong GH release with neuroprotective co-effects |
| CJC-1295 / Hexarelin Blend | CJC-1295 + Hexarelin | GH release plus cardioprotective benefits |
| CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend | CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin | Most popular pairing — clean GH elevation through dual pathway activation |
| CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin / GHRP-2 Blend | CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin + GHRP-2 | Triple blend combining GHRH with two ghrelin agonists |
| Mod GRF / Ipamorelin / GHRP-2 Blend | Mod GRF 1-29 + Ipamorelin + GHRP-2 | Modified GHRH with dual ghrelin agonists for amplified GH release |
How Synergy Works
GHRH analogues (Sermorelin, CJC-1295) and ghrelin agonists (Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6) act on different pituitary receptors. When combined, they produce GH release that exceeds the sum of either alone. This is why most research protocols pair one peptide from each class.
Getting Started
If you are new to this category, we recommend starting with Ipamorelin — the cleanest GH secretagogue with the most selective receptor profile and fewest side effects. From there, explore related peptides through the See Also sections on each page to build a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
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